Barnet Grammar Schools: Complete 11 Plus Guide
Key Takeaways
- QE Boys and HBS are among the most competitive schools in England.
- Over 2,000 applicants compete for fewer than 200 places.
- Advanced-level preparation starting in Year 4 is essential.
- Prepare emotionally for any outcome, most applicants will not receive an offer.
The London Borough of Barnet contains some of the most competitive and prestigious grammar schools in England. Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys and The Henrietta Barnett School for Girls consistently rank among the top state schools in the country. The demand for places at these schools is extraordinary, both receive well over a thousand applications for fewer than two hundred places. Preparation is not optional; it is essential. This guide covers both schools in detail: their testing arrangements, how places are allocated, and how to prepare your child for the best possible chance. EdifyPod Nexus provides the adaptive practice these competitive applications demand.
Barnet grammar schools, Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys (180 places) and The Henrietta Barnett School (93 places), are among the most competitive in England, receiving over 2,000 applications each. Both conduct their own entrance tests. Preparation must be thorough and sustained from Year 4, covering English, maths, and reasoning at advanced level.
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
Queen Elizabeth's School (QE Boys) is a boys' grammar school with approximately 180 places per year. It receives over 2,000 applications, making it one of the most oversubscribed state schools in England.
The school conducts its own entrance test, typically in autumn of Year 6. The test assesses English and mathematical ability. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further assessment.
Place allocation is based primarily on test performance. There is no catchment area in the traditional sense, though the school's oversubscription criteria should be checked annually as they can change. Children from any area may apply.
The Henrietta Barnett School
The Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) is a girls' grammar school with approximately 93 places per year, one of the smallest intakes of any grammar school in England. It receives over 2,000 applications, making competition even more intense than at QE Boys.
HBS conducts its own entrance test. The test format has changed over the years, so families should check the school's website for the most current specification. Historically, the test has covered English, mathematics, and reasoning.
The small intake means that even highly capable children may not receive a place. Families should ensure they have suitable alternative schools on their common application form.
Preparation for Barnet Grammar Schools
Given the extreme competition, preparation must be thorough and sustained. Start in Year 4 with light familiarisation and build to structured practice in Year 5.
Cover all core subjects: English comprehension and writing, mathematics at an advanced level, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The tests at these schools are designed to differentiate among very strong candidates, so surface-level preparation is not sufficient.
Mock tests under timed conditions are essential in the final months. Your child needs to be comfortable performing at their best under pressure. Practise with the most challenging materials available to ensure the real test feels manageable by comparison.
Managing Expectations and Alternatives
Even with excellent preparation, the mathematics of 2,000 applicants for 93 or 180 places means most children will not receive an offer. This is not a reflection of your child's ability, it is simply the reality of extreme competition.
Prepare your child emotionally for any outcome. Frame the 11 plus as an experience that builds valuable skills regardless of the result. Ensure your common application form includes schools you would genuinely be happy with as alternatives.
The skills built during grammar school preparation, disciplined study habits, strong literacy and numeracy, exam technique, benefit your child in whichever school they attend.
Thousands of families use EdifyPod Nexus to prepare, the practice adapts to your child, tracks progress against target schools, and covers every subject the exam tests. If your child needs additional live support from our experts, our tutors at edifypod.com/11plus are here too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do you need to get into QE Boys or HBS?
Neither school publishes a fixed pass mark. The threshold depends on the performance of all applicants each year. Children need to score in the very top percentile.
Should I hire a tutor specifically for Barnet grammar schools?
Focused preparation is essential given the competition. Whether through a tutor, an adaptive platform like EdifyPod Nexus, or structured self-study, your child needs sustained, challenging practice.
Is it worth applying if we live far from Barnet?
Both schools accept applicants from any area, but check current oversubscription criteria. In some years, distance may be a factor when test scores are close.