Queen's Gate School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: 131-133 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LE
• Type: Independent day school for girls aged 4-18
• Pupils: Approximately 500 students
• Founded: 1891
• Principal: Miss Amy Wallace
• Fees: £7,620-£8,442 per term
• Assessment: English and Mathematics examinations plus interview
• Scholarships: Available in academics, arts, music, and sports

About Queen's Gate School

Queen's Gate School occupies a distinguished position in South Kensington, offering an exceptional educational experience for girls from Reception through to Sixth Form. Founded in 1891, this independent day school has cultivated a unique atmosphere where academic excellence flourishes alongside personal development.

The school's philosophy centres on creating an environment where happiness and security in learning form the foundation for achievement. With approximately 500 pupils, Queen's Gate maintains an intimate community feel that allows for personalised attention and individual growth. The school's distinctive approach includes no prescribed uniform, instead maintaining a strict dress code that reflects its commitment to developing confident, thoughtful young women.

Located in the heart of London's museum district, Queen's Gate School benefits from unparalleled cultural resources. Pupils regularly access world-class institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and Royal Albert Hall, enriching their educational experience beyond traditional classroom boundaries.

The school's academic programme emphasises critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, preparing girls for top universities whilst fostering creativity and independent thought. Queen's Gate's commitment to small class sizes ensures each pupil receives the support needed to achieve her highest potential across all subjects.

Fees and key dates for 2025/26 onward

Queen's Gate School publishes day fees of £9,447 per term for 2025/26 onward, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Friday 6 November 2026. Assessment dates: London 11+ Consortium exam: Tuesday 1 December 2026; interviews Saturday 9 and Saturday 16 January 2027. Candidates sit the London 11+ Consortium entrance examination, with scholarship candidates additionally undergoing Music/Drama/Art auditions or a PE assessment, followed by interview. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Queen's Gate School's 11+ assessment process reflects the institution's commitment to identifying girls who will thrive in its nurturing yet academically rigorous environment. The evaluation combines formal testing with personal interaction to assess both academic capability and potential fit within the school community.

Assessment Components:

• English Examination: Comprehensive evaluation of reading comprehension, creative writing, and analytical skills
• Mathematics Examination: Assessment of numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical understanding
• Principal's Interview: Personal discussion to understand the candidate's interests, aspirations, and compatibility with school values

The assessment process typically takes place in the autumn term prior to September entry. Candidates sit their examinations at the school, allowing them to experience the welcoming atmosphere and beautiful facilities firsthand.

Results from current school reports are also considered, providing a holistic view of each candidate's academic progress and potential. This comprehensive approach ensures that successful applicants will benefit from Queen's Gate's distinctive educational philosophy.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Queen's Gate School requires careful planning and preparation. Families should begin the process well in advance of their desired entry date.

Application Timeline:

• Registration: Submit application form and registration fee by early autumn
• Assessment Date: Examinations and interviews typically held in November/December
• Offers: Successful candidates receive offers in the spring term
• Acceptance: Places confirmed upon receipt of signed acceptance and deposit

Required Documentation:

• Completed application form
• Current school report
• Registration fee
• Passport photograph

Scholarship candidates follow the same application process, with awards determined by examination performance and interview outcomes. The school's scholarship programme recognises excellence across multiple disciplines, including academic achievement, artistic talent, musical ability, and sporting prowess.

For families requiring financial assistance, Queen's Gate offers a means-tested bursary programme. Financial assessments are conducted only after a place has been offered, ensuring the application process remains needs-blind.

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

Preparation for the Queen's Gate School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. 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.