Queenswood School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent girls' school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
• Founded: 1894
• Students: Approximately 550
• Boarding: Day and boarding options available
• Distance from London: 20 miles

About Queenswood School

Queenswood School has been providing exceptional education for girls since 1894, nestled in the picturesque setting of Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire. This prestigious independent school combines academic rigour with a nurturing environment that celebrates each girl's individual strengths and aspirations.

The school's beautiful 120-acre campus offers state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, a purpose-built sixth form centre, and extensive sports facilities. Queenswood's commitment to holistic education ensures girls develop not only academically but also creatively, socially, and emotionally.

What sets Queenswood apart is its focus on developing confident, articulate young women who are well-prepared for university and beyond. The school maintains excellent university placement records, with many students progressing to Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

The school offers flexible boarding arrangements, allowing families to choose between full boarding, weekly boarding, or day places, making it accessible to families across the wider London and Home Counties area.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Queenswood School publishes day fees of £9,720 (Year 7) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at Weekly boarding (up to 5 nights): £11,565; Full boarding: £13,785 (Year 7) per term, 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 Thursday 1 October 2026 (for September 2027 entry; scholarship applicants must indicate intent on the registration form by this date too). The assessment takes place on Wednesday 4 November 2026 or Thursday 12 November 2026 (allocated after registration deadline). Candidates sit entrance papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning, plus an interview with the Principal or a senior member of staff, alongside a reference from the candidate's current headteacher. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Queenswood School's 11+ assessment process is designed to identify girls who will flourish in their academically challenging yet supportive environment. The assessment takes place in January for September entry and consists of several components:

Academic Assessments

Candidates sit papers in:

• Mathematics: Testing numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level
• English: Assessing reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and creative writing skills
• Reasoning: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tasks to evaluate logical thinking and pattern recognition

Interview Process

All candidates attend an individual interview with senior staff members. This conversation explores:

• The candidate's interests and hobbies
• Her motivations for wanting to join Queenswood
• Her understanding of the school's values and community
• Her aspirations and goals

School References

Queenswood requests a comprehensive reference from the candidate's current headteacher, providing insight into her academic progress, character, and contribution to school life.

How to Apply

The application process for Queenswood School follows a structured timeline to ensure families have ample opportunity to explore the school thoroughly:

Registration Process

• Initial Registration: Submit the online registration form by the school's deadline, typically in September for the following year's entry
• Registration Fee: Pay the required registration fee to secure your daughter's assessment place
• School Visits: Attend open events or arrange a private tour to experience the school's atmosphere firsthand

Assessment Timeline

• January: Assessment day for all registered candidates
• February: Results notification and offer letters sent
• March: Acceptance deadline for places offered

Required Documentation

• Completed registration form
• Copy of candidate's birth certificate or passport
• Recent school reports (typically the last two years)
• Headteacher's reference

Families are encouraged to visit the school website regularly for updated information about open events and application deadlines, as these can vary slightly from year to year.

Preparing for the Queenswood School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Queenswood 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.