Mastering the 11+ at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys): The QUEST Format

Set across a 100-acre estate in Elstree, Hertfordshire, Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) is an academic powerhouse renowned for its STEM output and intellectual rigour.

Habs Boys has updated its 11+ admissions structure to feature QUEST - a joint paper assessment sat by applicants to both Habs Boys and Habs Girls.

Unpacking the Two-Stage Habs Selection Process

To secure a place at Habs Boys, candidates must navigate a rigorous, two-stage evaluation across the autumn and winter of Year 6.

Stage 1: The QUEST Assessment (November)

Taking place in November, QUEST is an intensive, paper-based assessment divided into four clear modules:

Module	Duration	Format & Content Focus
Mathematics & Non-Verbal Reasoning	45 Mins	Multiple-choice questions testing rapid numerical logic and spatial pattern recognition.
English & Verbal Reasoning	40 Mins	Multiple-choice testing vocabulary depth, language logic, and grammar.
Creative Comprehension	20 Mins	Short-form written analysis of unseen passages or graphical data.
Creative Writing	20 Mins	A fast-paced composition prompt evaluating narrative structure and vocabulary under tight time limits.

Stage 2: STEM Tasks & Final Interview

Approximately 50% of candidates progress to Stage 2 in December or January. This stage goes beyond a traditional Q&A: boys participate in collaborative STEM problem-solving tasks, group exercises, and a 1-to-1 interview with senior staff to evaluate how they communicate and adapt in team settings.

How Exceptional Academics Prepares Your Child

Navigating the QUEST paper requires balancing rapid-fire multiple-choice accuracy with high-speed creative writing.

Exceptional Academics provides targeted prep for every leg of the Habs process. We train boys to manage strict time limits during the 20-minute writing window, master non-verbal logic patterns, and excel in the Stage 2 STEM group dynamics.

Preparing for Haberdashers’ Boys’ School 11+ entry? Consult with our specialist tutors today at info@exceptionalacademics.com.