Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some questions that we find prospective parents often ask.  On the “About QEGS” information pages for our Early Years and Junior School, you will find some more FAQs, together with our answers, that relate more specifically to the information needs of parents considering our Junior School or Early Years Department for their child.  You can either navigate direct to them using the top bar, or simply click the relevant link in the line above.

 

At what ages do you accept pupils?

Pupils are normally admitted to the school at the ages of 3, 4, 7, 11 or 16, although there may be vacancies at other ages and it is always advisable to ask us.

 

How early do we need to apply?

You can apply as soon as you wish and, if there are more applications than places for a particular year group, we will consider them according to the date the fully completed application was received.  However, in most cases, there is no need to apply until the autumn of the year before entry.

 

Does it cost anything to apply?

There is a non-returnable registration fee to cover administration costs: this is currently £25.

 

Do all prospective pupils have to sit an exam?

Yes, except for those applying for entry to Early Years, where there will be an informal assessment with a teacher, and for the Sixth Form, where candidates will be interviewed by the Headmaster.

 

What is the school’s catchment area?

We attract pupils from a radius of about 20 miles from Blackburn; from Chipping in the north to Bolton in the south and from west of Preston to the county boundary in the east.  In essence, we cover what most parents see as a realistic daily travelling distance for their children.

 

Are the routes for the school buses fixed?

They are reviewed each year in the light of the demand for them.  If variations to individuals routes are needed, or an extra stop required, then (subject to our school bus operator, Holmeswood, agreeing they are feasible) we will make such changes.

 

Do we need to tell our current school that we are applying to come to Queen Elizabeth’s?

It is advisable to do so as, at Junior School level and above, we will always ask them for a reference or school report, as part of our normal admissions process.

 

How many pupils join you from state schools?

This varies significantly from year to year, but it would not be unusual in the First Year of Senior School (Year 7) for half our pupils to have joined from state schools.  In the Sixth Form, up to 15% of students may join us after taking GCSEs at a state school.

 

Which is the best age for pupils to enter Queen Elizabeth’s?

There is no “best age”.  All candidates are judged by the same standards, regardless of the age at which they join.  The largest intake is at age 11 into Year 7, but some parents may prefer their son or daughter to join our Junior School before that time.  Obviously, we would like to think the longer a pupil is here the more they will benefit, but each parent will need to decide what they think is the best for their child.

 

Do you take equal numbers of boys and girls?

We offer places according to ability and potential, regardless of gender.

 

QEGS has a reputation for sport, but what if my child isn’t particularly sporty?

We do indeed have a reputation for sport and encourage all pupils in the value of taking healthy exercise.  But we are also very keen on aesthetic pursuits, particularly Drama and Music, and the list of clubs and activities available to our pupils includes Books, Crafts, Debating, Mandarin Chinese, Music Theory, Orchestra and Make Your Own Tea, so we hope there is plenty for everyone.

 

What is the school’s policy on bullying?

We have a clear anti-bullying policy, which we enforce rigorously.  There can be no place for bullying in a school such as ours, which places great emphasis on respect for the individual but in those rare cases when it happens, as it does from time to time in every school, we want to know about it and do something about it.  Please click here to access our current policy on the subject.

 

What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?

A scholarship is an award (of up to 100% of fees) based on academic merit; some scholarships are also means-tested.  A bursary is a fee reduction available to parents who cannot afford the full fees.  These are awarded according to individual circumstances and a degree of flexibility is required. That said, as a very rough guide, if your family income is less than £45,000 you are likely to qualify for consideration for a bursary. Funds are, of course, limited so it is important to complete a bursary form when you make your initial application. Bursaries are awarded by the Headmaster, are means-tested, and are re-assessed each year.

 

Is there a separate application form for scholarships?

Not for the John Law Scholarship, which goes to the top-performing pupil of those who accept a place at 11+, although we ask prospective Sixth Formers to let us know if they wish to be considered for one of the academic scholarships on offer at that level.  For bursaries, there is a statement of financial means to be completed and we will supply forms on request.

 

Click here to read more details about financial assistance, including scholarships and bursaries.

 

What about school uniform?  Do pupils throughout the school wear the uniform?

There is a school uniform that is specified up to the Sixth Form.  We have introduced the wearing of “business suits” for our Sixth Form in recent years, with very positive results.  For the rest of the school, the uniform requirements are set out in the Handbook for Parents that is made available to all new parents and thereafter on request.  We do appreciate the costs for parents of buying school uniform and we work with retailers and manufacturers to ensure our uniform is reasonably priced.  We also believe that there are significant benefits in having a school uniform, not least that it helps to maintain good discipline on the school site and beyond and enables our pupils to convey to the outside world a positive message about their school.

 

Whom should we ask if we have any more questions?

Please telephone, write or email.  Click here to find out how to contact us.