How to Prepare for the Habs Boys 13+ Entrance Exams: A Complete Guide
Why Choose Haberdashers’ Boys’ School for 13+ Entry?
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, also known as Habs Boys, is one of the UK’s most academically selective and prestigious independent schools. Habs prides itself on producing ambitious, compassionate, curious, and courageous students who are imparted with an attitude that sets them up for life. It provides a first-rate environment for learning, unmatched extracurricular opportunities, and nurtures your child to impact the world profoundly.
The 13+ entry is highly competitive, with candidates facing rigorous assessments across multiple subjects. If your child is aiming for a place at Habs Boys 13+, understanding the admissions process and thorough preparation are vital.
For more information on choosing the right school for your child at 13+, see our Complete Guide to 13+ Admissions.
Understanding the Haberdashers’ Boys’ 13+ Admissions Process
Key Application Dates
Registration Deadline: November of the year before entry
First Round Assessment: End of November
Second Round Interviews for shortlisted candidates: January
Offers Sent Out: February
For the specific dates for this year’s admissions cycle, please see the Habs website.
Haberdashers’ Entrance Exams
These exams cover a broad range of subjects, designed to assess a student’s academic potential, not just their current attainment.
These include:
English
Maths
Humanities (History, Geography, Theology and Philosophy)
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
When Should You Start Preparing for the Habs Boys 13+ Entrance Exams?
Preparation must begin well in advance to ensure your child has the best chance at success by gradually giving them the time to build skills.
Build strong academic foundations early: Begin developing core skills in English and Maths from Year 5 or earlier, namely comprehension, problem-solving, and reasoning.
Introduce formal exam practice at least a term ahead: For Habs, this would be the summer term before registration and assessments.
Starting sooner builds greater confidence: With more time to prepare, your child can refine their approach, ensuring they feel fully prepared and less anxious on exam day.
Are Haberdashers’ Past Papers the Best Way to Prepare?
Whilst Habs doesn’t publish up-to-date past papers, past papers can still be helpful resources:
There are a few official past papers which can be found online, such as the following:
o General Paper – History, Geography, Theology and Philosophy (2015)
o It is worth noting that there will be changes each year, but these can still help practice basic, relevant skills.
13+ papers from similarly academic schools can also help students enhance critical skills for the Habs entrance exams. E.g.:
o Sevenoaks School
§ 13+ Mathematics Entrance Examination (2022)
§ 13+ English Entrance Examination (2022)
o Tonbridge School
§ 13+ Mathematics Entrance Examination (2015)
§ 13+ English Language Entrance Examination (2024)
§ 13+ English Literature Entrance Examination (2024)
N.B. At U2 Tuition, our experienced 13+ tutors have a huge bank of materials to draw from and will cater specifically to the Habs entrance exams’ format. We offer subject-specific tuition in all subjects tested. Get in touch for more information.
Key Skills Your Child Needs for Success at the Habs Boys 13+ Entrance Exams and Interviews
1) Strong Core Literacy and Numeracy
Your child should ensure they meet, and even exceed, the skills listed in the national curriculum for their age group.
Ensuring these skills are strong will help them apply knowledge even with unfamiliar, multi-step questions.
2) Exam Technique and Time Management
Developing strong exam techniques can include:
o Learning how to approach different question types
o Practising under timed, closed-book conditions
o Learning to leave time to double-check answers
o Writing concise, structured answers under pressure
3) Confidence in Interviews
Candidates who successfully pass the entrance exams will be invited to interview.
An interview may include various questions, including problem-solving, personal reflection and discussion of academic interests.
Confidence can be developed through practising some key interview skills, such as:
o Articulating thoughts clearly and confidently.
o Being prepared to speak about interests, reading and achievements.
o Responding to unseen questions with curiosity, enthusiasm, and composure, rather than sounding rehearsed.
4) Resilience and Independent Thinking
Your child should embrace curiosity by persevering with tricky questions or unfamiliar topics.
They should learn to think logically and creatively under pressure.
Utilise feedback to reflect and learn from mistakes.
Broaden their thinking by engaging in independent reading and hobbies.
How U2 Tuition Can Help with 13+ Habs Boys Preparation
At U2 Tuition, we specialise in selective school admissions. Our 13+ Haberdashers tutoring is tailored to each student’s individual strengths and gaps, elevating their exam and interview performance to increase chances of success.
Why Choose U2 Tuition for 13+ Habs Boys Preparation?
A high calibre of tutors from Oxbridge and top UK universities who are often alumni of top UK selective schools.
Tutors who are familiar with the Habs entrance exam and the 13+ entrance process in general.
An individualised study plan for each student, beginning with a diagnostic session to create a proposed plan.
Tutors utilise a wide range of resources and provide you with all the study materials your child needs for success.
Cover all the different admissions components, including hosting mock Habs entrance exams and interviews
Preparation for the Habs Boys 13+ entrance exams is a marathon, not a sprint. With our tutors' support, consistent effort, and innovative strategy, we can help your child maximise their chances of success at the entrance examination for one of the UK’s most competitive day schools.
Learn more about the 13+ support we offer here:
Book a free initial consultation to discover how our tutors can help support your child’s journey through the Habs 13+ entrance examinations.