Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 11 Plus (11+) Admissions: The Complete Parent Guide (2026 Entry)

Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your child, and Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet is often at the very top of that conversation for families in North London and beyond. Known for its academic excellence, traditional ethos, and consistently strong outcomes, the Queen Elizabeth’s School 11 plus process naturally attracts a high level of interest.

With competitive entry and limited places, Queen Elizabeth’s School can feel overwhelming at first. But with a clear plan, it’s absolutely achievable.

This guide is written to help you understand how admissions work in clear, practical terms. It explains what is publicly confirmed, what is typically expected based on recent years, and where information is not published. You will find a step by step explanation of the application journey, insight into assessments and interviews, guidance on preparation, and answers to the most common parent questions.

If you are starting early or already preparing in earnest, this guide will help you make informed decisions without panic or guesswork. The aim is not to rush you, but to give you clarity and reassurance at every stage of the process for September 2026 entry.

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet Overview at a Glance

How the Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 11+ Entry Process Works

The admissions process for Queen Elizabeth’s School follows a structured but demanding pathway. Understanding each stage early helps you plan calmly and avoid last minute pressure.

The first step is registration. Parents must complete the school’s registration process within the published window. This usually opens several months before the entrance assessments. Missing this deadline means your child cannot sit the tests, so diary planning matters.

Once registered, candidates are invited to sit the entrance examinations. These are set by the school rather than through ISEB. Based on publicly available information, the assessments focus heavily on academic ability, particularly English and Mathematics. The exact paper structure is not fully published, but the level is selective and designed to identify boys with strong reasoning, comprehension, and problem solving skills.

After the initial assessments, the school may invite a smaller group of candidates to progress further. This can include additional assessments or ranking based on exam performance. Interview formats and thresholds are not fully published, and parents should avoid assuming that every candidate will be interviewed.

Offers are made in line with grammar school admissions timelines. As a state grammar school, Queen Elizabeth’s School participates in the coordinated admissions system, meaning offers are typically released on National Offer Day in March.

Throughout the process, academic merit is the central consideration. There is no published priority for catchment, siblings, or background beyond the admissions criteria.

Key Dates for Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet Admissions (2026 Entry)

Scholarships, Bursaries and Fees at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet

Queen Elizabeth’s School is a state funded grammar school, so there are no tuition fees for Year 7 entry. This makes it particularly attractive to academically able pupils across a wide range of backgrounds.

Formal scholarships and bursaries, as found in independent schools, are not published as part of the admissions structure. However, families may encounter optional costs once a place is accepted. Based on typical grammar school practice, these can include uniform, school trips, extracurricular activities, and music tuition if applicable.

Any support schemes or financial assistance beyond standard provision are not published and are handled through local authority guidance rather than the school itself.

What to Expect from the Interview at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet

Interview arrangements at Queen Elizabeth’s School are not fully published, and not every applicant should expect to be interviewed.

Where interviews do take place, they are designed to complement academic assessment rather than replace it. The school is known for valuing intellectual curiosity, clarity of thought, and a genuine interest in learning.

If your child is invited to interview, preparation should focus on clear communication rather than rehearsed answers. Typical areas of discussion at selective grammar schools include reading interests, problem solving approaches, and how a pupil responds to challenge.

The key is not to over coach. Interviewers are experienced at distinguishing natural ability from scripted performance.

Preparing for the Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 11 Plus Assessments

Preparation works best when it is steady and well structured rather than intense and rushed.

In Year 4, the focus should be on foundations. Strong reading habits, vocabulary growth, confident arithmetic, and curiosity in problem solving all matter. This is the stage where enjoyment of learning should be protected.

During Year 5, preparation becomes more targeted. Children should practise challenging comprehension, develop accuracy in mathematics, and build stamina for longer papers. Exposure to selective level questions helps reduce anxiety later.

By Year 6, preparation shifts to refinement. Timed practice, careful review of mistakes, and confidence building are key. At this stage, one or two full mock exams under realistic conditions are usually sufficient.

It is important to use materials that reflect the school’s own assessment style. Where the format is school set rather than ISEB, practice should focus on depth of understanding rather than pattern spotting alone.

As a clear starting point, you can book a free 11+ diagnostic session with Find Your Tutor (FYT) focused on Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet. It benchmarks your child’s current level and gives you a personalised preparation roadmap for the months ahead.

Other Schools to Consider Near Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet

Families applying to Queen Elizabeth’s School often also consider other selective schools in North London and Hertfordshire. These can include grammar schools in neighbouring boroughs or high performing independent schools. Choices depend on travel, assessment style, and your child’s learning profile.