11+ Preparation for Barnet's Super-Selective Grammar Schools

Targeted practice for Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet and The Henrietta Barnett School — two of the most competitive grammar schools in England.

Own school entrance tests: key facts

Typical test date: Early-mid September of Year 6, with a second stage typically following in October
Papers: Typically 2–4 papers across the stages depending on school
Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes per paper, varying by school
Subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Indicative qualifying threshold: Varies by school and year; as super-selectives, both schools typically require a very high standardised score with places offered strictly in rank order
Registration window: Spring–summer of Year 5 (deadlines vary by school; usually late spring to early summer)

Why Barnet is different

Barnet is home to two of the most sought-after grammar schools in the country: Queen Elizabeth's School (QE) for boys and The Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) for girls. Both are super-selective, meaning places are offered strictly in order of test performance rather than by distance, so applications arrive from across London and the surrounding counties.

Because both schools set their own entrance examinations rather than relying on a single external board, preparation needs to reflect each school's specific format and standard. Competition is intense, with thousands of applicants chasing a limited number of places each year, and in practice both schools operate a two-stage process to narrow the field.

For families in Barnet and neighbouring boroughs, strong, well-structured 11+ preparation is essential. The gap between a good score and a qualifying score at this level is small, so consistent practice in English, Maths and reasoning is what makes the difference.

How the Own school entrance tests is structured

Own-school entrance tests set independently by QE and HBS, not a single shared external paper.
Assessments cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning in a mix of formats.
Both schools typically run a two-stage process: an initial test followed by a further stage for the highest scorers.
Places are allocated in strict rank order of score, reflecting the super-selective admissions model.
Registration and testing arrangements are managed directly by each school, so families apply to each separately.

Notable grammar schools in Barnet

2 super-selective grammar schools.

Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (boys)
The Henrietta Barnett School (girls)
The Latymer School (nearby, Enfield)
Dame Alice Owen's School (nearby, partially selective)

How to prepare your child for the Barnet 11+

Start early and build breadth. Because QE and HBS test across English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, children benefit from steady exposure to all four strands from Year 5 rather than cramming one area late. Reasoning in particular rewards familiarity with question types, so regular short practice sessions tend to outperform occasional long ones.

Prepare for each school's specific format. Since both set their own papers, review each school's published guidance and past-paper information carefully, and practise under realistic timed conditions. The two-stage structure means stamina and consistency matter — a child who performs well in a first sitting still needs to be ready for a demanding second stage.

Focus on accuracy under time pressure. At super-selective level, marks are lost through careless slips as much as gaps in knowledge, so teaching a calm, methodical approach to checking work is one of the highest-value things you can do in the months before the test.

Frequently asked questions about the Barnet 11+

Which grammar schools are in Barnet?

The two main grammar schools are Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet for boys and The Henrietta Barnett School for girls. Both are super-selective and highly over-subscribed.

Are Barnet's grammar schools super-selective?

Yes. Both QE and HBS offer places strictly in order of test score rather than by home-to-school distance, which is why they attract applicants from across London and beyond.

What exam board do Barnet grammar schools use?

Rather than a single external board, both schools set their own entrance examinations. Preparation should therefore reflect each school's specific format and standard.

What subjects are tested for the Barnet 11+?

Assessments generally cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, though the exact balance and format differ between the two schools.

Is there a two-stage test in Barnet?

In practice both QE and HBS operate a multi-stage process, with an initial test followed by a further stage for the strongest candidates. Check each school's current guidance for details.

When should we register for the Barnet 11+?

Registration typically opens in the spring or summer of Year 5, with tests in the autumn of Year 6. Exact deadlines vary by school, so apply to each one directly and early.