About Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) is a boys independent day school in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. GCSE 9-7: 90%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) Admissions Criteria
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) is a boys independent day school in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)'s own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
Step 1 — Visit QEGS Wakefield
Visit QEGS Wakefield (part of Wakefield Grammar School Foundation alongside Wakefield Girls' High School)
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the WGSF admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your son's current school
Step 5 — Your son sits the QEGS 11+ entrance exam
Your son sits the QEGS 11+ entrance exam — English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) Wakefield is an independent boys' school for ages 7-18 in West Yorkshire (founded 1591 by Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I). Part of the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation (alongside Wakefield Girls' High School and Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School). Over 430 years of education. Headmaster: Dr Richard Brookes. ISI 'Excellent' rated. 85%+ A-Level grades A*-B. Strong STEM focus.
Independent Practice Papers for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) (GCSE & A-Level Results)
QEGS is one of the leading independent schools in the North, ranking first in Wakefield for GCSE outcomes, with strong A-Level results and a tradition of Oxbridge entry.
- GCSE: a strong record (ranked first in Wakefield for GCSE outcomes).
- A-Level: strong results, with many pupils progressing to leading universities including Oxbridge.
- Progression: pupils progress to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
QEGS is an independent day school (no boarding) and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Wakefield and a wide area of West Yorkshire, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives; the school is easily reached by school buses and train, and many pupils travel some distance.
The school is in central Wakefield; entry points run from the Junior School through 11+ and into the Sixth Form. From September 2026, admissions are to the Foundation’s new combined co-educational school (see below).
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded by Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1591, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) Wakefield is a historic independent day school and one of the leading independent schools in the North, with the motto ‘Turpe Nescire’ (it is a disgrace to be ignorant) and a strong tradition in academics, rugby and music. It forms part of the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation alongside Wakefield Girls’ High School and a pre-preparatory school. Importantly, from September 2026 the Foundation’s three schools come together as a single co-educational, diamond-model school — Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wakefield — for ages 3–18: fully co-educational in the primary years (3–11), with single-sex academic lessons in the senior years (11–16) and a fully co-educational Sixth Form (16–18).
It offers an extensive co-curricular, super-curricular and ‘Pathways to Success’ programme spanning sport (notably rugby), music, drama and more. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)
How do I get into Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)?
To gain entry to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) use?
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)?
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)?
Yes. Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)?
Most independent schools including Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS)?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS). No registration required.
When is the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) is See WGSF admissions website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) 11+ results announced?
At Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS), 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.