Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School 11+ Guide

About Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Kent. For children to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the charming town of Faversham, Kent, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School (QEGS) is a beacon of academic excellence. This co-educational grammar school, which has attained academy status, specialises in mathematics, computing, and modern languages, equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

At QEGS, the curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to cater to the unique needs of each individual student. The school offers a wide array of subjects, ensuring that pupils receive a well-rounded education that extends beyond the confines of traditional academia. From delving into the annals of history to exploring the intricacies of information and communication technology (ICT), and from honing their skills in design and technology (DT) to sharpening their critical thinking abilities, students at QEGS are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Beyond the classroom walls, QEGS offers a plethora of extracurricular activities designed to enhance students' social development and maximise their learning potential. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a widely popular program, challenges participants to engage with their local community, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and boosting their self-confidence. These experiences, coupled with the school's supportive environment, contribute to the vibrant and inclusive community that defines QEGS.

At its core, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School embraces a forward-thinking ethos, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and nurturing their individual talents. By emphasising the importance of self-discipline and personal growth alongside academic achievement, QEGS cultivates a sense of pride and accomplishment among its pupils. This holistic approach to education ensures that students leave the school not only with a solid foundation of knowledge but also with the skills and values necessary to become responsible, engaged citizens in an ever-changing world.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,020 pupils attend Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr David Anderson.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, children need to pass the Kent 11+ Test. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Kent 11+ Test Subjects & Structure

The Kent 11+ Test requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Spatial Reasoning

The Kent Test is the entrance examination for students seeking admission to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates applicants' abilities across a range of subjects. The test comprises two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour.

The first paper focuses on English and maths, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These latter subjects are not typically taught in schools, so candidates may be less familiar with the question formats.

Successful performance in the Kent Test is essential for students hoping to secure a place at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. The examination aims to identify those with the academic potential to thrive in the school's challenging educational environment.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, several other schools also use Kent 11+ Test. These are:

• Barton Court Grammar School
• Borden Grammar School
• Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School
• Cranbrook School
• Dane Court Grammar School
• Dartford Grammar School
• Dartford Grammar School for Girls
• Dover Grammar School for Boys
• Dover Grammar School for Girls
• Gravesend Grammar School
• Highsted Grammar School
• Highworth Grammar School
• Invicta Grammar School
• Maidstone Grammar School
• Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
• Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
• Oakwood Park Grammar School
• Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School
• Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
• Sir Roger Manwood's School
• The Folkestone School for Girls
• The Harvey Grammar School
• The Judd School
• The Norton Knatchbull School
• The Skinners' School
• Tonbridge Grammar School
• Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
• Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
• Weald of Kent Grammar School
• Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
• Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

Kent 11+ Test Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Kent 11+ Test Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Kent 11+ Test changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Kent 11+ Test Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the Kent 11+ Test tests (to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 28/02/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 27/04/2023, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 28 February 2023 and received an overall rating of Good. The school demonstrated a Good quality of education, Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and Outstanding personal development. The leadership and management of the school were also rated as Good.

The sixth form provision at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School was also found to be Good during the inspection. This indicates that the school provides a high-quality education and support for students in their post-16 studies.

The Outstanding ratings in behaviour and attitudes and personal development highlight the school's strong focus on creating a positive learning environment and nurturing the overall well-being and growth of its students. The Good ratings in other areas demonstrate the school's commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience for all its pupils.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. Please note that this may include past 11+ papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board that Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Kent 11+ Test Ensure you double-check with Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.