Queens’ School Hertfordshire 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 270
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Queens’ School Hertfordshire
Queens’ School is a mixed secondary academy based in Bushey, Hertfordshire. As a partially selective school and a member of the South West Herts Consortium, it has a strong reputation for both academic excellence and extracurricular achievement across its split-site campus.
The school focuses on high academic standards while also promoting success in music, sport, and community involvement. With a wide variety of enrichment activities and strong pastoral support, Queens’ encourages students to excel in all areas of school life.
Each year, 270 pupils join Year 7 through a combination of academic, music, and distance-based places. Due to high demand, particularly for selective places, understanding the admissions process and preparing thoroughly for the entrance tests is essential.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Queens’ School Hertfordshire
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Queens’ School Hertfordshire
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Queens’ School Hertfordshire
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Queens’ School Hertfordshire
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Queens’ School Hertfordshire
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Queens’ School Hertfordshire
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Queens' School Hertfordshire’s Key Information
The key information, such as student intake and contact information, for Queens’ School Hertfordshire below is regularly updated.
School Address
Full Address:
Queens' School Hertfordshire, Aldenham RoadBushey
Hertfordshire
WD23 2TY
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking within the school as well as on-street parking nearby.
Additional parking off site
Car Park: Chalk Hill, Watford, WD19 4BL, 1.2 miles from the school.
Queens’ School Hertfordshire Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Queens’ School was judged outstanding across all areas, including the sixth form, reflecting its consistently high standards of education and leadership.
Academic strength: The school delivers an ambitious and well-crafted curriculum that promotes academic excellence and prepares pupils exceptionally well for further study and employment.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have excellent subject knowledge, use effective questioning to deepen understanding, and provide targeted support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, with strong attendance, positive attitudes to learning, and high participation in extra-curricular and ‘super-curricular’ activities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders demonstrate clear ambition and care for pupils’ well-being, supported by strong governance, effective safeguarding, and a culture that encourages every pupil to thrive.
Queens' School Hertfordshire Exam Format
Queens’ School Hertfordshire uses the South West Herts School Consortium Test for its 11 Plus admissions test. This test is shared by all of the schools in the South West Herts School Consortium.
The Queens' School Hertfordshire Entry Exam: Overview
Queens’ School Hertfordshire’s 11 Plus entry exam consists of two GL Assessment tests. These tests are on Maths and Verbal Reasoning, both are multiple choice and standard papers.
Paper One
Maths
Paper Two
Verbal Reasoning
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Music Test (Optional)
Applicants applying for music places must complete a two-part assessment:
Round 1
Musical Aptitude Test: A listening assessment covering pitch, rhythm, and melody, with no formal training required.
Round 2
Practical Audition: Candidates who achieve high scores in the aptitude test are invited to perform a short piece of their choice to demonstrate musical ability and potential.
Pass Mark
There are 94 places available for academic success, these will be awarded in order of merit achieved in the entrance exam. You must live within the catchment area in order to be considered for this.
Catchment Area
The catchment area for Queens’ School covers the following postcodes: WD3–7, WD17–19, WD23–25, AL2 (south of the M25), HA6, HA5 3**, HA5 4**, HA3 6**, HA7 3**, and HA7 4**.
Applicants living within this catchment area are given higher priority for admission. Places that are not allocated based on academic, sporting, or musical criteria will be offered according to distance from the school, with those living closest receiving the greatest priority.
Additional Eligibility
Meeting the standard in the academic or music test does not guarantee a place. When more applicants qualify than there are available spaces, Queens’ School applies its oversubscription criteria.
For 2026 entry, the planned intake is 270 pupils, divided as follows:
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Up to 35% (approx. 94 places) for academic ability
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Up to 5% (approx. 13 places) for musical aptitude
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Remaining places allocated based on distance from the school and sibling priority
Priority is given to:
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Children in care or previously in care
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Children with a sibling currently attending the school
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Applicants living within the designated priority area (verified by postcode)
Applicants are advised to check the school website for full details of the priority area before applying.
Click here to view the full Queens’ School Hertfordshire admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Queens’ School Hertfordshire
Here are some effective ways you can help your child get ready for the entrance process at Queens’ School Hertfordshire!
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Queens’ School Hertfordshire. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Queens' School Hertfordshire’s Key Dates and Application Information
The entry exam consists of two sessions, the morning session is from 9:00-11:30 and the afternoon session is from 12:45-15:45. There are also music and sports scholarships should you be interested.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Academic Test
Sports Test
Results
Secondary school applications close
National Offer Day
Queens’ School Hertfordshire Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Queens’ School Hertfordshire, families need to complete both the following steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Queens’ School Hertfordshire Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register online via the South West Hertfordshire Schools Consortium website between 1 April and 6 June 2025.
Visit WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF) and Supplementary Information Form (SIF)
The CAF must be submitted through your local authority by 31 October 2025. Be sure to list Queens’ School as one of your preferred schools to ensure your application is considered. As well as this, The SIF must be submitted directly to Queens’ School, usually by October 2025. This form is used to apply the school’s oversubscription criteria correctly and must be completed even if your child has taken the consortium tests.
Queens’ School Hertfordshire FAQs
To apply for a Year 7 place, you must complete three steps: register for the South West Herts Consortium tests (opening April 2025), submit the Queens’ School Supplementary Information Form (SIF) directly to the school by October 2025, and complete your local authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October 2025, listing Queens’ School as one of your preferences.
The 11 Plus entrance test is run by the South West Herts Consortium and includes two multiple-choice papers in verbal reasoning and mathematics, provided by GL Assessment. Applicants for music places also take a separate two-part music aptitude test, followed by an audition for shortlisted candidates.
Entry to Queens’ School is competitive due to its strong reputation and limited number of places. For 2026 entry, the school plans to admit 270 pupils, with around 35% based on academic ability, 5% on musical aptitude, and the remaining places allocated by distance and sibling priority.
Yes, the school prioritises applicants who live within its defined catchment area, which includes the following postcodes: WD3–7, WD17–19, WD23–25, AL2 (south of the M25), HA6, HA5 3**, HA5 4**, HA3 6**, HA7 3**, and HA7 4**. When places are oversubscribed, those living closest to the school are given the highest priority.