Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy.
How to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy is a selective secondary school in Lincolnshire. To get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 84 places annually [1].
Families must submit applications through their local authority's Common Application Form (CAF). The application deadline is 31st October 2025 (see key dates). The school uses the Lincolnshire 11+ for admissions testing as part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools.
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through families' local authority
- Families living outside Lincolnshire must submit their CAF to their own local authority, who forwards it to Lincolnshire
- Register for the 11+ examination between 10th January 2025 and 31st March 2025 via any participating school's website - see key dates
- For contact information, see the school information section
Application Process
Registration for the Lincolnshire 11+ opens on Friday 10th January 2025 and closes on Monday 31st March 2025 (see key dates). Families can register through the website of any participating Lincolnshire Consortium school.
The 11+ exam takes place over two separate dates: Saturday 13th September 2025 for the verbal reasoning paper and Saturday 20th September 2025 for the non-verbal reasoning paper (see key dates). Results are released on Friday 10th October 2025 (see key dates).
- Children only need to take the test once, even if applying to multiple schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium
- Name Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford as a preferred school on the secondary school common application form
- Submit the application form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- Families receive school allocation results in March 2026
- Passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place, as many grammar schools are oversubscribed
Examination Format
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford uses the Lincolnshire Consortium 11+ test, consisting of two papers taken on consecutive Saturdays in September. All questions are multiple-choice format.
The verbal reasoning paper contains 80 questions split across 15 sections with a 50-minute time limit. The non-verbal and spatial reasoning paper contains 70 questions across 5 sections, with each section timed individually by the invigilator.
- Verbal reasoning tests language-based reasoning skills including pattern identification, analogies, codes and logical deductions
- Non-verbal reasoning tests visual and abstract problem-solving using shapes, figures and diagrams without relying on language skills
- The test is written by GL Assessment for the admissions process
- As a general guideline, children should aim for approximately 75-80% in practice tests
Oversubscription Criteria
If more than 84 children achieve the qualifying score, the school applies oversubscription criteria. Children are prioritised in specific order based on their circumstances and location.
There is a catchment area with priority based on location and distance from the school. Priority is given to children living within the designated free transport area who achieve the required score.
- Children with siblings at the school who live within the designated free transport area
- Children living within the designated free transport area who reach the required score
- Children from specific primary schools (Alford, Huttoft, Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Theddlethorpe, Willoughby and Withern) with siblings at the school
- Children from the same primary schools who reach the required score
- For detailed criteria, contact the school information section
Preparation Guidance
Grammar schools select children working in the top ability range, typically within the top 25% of their year group. The 11+ exam is designed to be challenging, requiring structured preparation.
Families should register for the Lincolnshire 11+ between 10th January 2025 and 31st March 2025 (see key dates). The exam takes place in September during Year 6.
- Speak with the child's teacher first to assess whether they're working towards the top of their year group and can keep up with grammar school pace
- Begin preparation early using little and often approach with 20-30 minute study sessions
- Focus on verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning skills specifically
- Use GL Assessment style practice papers to become familiar with the multiple-choice format
- For free preparation resources, see practice papers
- For tutoring support, see 11+ tutoring
- Free 11+ course resources are available including GL Assessment style practice papers and video lessons
Practical Advice
Families receive test results by mid-October 2025 (see key dates) showing whether their child met the qualifying standard. These results help families decide which schools to name on their application form.
In March 2026, children are allocated places at their highest-preferred school where they meet entry criteria and places are available, or offered alternative local schools. Families can appeal through independent panels if unsuccessful.
- Ensure children are familiar with multiple-choice answer sheets before exam day
- Practice exam timing and conditions at home
- Plan transport to exam venues in advance
- Prepare backup school options across Lincolnshire
- Consider other Lincolnshire grammar schools in the same consortium
- Maintain regular contact with primary school teachers for ongoing assessment
- For specific guidance about appeals or admissions queries, contact the school information section
[1]Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy official website
Lincolnshire 11+ Information
In order to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy, children need to pass the Lincolnshire 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Lincolnshire 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Lincolnshire 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
The 11 plus exam for entry into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Alford is administered by the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. The assessment consists of two separate papers, each focusing on different aspects of reasoning ability.
The first paper evaluates verbal reasoning skills through a series of 80 questions divided into 15 sections. Students are allotted 50 minutes to complete this portion of the exam. The second paper assesses non-verbal and spatial reasoning abilities with 70 questions spread across 5 individually timed sections.
All questions in the Lincolnshire 11 plus are presented in a multiple-choice format, and students record their answers on separate sheets that are electronically marked. This rigorous selection process helps identify children with strong reasoning capabilities who would benefit from the challenging academic environment provided by Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Alford.
Other Schools using Lincolnshire 11+
As well as Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy, several other schools also use Lincolnshire 11+. These are:
- Boston High School
- Bourne Grammar School
- Carre's Grammar School
- Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School
- Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy
- King Edward VI Grammar School
- Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle
- Skegness Grammar School
- Spalding Grammar School
- Spalding High School
- The Boston Grammar School
- The King's School, Grantham
- The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough
Lincolnshire 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy 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!
Lincolnshire 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Lincolnshire 11+ 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 Alford - A Selective Academy, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 10/01/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar School 11+ Registration Opens | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 31/03/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Registration Closes | |
| 13/09/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Verbal Reasoning Paper | |
| 20/09/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Non-verbal Reasoning Paper | |
| Early October | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Results Day | |
| Late October | Secondary School Common Application Deadline | |
| 02/03/2026 | National School Offers Day |
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 Alford - A Selective Academy as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy
As the Lincolnshire 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy
Unfortunately, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Lincolnshire 11+ Ensure you double-check with Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Lincolnshire 11+ to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Lincolnshire 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy, Station Road, Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 9HY |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.queenelizabeths.co.uk/ |
| Telephone | 01507462403 |
| Email Address | reception@queenelizabeths.co.uk |
| Gender | Mixed (both girls and boys) |
| Total Year 7 Places | 84 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 527 (273 Girls / 254 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr Glen Thompson |
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy 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 527 pupils attend Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Glen Thompson.
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy was last inspected by Ofsted on 23/11/2021 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 17/01/2022, 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
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 23/11/2021 | 1 | 17/01/2022 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy was inspected by Ofsted on 17/01/2022. The overall outcome of the inspection on 23 November 2021 was Good. This rating applied to all areas assessed, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.
The consistent Good rating across all key areas suggests that Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford is providing a well-rounded and effective educational experience for its students. The school demonstrates strengths in its teaching and learning, student conduct, individual student development, organizational leadership, and post-secondary programs.
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 Alford - A Selective Academy for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy 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)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design | 23 | - | - | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Biology | 58 | - | - | - | 1 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 |
| Business Studies:Single | 80 | - | - | 1 | 9 | 13 | 11 | 17 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| Chemistry | 58 | 1 | - | - | 4 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 5 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 32 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Design & Technology | 40 | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
| English Language | 81 | - | - | - | 5 | 12 | 16 | 23 | 12 | 10 | 2 |
| English Literature | 81 | - | - | 1 | 7 | 9 | 25 | 20 | 11 | 5 | 3 |
| French | 28 | 10 | - | - | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Geography | 57 | - | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 8 | 7 | 4 |
| German | 24 | 1 | - | - | 1 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| History | 40 | - | - | - | 6 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Mathematics | 81 | - | 1 | - | - | 19 | 18 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 7 |
| Music | 16 | 1 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Physics | 58 | 2 | - | - | 2 | 7 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Religious Studies | 80 | - | - | 3 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Spanish | 24 | 7 | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 29 | - | - | - | 6 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 6 | 3 | - |
| Science: Double Award | 23 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Biology | 10 | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 4 | - | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 21 | - | 1 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Chemistry | 9 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | - | |||
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 8 | - | 1 | - | 6 | 1 | - | - | |||
| Economics | 13 | - | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | |||
| English Language | 8 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - | |||
| English Literature | 9 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |||
| History | 11 | - | 1 | - | 6 | 2 | 1 | - | |||
| Mathematics | 13 | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 4 | - | |||
| Sociology | 13 | - | 1 | - | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | |||
FAQ
Is Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy hard to get into?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy a private school?
No, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy free?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
