Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 84
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (QEGS Alford) is a co-educational selective grammar school located in the market town of Alford, Lincolnshire. Founded in 1576, the school has a rich tradition of academic excellence and personal growth.
The school offers education for students aged 11 to 18, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. It focuses on academic achievement while promoting active participation in a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, the arts, and leadership programmes.
QEGS Alford is part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, which oversees the 11 Plus testing process for grammar school admissions across the county.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
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 Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School’s Key Information
We regularly update Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School’s key information, contacts and school statistics directly from the school itself.
School Address
Full Address:
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar, Station RoadAlford
Lincolnshire
LN13 9HY
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Alford provides designated parking for events, like the Alford 1940s Weekend, with rates at £1 all day per car. Additionally, Alford Town F.C. (LN13 9EQ) and Merton Lodge Surgery (LN13 9HT) also offer parking for visitors, with Merton Lodge designated for disabled parking. For general school parking, the school site becomes busy at the start and end of each day, and parents are advised to avoid entering the grounds during these times and use a nearby public transport stop or pick up/drop off point.
Additional parking off site
- Car park: Alford, LN13 9AF, 0.6 miles from the school.
- Car park: Millers Way, Alford, LN13 9EU, 0.6 miles from the school.
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good, with a positive school culture and strong academic achievement.
Academic strength: Pupils perform well in a broad curriculum, with strong outcomes in English, history, business studies, and science.
Teaching and curriculum: Ambitious curriculum with effective subject knowledge, though some pupils struggle to apply learning in extended tasks.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are well-behaved, the environment is calm, and there are rich extracurricular activities promoting personal development.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is committed to improvement; safeguarding is effective and well-managed, ensuring a safe learning environment.
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Exam Format
Admission to QEGS Alford in Year 7 is based on performance in the Lincolnshire 11 Plus. This is a two-part multiple-choice exam set and marked by GL Assessment. These tests are taken on consecutive Saturdays in September.
The Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: The first test assesses vocabulary, word-based logic, and comprehension skills.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning: The second test evaluates problem-solving, visual patterns, and logical thinking with shapes and images.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The pass mark is a standardised mark of 220, applicants must achieve this pass mark in order to be considered for a place at the school. This standardised mark is the same as is used by all schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. When students are tied for places the student with the higher mark in the entry exam will be given a place.Â
Catchment Area
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School does not have a fixed catchment area but considers primary feeder schools and the free transport area for admissions.
Additional Eligibility
If more applicants meet the qualifying score than available places, the school uses the following oversubscription criteria to determine admissions, prioritising applicants in this order:
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Children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan
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Looked-after children and all previously looked-after children
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Pupils living within the designated free transport area (traditional catchment area) who have a sibling at the school at the time of application and will still be attending when the child starts
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Pupils living within the designated free transport area who meet the required score
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Pupils from outside the free transport area but attending primary schools within it (Alford, Huttoft, Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Theddlethorpe, Willoughby, and Withern) who have a sibling at the school and meet the required score
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Pupils from outside the free transport area attending primary schools within it who meet the required score
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Pupils not living in the free transport area or attending a primary school within it, who meet the required score
Click here for more information about the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School
Helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus can significantly enhance their chances of success. Here are some effective strategies:
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 Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School. 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.
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the key events that are needed to take the exam and complete the application process.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at QEGS Alford, follow these three essential steps:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the 11 Plus
Apply for the 11+ via the Lincolnshire County Council website.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
Complete this on your local authority website, selecting Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Alford as a preferred choice.
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School- Alford FAQs
To apply, register for the 11 Plus via the Lincolnshire County Council website, then submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority listing QEGS Alford among preferences before deadlines.
Admission is through two GL Assessment tests: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Both tests last 50 minutes, assessing logic, vocabulary, problem-solving, and visual thinking skills. Successful applicants are ranked by score.
The 11+ exam for Carre’s Grammar School is competitive, with applicants generally required to be in the top 25% of scores. If there are more qualifying candidates than places, priority is given based on oversubscription criteria.
No, QEGS Alford does not have a defined catchment area. However, in case of oversubscription, priority is given to students living closest to the school, determined by straight-line distance.