Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
Barnet, Hertfordshire · EN5 4DQ
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet is a highly selective state grammar school for boys with a strong academic reputation and extensive co-curricular provision. Recently named Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year 2026, it combines rigorous academics with a broad pastoral structure organised around five houses. The school emphasises free-thinking scholarship, digital learning through a 1:1 device programme, and develops confident, able and responsible young men.
- →Consistently top-ranked state secondary school nationally (ranked 1st in Sunday Times rankings combining GCSEs and A-levels)
- →Selective entry ensures peer group of academically motivated boys; strong pastoral care through established house system
- →Comprehensive co-curricular programme including CCF, debating, drama, music, STEM activities and established sports tradition
Who thrives here
Academically ambitious boys who thrive in a competitive, selective environment and can engage with a broad academic and co-curricular programme. Pupils who value structure, tradition and belong to a large, well-established school community.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Queen's Road
Barnet, Hertfordshire
EN5 4DQ
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
John Lyons
Educational reformer, founder of Lyons Charitable Trust
Ralph Steadman
Cartoonist and illustrator, known for political artwork
Jonathan Powell
Chief of Staff to Tony Blair
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet cost?
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet?
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet's exam results?
At Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, 83.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 93.7% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet a boarding school?
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet is a day school in Barnet and does not offer boarding.
What is Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet “Outstanding” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Excellent academic outcomes and strong university destinations, particularly to Russell Group and Oxbridge
✓Supportive pastoral care through well-established house system; strong sense of community despite school size
✓Comprehensive co-curricular provision with strong CCF, music, drama and debating programmes
✓Digital innovation through 1:1 device programme enhancing learning
✓Strong discipline and traditional values balanced with modern teaching approaches
Common concerns
!Highly selective entry creates pressure; may not suit less academically confident boys
!Large school size (1305 pupils) means individual attention can be diluted; some parents report feeling their son is 'just a number'
!Competitive peer environment may create stress for some pupils
!Limited SEND provision due to selective grammar school model