Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School – Horncastle

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School – Horncastle

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

If you're thinking about Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School for your child, this 2026 admissions guide has all the details. It includes important information about the school, the application process, and tips to help your child prepare for the 11 Plus exam.

At a Glance

Assessment: GL Assessment

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls

Places per year: 120

Competition: Medium

Ofsted Rating: Good

Introduction to

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School is a selective co-educational school located in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, with a rich history dating back to 1571. The school is renowned for its academic excellence and well-rounded education.

QEGS provides education for students aged 11 to 18, offering a balance of high academic achievement and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. The school emphasizes personal growth, with numerous extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, clubs, and community involvement.

As a member of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, QEGS follows the shared 11 Plus testing process for Year 7 admissions.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School’s Key Information

Key information regarding Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, such as contact information, parking, and student intake.

School Address

Full Address:

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Street
Horncastle
Lincolnshire
LN9 5AD

Contact Information

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Telephone (Main Office) 01507 522465

Parking in the school

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle has both on-site and nearby parking options. The school provides a visitor car park at the front of the building.

Additional parking off site

  • Car Park: Market Pl, Horncastle, LN9 5HB, 0.3 miles from the school
  • Car Park: 30 St Lawrence St, Horncastle, LN9 5DN, 0.4 miles from the school

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School

Good

Based on the inspection date:

4 and 5 June 2024

View Report
The quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Personal development Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth-form provision Good

Quick Summary

Overall rating: Good.

Academic strength: Pupils thrive academically, particularly in humanities, with strong curriculum progression and support for all students.

Teaching and curriculum: Ambitious curriculum with effective teaching; some gaps in the consistency of written work and task quality.

Behaviour and culture: Positive pupil behaviour, good relationships, and a calm environment; strong extracurricular opportunities available.

Leadership and safeguarding: Strong leadership, with a clear vision for improvement; safeguarding procedures are effective, and staff morale is high.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Exam Format

Entry into Year 7 at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School is determined by the Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam, created and graded by GL Assessment.

The Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview

Admission is based on two multiple-choice tests held on consecutive Saturdays in September.

Paper One

Verbal Reasoning: This test assesses word-based logic, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

Paper Two

Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning: The second test focuses on visual patterns, problem-solving, and logical thinking with shapes and images.

GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria

English Maths Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning Additional

Pass Mark

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Horncastle uses the pass mark of a standardised score of 220 that is used by nearly all of the schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. The applicants are ranked in order of merit and the highest have greater priority.Ā 

Catchment Area

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School does not have a defined catchment area, but it uses primary feeder schools and free transport areas for its oversubscription criteria.

Additional Eligibility

Typically, applicants must rank within the top 25% to qualify. If the number of qualifying applicants exceeds available spaces, the school applies the following order of priority:

  • Looked after children and all previously looked after children.

  • Children who meet the qualifying standard and are eligible for pupil premium or service premium.

  • Children whose permanent address is within the designated free transport area, prioritised by total entrance test scores.

  • Eligible children from outside the designated area, ranked by their total test scores.

Click here to learn more about Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School’s admissions policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School

Supporting your child’s preparation can enhance their confidence and help them perform better. Here are some essential tips:

Useful Tips

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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.

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Use Exam Papers

Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.

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Target Weak Areas

Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.

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Encourage Daily Reading

A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.

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Make Use of Online Resources

Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.

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Best Chance of Success

Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.

COMING SOON

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 dates for the entry exam and application process for Queen Elizabthe’s Grammar School.

Test Registration Opens

Early May 2025
Date passed

Registration Deadline

Late June 2025
Date passed

Verbal Reasoning Test

Saturday 13th September 2025
Date passed

Non-Verbal Reasoning Test

Saturday 20th September 2025
Date passed

Results Issued

Friday 10th October 2025
Date passed

Common Application Form Deadline

Friday 31st October 2025
Date passed

Offer Day

Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Application Process

To apply for a Year 7 place at The Henrietta Barnett School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.

1

Admissions Policy 2026

Make sure you read the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.

View Admissions Policy
2

Register for the 11 Plus

Registration for the 11 Plus can be completed via the Lincolnshire County Council website.

Visit Council Website
3

Common Application Form (CAF)

This form is submitted through your local authority website, with Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School listed as a preference.

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School – Horncastle FAQs

To apply, register for the 11 Plus through the Lincolnshire County Council website and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority.

The 11 Plus exam consists of two multiple-choice tests: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning, both lasting 50 minutes and administered in September.

Entry is competitive, with applicants typically needing to be in the top 25% of results in the 11 Plus exam to qualify for a place.

The school does not have a strict catchment area but uses feeder schools and proximity for its oversubscription criteria, with priority given to children in the designated transport area.

Schools Nearby

10 schools found within 25 miles of Horncastle


Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School - Horncastle

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Street, Horncastle
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
0.3 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

King Edward VI Academy

King Edward VI Academy, West End, Spilsby
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
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King Edward VI Grammar School-Louth

King Edward VI Grammar School, Edward St, Louth
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
11.5 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School- Alford

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar, Station Road, Alford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
12.2 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Boston High School

Boston High School, Spilsby Road, Boston
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
15.8 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Boston Grammar School

Boston Grammar School, Rowley Road, Boston
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
16.6 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Carre's Grammar School

Carre’s Grammar School, Northgate, Sleaford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
18.8 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Skegness Grammar School

Skegness Grammar School, Vernon Road, Skegness
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
19 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Kesteven and Sleaford High School

Kesteven & Sleaford High School, Jermyn Street, Sleaford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
19.1 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Caistor Grammar School

Caistor Grammar School, Church Street, Caistor
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
21.7 Miles Away Medium Competition View School