Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School 11+

How to get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School 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 School 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 increased its admission capacity from 150 places to 180 places annually from September 2023 ^[1].

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a selective school, which means children must take the 11+ exam to be eligible for a place. In Kent, the 11+ exam is known as the Kent Test. The school is a co-educational grammar school with academy status located in Faversham, Kent.

• QEGS Faversham belongs to the Kent 11+ Consortium, using the same entrance exam format as other Kent grammar schools
• Children need a total score of 332 or higher and no single score lower than 107 to qualify for a place at a Kent grammar school
• The school does not have a formal catchment area but prioritises pupils who live closer to the school
• Passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place, as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children

Application Process

Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025 (see key dates). Requests will not be accepted after 1st July 2025.

To apply for a place, families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, available on the home council website from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

• Register for the Kent Test through the Kent County Council website
• If an email address is provided during registration, Kent Test results will be emailed on Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates)
• Without an email address, results will be posted by first class post on results day
• Secondary school offers are made in March 2026 (see key dates)
• For specific contact information, families should visit the school information section

Kent Test Structure

The Kent Test is split into three sections: English and mathematics (each with a 5-minute practice exercise and 25-minute test), Reasoning abilities including Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning (one hour), and a writing task (40 minutes).

Children receive three standardised scores for English, maths and reasoning, plus a total aggregate score. The writing task does not contribute to the overall 11+ score but may be used for borderline cases or during appeals.

• Multiple-choice format with separate answer sheets for reasoning, English and maths tests
• English section involves comprehension exercises and additional literacy skills questions
• Reasoning paper contains verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections of roughly equal length
• Standardisation process compares performance with other children and adjusts for age differences

Oversubscription Criteria

If more than 180 children applying to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School achieve the qualifying scores, the school applies oversubscription criteria. Children are prioritised for places in the following order:

• Looked after children and previously looked after children
• Children in receipt of Free School Meals or Children who receive Pupil Premium
• Children who have a brother or sister at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
• Priority given to prospective pupils who live closer to the school

Preparation Guidance

Children should have a good understanding of Year 6 content before testing their knowledge with practice papers. Using a 'little and often' approach when recapping content is key, as brains encode new information more effectively with smaller chunks.

Based on historical data, students who score 75%+ consistently in Kent practice tests are on track to pass the QEGS Faversham test. Grammar schools in Kent provide for children in about the top 25% of the ability range.

• Avoid jumping straight into practice papers as this can cause children to feel demotivated
• Kent Pre-11+ Practice Tests are designed for Year 4 and 5 students to introduce the exam format
• Access free practice resources at 11+ practice papers
• Consider professional tutoring support through 11+ tutoring services
• Discuss academic achievement with the primary school before deciding to register for the Kent Test

Practical Advice

Set small, achievable goals and celebrate progress along the way to help children stay motivated and build resilience. Many children will find the test difficult, so emotional preparation is equally important as academic preparation.

The school is currently full and oversubscribed with waiting lists for entry to Year 7 through to Year 11. Kent County Council's reallocation date is Thursday 24th April 2025, when declined places are reallocated from waiting lists (see key dates).

• If children require special arrangements, discuss with their current school before registration
• Even passing the Kent Test does not guarantee a place due to high competition
• Families can appeal decisions and explain why a grammar school would be suitable for their child
• Research other Kent grammar schools and their admissions criteria as backup options
• The school hosts open mornings and evenings in October 2025 for prospective families (see key dates)
• For detailed contact information and specific queries, visit the school information section

^[1]Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School official website

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.

Key Dates for the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ 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.

11+ Tutor for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School

As the Kent 11+ Test 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 School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School 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.

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:

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 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.

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)