Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
How many metres are there in 2.5 km?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 2500 m
How to work it out
1 km = 1000 m, so 2.5 km = 2,500 m.
Queen Margaret’s, York: 11 Plus entry
A independent school in Yorkshire for girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Independent school
- Pupils
- Girls
- Area
- Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- Independent school 11+ (own papers)
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Highly selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 80% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Independent school 11+ (own papers)
Most independent schools set their own maths and English papers in January of Year 6, often with a reasoning test, creative writing and an interview.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ assessment | Maths | 25 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | English | 12 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Puzzles & Problem Solving | 15 | 30 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The Independent school 11+ (own papers) covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in January.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “vibrant” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, bright and full of life
How to work it out
- “Vibrant” (adjective) means bright and full of life.
- For example: The market was vibrant with colour and noise.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
The first pair of letters changes into the second in a certain way. Which pair completes the second set in the same way?
UX is to XA as CF is to ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, FI
How to work it out
- From UX to XA, the first letter moves forward 3 and the second letter moves forward 3.
- Do the same to CF: FI.
Why the other options are wrong
- A (EI): The first letter is one place short.
- B (FJ): The second letter has moved one place too far.
- C (IF): The letters are the right way round in the first pair; they are swapped here.
- D (ZC): This moves the letters the wrong way along the alphabet.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which of the shapes below could join this group?
The group
Show the worked answer
Answer: A
How to work it out
- Every shape in the group has the same number of dots as it has sides.
- Shading and rotation change freely, so they are distractors.
Other selective schools in Yorkshire
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Queen Margaret’s, York use?
Queen Margaret’s, York uses the Independent school 11+ (own papers), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Queen Margaret’s, York?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 80% consistently in practice for a highly selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Queen Margaret’s, York?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in January.
Preparing for Queen Margaret’s, York?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Queen Margaret’s, York. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.