Queen Anne's School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent boarding and day school for girls
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Caversham, Reading, Berkshire
• Founded: 1894
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 450 pupils
• Campus: 35-acre grounds with modern facilities
• Boarding: Nearly half of pupils are boarders
• Academic Performance: Students achieve 1.5 grades higher than expected
• Entry Points: Primarily 13+ (Year 9), limited 11+ places available

About Queen Anne's School

Queen Anne's School has been nurturing young women's potential for over 130 years from its picturesque campus in Caversham, Reading. This distinguished girls' school combines the best of traditional values with forward-thinking education, creating an environment where academic excellence flourishes alongside personal development.

The school's 35-acre campus provides an exceptional learning environment, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, specialised science laboratories, arts studios, and extensive sports facilities. The blend of boarding and day pupils creates a vibrant community where girls from diverse backgrounds form lasting friendships and support networks.

What sets Queen Anne's apart is its commitment to developing confident, articulate young women who are prepared for the challenges of modern life. The school's holistic approach ensures that whilst academic achievement remains paramount, equal emphasis is placed on character development, leadership skills, and community engagement. Girls are encouraged to pursue their passions through an extensive co-curricular programme spanning sports, arts, music, and drama.

The school's outstanding academic results speak to the quality of teaching and pastoral care provided. With students consistently achieving 1.5 grades higher than expected at both GCSE and A Level, Queen Anne's demonstrates its ability to maximise each girl's potential whilst maintaining the supportive, nurturing environment for which it is renowned.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Queen Anne's School publishes day fees of £9,325 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £18,420 to £18,985 per term, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on 19 October 2026. The assessment takes place on 7 November 2026. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Whilst Queen Anne's School primarily focuses on 13+ entry into Year 9, the school does consider applications for 11+ entry into Year 7 on a case-by-case basis. For families seeking earlier entry, the assessment process is tailored to evaluate younger pupils' academic potential and readiness for the school's challenging curriculum.

The 11+ assessment at Queen Anne's typically includes:

• Mathematics Assessment: Testing numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 pupils
• English Assessment: Evaluating reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills
• Reasoning Tests: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments to gauge cognitive ability
• Interview: A personal interview with senior staff to assess character, motivation, and suitability for the school community

The school recognises that younger pupils may benefit from a slightly different approach to assessment, ensuring that the process is age-appropriate whilst maintaining the rigorous standards expected of Queen Anne's pupils. Successful candidates demonstrate not only academic ability but also the maturity and enthusiasm necessary to thrive in the school's dynamic environment.

How to Apply

Applications for Queen Anne's School should be submitted well in advance, as places are highly sought after. The application process involves several key stages:

Registration:
Complete the school's registration form and submit it by the specified deadline. Early registration is strongly advised, particularly for boarding places.

Assessment Day:
Attend the designated assessment day where pupils will complete written examinations and participate in an interview process.

School Reports:
Provide comprehensive reports from your daughter's current school, demonstrating her academic progress and character.

References:
Submit references from current teachers or headteachers who can speak to your daughter's academic ability and personal qualities.

Interview:
Both parents and pupils will have the opportunity to meet with senior staff to discuss expectations and ensure mutual suitability.

The school operates a rolling admissions process for 11+ entry, though families are encouraged to apply by the autumn term preceding the intended year of entry. Places are offered based on academic merit, interview performance, and the school's assessment of each candidate's potential to contribute positively to the Queen Anne's community.

Preparing for the Queen Anne's School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Queen Anne's School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.