Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 11+ Guide for Parents
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, often called QE Boys, is a selective, non-denominational, non-fee-paying boys’ school. Entry to Year 7 is through the school’s own entrance test.
This guide explains the QE Boys 11+ entrance test, what the exam assesses, how scoring and applications work, and how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to prepare effectively.
What Is the QE Boys 11+?
Queen Elizabeth’s School uses its own entrance examination for Year 7 entry.
Parents must register their son for the entrance test using the school’s online entrance test registration process within the published registration window. If the school has not received a completed entrance test request by the official deadline, the child cannot be invited to sit the test.
Registering for the entrance test is not the same as applying for a school place. Parents must also complete the Common Application Form through their home local authority and name Queen Elizabeth’s School if they want to apply.
Who Can Apply?
Queen Elizabeth’s School is a boys’ selective school. Applicants for Year 7 entry sit the entrance test before parents submit school preferences through the Local Authority application process.
QE Boys has no catchment area. This means distance is not used as an ordinary catchment filter. However, distance can matter as a tie-break if two or more applicants achieve the same mark.
Parents should remember that a strong entrance-test score makes a child eligible to be considered, but the final offer is made through the coordinated Local Authority admissions process.
QE Boys Entrance Test Format
Queen Elizabeth’s School states that its entrance test consists of two multiple-choice papers:
- English
- Mathematics
The two papers are sat in a single session. QE Boys confirms that there is only one round of testing.
| Paper | Format | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| English | Multiple choice | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, sentence accuracy, inference and careful question interpretation. |
| Mathematics | Multiple choice | Key Stage 2 Maths, arithmetic, problem solving, word problems, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry and data. |
Test Provider and Sample Materials
Queen Elizabeth’s School signposts GL Assessment English and Maths familiarisation materials from its sample test papers page.
The school also makes clear that sample materials are for familiarisation. They may help children understand the skills needed for the tests, but they should not be assumed to reflect the exact format, number of questions or difficulty of the school’s entrance exam.
Preparation should therefore focus on secure English and Maths foundations, multiple-choice accuracy, careful reading and timed paper discipline.
Scoring and Standardisation
QE Boys’ official FAQ states that the answer sheets are marked electronically using software supplied by the test provider.
Scores are age-standardised by the company that supplies the tests. The scores from the two papers are then combined to produce a single overall entrance-test score for each candidate.
The school reports standardised scores to parents and does not quote a maximum standardised score for the tests.
The school’s current FAQ states that candidates achieving a combined score of 225 or higher are deemed to have met the standard required by the Governors to be eligible to be considered for admission. Parents should still check the latest official admissions information for the relevant admissions year.
Admission Criteria and Place Offers
Meeting the required standard does not automatically guarantee a place. QE Boys is highly competitive, and places are offered through the coordinated admissions process.
The school’s Published Admission Number is 180. If more eligible applicants apply than there are places available, places are allocated according to the school’s admissions arrangements.
Queen Elizabeth’s School states that it has no catchment. If two or more applicants score the same mark, the rank order for allocation is determined by straight-line distance between the child’s home address point and the main school gate, with the closer child ranked higher.
The school’s official FAQ also states that it does not give priority to Pupil Premium candidates, does not have sibling or multiple-birth priority, and does not use music, sport or drama aptitude tests. Admission is based on entrance-test results.
Common Application Form and Preference Order
After parents receive the entrance-test outcome, they must still complete the Common Application Form through their home local authority if they want to apply for a place.
Parents should name Queen Elizabeth’s School on the Common Application Form and list schools in their genuine order of preference.
The Local Authority will offer the highest-ranked school for which the child meets the admissions criteria. Queen Elizabeth’s School does not require a separate Supplementary Information Form for the school application after test registration.
SEND, Illness and Test-Day Rules
Parents should provide SEND, medical or access-arrangement information during the entrance test registration process. QE Boys’ practice is to aim to make the same provision as the child receives during assessments at their current school, where appropriate.
If SEND adjustments are requested, the school asks parents to arrange for the child’s primary school to complete the relevant SEND questionnaire and return it to the admissions office. Decisions about reasonable adjustments are made before the test.
If a child is unwell on the test day, parents should contact the admissions office promptly and provide supporting evidence. A reserve date may be offered where appropriate evidence is accepted.
QE Boys provides the necessary stationery and writing materials. Children should bring the emailed Entrance Test Invitation as instructed by the school. The school states that it does not require photo identification.
Pupil Premium Support
Queen Elizabeth’s School offers free access to learning resources for children who have been eligible for free school meals in recent years.
The school states that these resources are designed to help build skills, confidence and subject knowledge, but should not be assumed to prepare candidates specifically for the school’s own entrance test.
Parents whose child may qualify should check the current QE Boys support page and follow the school’s eligibility verification process.
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for QE Boys
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, Queen Elizabeth’s School preparation should prioritise English, Maths, Maths word problems, SPAG, vocabulary and timed multiple-choice practice.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB, for vocabulary development
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG, for language accuracy
The Scholars Tutorial 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets can be useful if a child is preparing for several 11+ areas. For QE Boys alone, English and Maths should remain the priority.
Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning should be added only if the child is also preparing for another 11+ exam area that tests those subjects.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises 11+ preparation into clear categories. For QE Boys, the most relevant areas are English, Maths, Maths Word Problems, SPAG, Foundation and selected Advanced practice.
11+ Core Subjects
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
11+ Mock Exams
- 11+ SPAG — useful for English accuracy, vocabulary and language confidence.
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — useful only if the child is also preparing for broader mixed 11+ exam areas.
11+ Foundation
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
11+ Advanced
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
English Preparation for QE Boys
The English paper is multiple choice and requires strong comprehension, vocabulary, language accuracy and careful reading under time pressure.
Your child should practise:
- reading comprehension
- retrieving information from a passage
- inference
- vocabulary in context
- synonyms and antonyms
- spelling accuracy
- grammar and punctuation
- sentence structure
- proofreading
- careful reading of question wording
- multiple-choice answer selection
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ English
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
Maths Preparation for QE Boys
The Maths paper is multiple choice and requires secure Key Stage 2 Maths, speed, accuracy and strong problem-solving technique.
Your child should practise:
- times tables and mental maths
- written addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- fractions
- decimals
- percentages
- ratio and proportion
- measurement and units
- area, perimeter and volume
- geometry and angles
- statistics and data handling
- number patterns
- word problems
- multi-step problem solving
- checking calculations carefully
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Advanced Maths
Should QE Boys Pupils Practise VR or NVR?
For Queen Elizabeth’s School alone, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning are not core test areas in the current official description. The school describes its entrance examination as two multiple-choice papers in English and Mathematics.
VR and NVR practice may still be useful if the child is also preparing for another 11+ area such as Buckinghamshire, Bexley, Kent, Medway, Slough, West Midlands, Redbridge, Trafford or Wirral.
If QE Boys is the only target school, preparation time is usually better spent on English, Maths, word problems, vocabulary, SPAG and timed multiple-choice discipline.
Printed Paper Sets for QE Boys 11+ Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, answer selection and full-paper discipline.
Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation English Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced SPAG Practice Papers
For QE Boys, prioritise English and Maths printed practice. Add mixed, VR or NVR papers only if the child is also preparing for other 11+ routes.
Multiple Choice Format and Answer Technique
QE Boys uses multiple-choice English and Maths papers, so answer technique matters.
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice.
This helps pupils learn how to:
- read each question carefully
- identify key information
- use question-paper space for rough working where allowed
- eliminate incorrect options where appropriate
- avoid rushing
- check calculations and reading choices
- mark answers accurately
- manage time across English and Maths papers
Suggested Weekly QE Boys Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly preparation plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 2 days per week: Maths arithmetic or topic practice
- 1 day per week: Maths word problems
- 1 day per week: printed multiple-choice English or Maths practice
- 1 day per week: mistake review and weak-topic revision
Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed practice. Pupils still building foundations should use shorter focused sessions and review mistakes carefully.
Common QE Boys 11+ Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- assuming the test includes Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning
- doing only generic GL practice without building strong English and Maths foundations
- practising Maths arithmetic but not word problems
- ignoring vocabulary, SPAG and careful reading
- doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- not practising multiple-choice answer technique
- starting timed work before the child understands the question types
- focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- missing the entrance test registration window
- assuming the entrance test registration is the same as the Common Application Form
- assuming no catchment means distance never matters; distance can be a tie-break
- assuming meeting the standard guarantees a place
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make QE Boys preparation more effective by keeping it focused on the actual test areas and by checking admissions steps early.
Helpful habits include:
- check the latest QE Boys admissions information
- register for the entrance test within the official window
- complete the Common Application Form separately
- build Maths fluency through short regular practice
- practise word problems every week
- read daily and discuss vocabulary
- use SPAG practice to strengthen English accuracy
- review mistakes after each test
- keep a notebook of weak topics
- use online practice to target gaps
- use printed papers for exam discipline
- check SEND or medical access needs early
- focus on confidence as well as scores
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet?
Queen Elizabeth’s School is a selective, non-denominational, non-fee-paying boys’ school in Barnet.
What subjects are tested for QE Boys?
QE Boys’ entrance test consists of two multiple-choice papers: English and Mathematics.
Is there more than one round?
No. QE Boys states that there is only one round of testing in a single session.
Does QE Boys test Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning?
Current official information describes English and Mathematics multiple-choice papers. VR and NVR are not listed as separate papers for QE Boys.
Are scores age-standardised?
Yes. The scores are standardised by the company that supplies the tests, taking account of candidate age. The two paper scores are combined into a single overall entrance-test score.
What score is needed?
The school’s current FAQ states that candidates achieving a combined score of 225 or higher are deemed to have met the standard required by the Governors to be eligible to be considered for admission. Parents should check the latest official admissions information for the relevant admissions year.
Does QE Boys have a catchment area?
No. QE Boys states that it has no catchment. However, distance is used as a tie-break if two or more applicants achieve the same mark.
Does QE Boys give Pupil Premium, sibling or aptitude priority?
The school’s official FAQ states that admission is based solely on entrance-test results and that there is no Pupil Premium priority, no sibling or multiple-birth policy, and no music, sport or drama aptitude test.
Is entrance test registration the same as applying for a place?
No. Parents must register for the entrance test and also complete the Common Application Form through their home local authority.
Does QE Boys require a Supplementary Information Form?
The school states that it does not require a Supplementary Information Form after the entrance-test registration process. Parents must still complete the Common Application Form.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for QE Boys preparation?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ SPAG, Foundation English, Foundation Maths, Advanced English, Advanced Maths, Advanced VOCAB and Advanced SPAG.
Are printed paper sets useful for QE Boys preparation?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise English, Maths, word problems, SPAG, multiple-choice technique, timing and full-paper discipline. They work best when combined with online topic practice.
Final Advice
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet preparation should focus on the actual test areas: English and Mathematics.
Pupils should build strong reading comprehension, vocabulary, SPAG, Maths, word-problem and multiple-choice answer skills, supported by regular mistake review.
Parents should remember that entrance test registration is separate from the Common Application Form, and that meeting the required standard does not automatically guarantee a place.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen the key test areas through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, timed English and Maths work, careful mistake review and up-to-date admissions checking, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for the QE Boys entrance test.