QEGS's Secondary Transfer Test includes non-verbal reasoning, the section most children meet for the first time in the exam. Because the formats repeat - rotations, sequences, odd one out - practice converts them from puzzles into recognition, which is where the time saving comes from. Work in timed sets and review the wrong answers. The school's admissions page confirms this year's components.

For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School (QEGS) stands as a beacon of academic excellence in the United Kingdom, celebrated for its enduring tradition of success. Admission into this prestigious institution is competitive, requiring prospective students to excel in the Secondary Transfer Test (STT), a challenging assessment designed to evaluate academic potential and capabilities.

What Is the Secondary Transfer Test (STT)?

The STT is a critical component of the admission process at QEGS, focusing extensively on assessing the applicants' intellectual and reasoning abilities.

What is non-verbal reasoning in the STT?

The non-verbal reasoning section of the STT is designed to test spatial awareness, visual reasoning, and pattern recognition skills. This section includes various types of questions, such as:

- Completing patterns

- Rotating shapes

- Identifying shapes and symbols

Why Do Practice Materials Matter?

QEGS provides a plethora of resources to assist students in preparing for the STT, particularly the non-verbal reasoning portion. These include:

- Sample exam papers

- Revision guides

- Access to online resources

Utilizing these materials allows students to gain familiarity with the test format and structure, ensuring they are well-prepared on the day of the exam.

How Do You Prepare for the Non-Verbal Reasoning Section?

Effective preparation is key to succeeding in the non-verbal reasoning part of the STT. Here’s how students can optimize their study sessions:

How do you get familiar with exam format?

Students should begin their preparation by understanding the layout and types of questions featured in the STT. This foundational knowledge is crucial for efficient and focused study.

How Do You Achieve Effective Preparation?

To maximize their potential for success, students should employ strategic approaches to their preparation, including:

- Regular practice with sample exam papers to build familiarity and confidence

- Focused revision in areas of difficulty, as identified through practice

- Development of test-taking strategies, such as time management and methods for eliminating incorrect answers

What should you do next?

In conclusion, thorough preparation using the provided practice materials and sample papers is indispensable for students aiming to excel in the non-verbal reasoning section of the STT at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. By methodically preparing and utilizing effective strategies, students enhance their chances of securing a place at one of the UK's most esteemed educational institutions.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules: