Dame Alice Owen's School 11 Plus Exam: Everything You Need to Know
Share
Dame Alice Owen’s School, located in Potters Bar, is one of the most sought-after partially selective schools in the UK. Known for its academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and a strong sense of community, gaining admission to this prestigious school is highly competitive. This guide provides detailed information about Dame Alice Owen’s 11 Plus entrance exam, the admissions process, and essential preparation strategies to help your child succeed.
About Dame Alice Owen's School
Founded in 1613, Dame Alice Owen’s School offers a rich educational experience, blending tradition with modern academic excellence. The school caters to students aged 11–18 and consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the country. It offers a well-rounded education that emphasizes both academic achievement and personal development.
Admission Process Overview
Dame Alice Owen’s School has an annual intake of 200 students for Year 7, with places allocated based on specific criteria:
- 65 Academic Places: Awarded based on the 11 Plus entrance exam performance.
- 10 Music Places: Granted through a music aptitude test.
- The remaining places are filled based on catchment area criteria, prioritizing children of staff, siblings, and local applicants.
The 11 Plus Exam Format
The DAOS 11+ entrance exam consists of two parts. The top 325 performers in Part 1 are invited back to take the Part 2 test.
Part 1
Verbal Reasoning – This consists of a Verbal Reasoning paper in the GL Assessment format.
Part 2
Mathematics – Standard format mathematics
English – Standard format comprehension and extended writing.
How to Prepare for the 11 Plus Exam
1. Start Early with targeted and personalized coaching for DAO
- Begin preparation at least 12 months before the exam to ensure ample time to cover the syllabus - specifically for DAO
- Create a structured study schedule to balance practice and revision - through Liberecas' classroom coaching
2. Use High-Quality Practice Materials
- Leverage resources like Liberecas to access targeted coaching, mock tests and past paper-style questions tailored to Dame Alice Owen’s exam format.
3. Practice Timed Tests
Simulate exam conditions with timed tests to help your child build speed, accuracy, and confidence.
4. Address Weak Areas
Identify your child’s weaker areas and focus additional time and resources on improvement. This targeted approach can yield significant results.
Catchment Area and Priority
Dame Alice Owen’s School operates a strict catchment policy for non-selective places. Academic and music places, however, are open to all applicants regardless of location. Parents are encouraged to review the school’s admissions policy carefully to ensure eligibility.
Why Choose Dame Alice Owen's School?
Dame Alice Owen’s School offers an exceptional learning environment where academic rigour is combined with a wealth of extracurricular opportunities. Students benefit from outstanding facilities, expert teaching staff, and a supportive community ethos that encourages personal growth. The school consistently achieves excellent GCSE and A-level results, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
Key Dates to Remember
- Registration for the Exam: Typically opens in May and closes in June.
- Exam Dates: Usually held in early September.
- Results and Offers: Released in October, with places confirmed for the following academic year.
Product Design Program of DAO - Video:
