Queen's College Taunton: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Co-educational independent day and boarding school
• Age Range: Nursery to Sixth Form (0-18 years)
• Location: Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4QS
• 11+ Assessment: January of Year 6
• Head of College: Julian Noad
• Specialisms: Performing and Creative Arts, Outdoor Education
• Day Fees 2025-26: £10,602 per term (including VAT)
• Academic Results 2024: 38% GCSE grades 9-7, 35% A-level A*/A grades

About Queen's College Taunton

Nestled on the edge of historic Taunton with stunning views across the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, Queen's College has been providing exceptional education since 1843. Originally founded by the Wesleyan Methodist Church and housed in Taunton's Norman Castle, the school has evolved into one of the South West's premier co-educational institutions, recognised as a centre of excellence for performing arts and outdoor education.

The gothic-style main building, dating from 1845, houses state-of-the-art facilities including some of the country's finest performing arts venues. The school's commitment to creative excellence is matched by its comprehensive outdoor education programme, taking advantage of Somerset's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With admissions increasing by 12% in recent years, Queen's College has established itself as the family school of choice in the region.

The school's all-through structure from nursery to sixth form creates a unique family atmosphere where pupils benefit from continuity and strong pastoral care. Recent achievements include alumna Becky Wilde's bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in rowing, demonstrating the school's commitment to developing excellence across all pursuits.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Queen's College

Queen's College conducts its 11+ entrance assessment in January of Year 6, providing families with sufficient time to prepare whilst ensuring thorough evaluation of each candidate's potential. The assessment is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's supportive yet academically rigorous environment.

The examination covers core academic areas essential for secondary school success:

• Mathematics: Including fractions, decimals, probability, area, algebra, problem-solving, geometry, and ratio
• English: Comprehensive assessment of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and reading comprehension
• Reasoning Skills: Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning to assess logical thinking and analytical abilities

Following the written assessment, successful candidates are invited for an interview with senior staff members. This provides an opportunity to discuss the pupil's interests, aspirations, and how they might contribute to the Queen's College community. The school also requires a comprehensive report from the candidate's current school along with academic references.

How to Apply

The application process for Queen's College Taunton is designed to ensure the best possible match between pupils and the school's educational philosophy. Prospective families should begin the process well in advance of the January assessment date.

Application requirements include:

• Completed application form submitted through the school's official channels
• Current school report covering the previous academic year
• Academic references from current teachers
• Registration fee payment

The school operates a holistic admissions approach, considering not only academic potential but also how each candidate might benefit from and contribute to the Queen's College community. Given the school's strength in performing arts and outdoor education, pupils with interests or talents in these areas are particularly encouraged to highlight relevant experience.

For specific deadlines and detailed application guidance, families should contact the admissions team directly at [email protected] or through the school's website at queenscollege.org.uk.

Preparing for the Queen's College Taunton 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Queen's College Taunton 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in the South and South West and further afield work with us online, 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.