Queen Elizabeth's Hospital: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Queen Elizabeth's Hospital (QEH)
• Location: Clifton, Bristol
• Type: Independent day school for boys (7-18), co-educational Sixth Form
• Founded: 1586
• Entry Points: 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+
• Application Deadline: November (Year 6)
• Assessment: Entrance examinations and interview
• Fees: Approximately £15,000-£18,000 per annum

About Queen Elizabeth's Hospital

Queen Elizabeth's Hospital occupies a magnificent Grade II listed building in Clifton, Bristol, where it has been educating boys for over four centuries. Known affectionately as "The City School," QEH combines its historic foundations with progressive educational approaches, creating an environment where academic excellence flourishes alongside character development.

The school's distinctive house system fosters healthy competition and pastoral care, whilst its location in vibrant Clifton provides unique opportunities for cultural enrichment. QEH boys benefit from the school's strong connections with Bristol's business community and universities, particularly the nearby University of Bristol. The recent introduction of girls to the Sixth Form has enhanced the school's dynamic, preparing students for the realities of higher education and professional life.

Academic results consistently place QEH amongst Bristol's top independent schools, with typically 85-90% of pupils achieving A*-B grades at A Level. The school's Science Centre and recently refurbished facilities support excellence across all subjects, whilst the extensive co-curricular programme includes everything from sailing on the nearby Bristol Channel to prestigious debating competitions.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Queen Elizabeth's Hospital

QEH's 11+ entrance examination takes place in January and comprises three core components designed to identify boys who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous environment.

Mathematics Paper

The mathematics assessment evaluates numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical knowledge appropriate for Year 6 pupils. Questions progress from straightforward calculations to more complex multi-step problems, testing both accuracy and mathematical thinking. Candidates should be comfortable with fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic geometry.

English Paper

The English examination includes comprehension, creative writing, and language skills. Boys encounter a literary passage followed by detailed questions testing inference, analysis, and vocabulary. The creative writing component allows candidates to demonstrate imagination and technical accuracy, whilst grammar and punctuation questions assess fundamental language skills.

Reasoning Assessment

QEH includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning elements to identify intellectual potential beyond curriculum-based knowledge. These papers test pattern recognition, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities that indicate academic promise across all subjects.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates attend an informal interview with senior staff, focusing on interests, motivations, and compatibility with QEH's values. The school seeks boys who will contribute positively to the community whilst benefiting from the opportunities available.

How to Apply

The application process for Queen Elizabeth's Hospital follows a structured timeline that families should observe carefully:

Registration

Registration opens in September for the following year's entry, with a deadline in early November. The online application form requires academic references from the candidate's current school, along with a registration fee. Early registration is advisable as places are limited and competition is intense.

Entrance Examinations

Registered candidates sit the entrance examinations in January at QEH's Clifton campus. The school provides detailed information about examination formats and timing, with sessions typically held on Saturday mornings to minimise disruption to current schooling.

Results and Offers

QEH communicates results by early February, with successful candidates receiving conditional offers pending satisfactory completion of Year 6. The school maintains a waiting list for additional places that may become available.

Acceptance and Confirmation

Families must confirm acceptance of offers by the specified deadline, typically in March, accompanied by a deposit. Final confirmation occurs following receipt of Year 6 school reports in the summer term.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in Queen Elizabeth's Hospital admissions gives your child the best possible preparation for this competitive process. Our Bristol-based tutors understand QEH's specific requirements and assessment style, having successfully prepared numerous candidates for entry.

Our comprehensive preparation programme includes intensive practice with QEH-style mathematics, English, and reasoning papers, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared on examination day. We focus particularly on the problem-solving approaches that QEH values, developing both technical skills and examination technique.

Beyond academic preparation, our tutors provide interview coaching tailored to QEH's informal style, helping candidates articulate their interests and motivations effectively. We understand the school's ethos and can guide families on how to present their child's suitability for this prestigious institution.

With our detailed knowledge of QEH's admission requirements and close monitoring of any changes to their process, Taylor Tuition ensures your application is perfectly positioned for success. Our track record with Bristol's top independent schools demonstrates our commitment to helping families achieve their educational aspirations.