Lancashire & Cumbria Grammar Schools (GL Assessment) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
While Lancashire and Cumbria have fewer grammar schools than regions like Kent or Buckinghamshire, the ones they do have are high-performing, selective schools, many of which use the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam for Year 7 admissions.
🧠 Grammar Schools in Lancashire & Cumbria Using GL Assessment
Lancashire:
- Lancaster Royal Grammar School (LRGS) – Boys
- Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School (LGGS)
- Clitheroe Royal Grammar School (CRGS)
Cumbria:
- Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS), Penrith
🔍 Individual School Profiles
🔹 1. Lancaster Royal Grammar School (LRGS)
- Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
- Founded: c.1235 (Royal Charter in 1472)
- Type: Boys’ grammar (Co-ed Sixth Form)
- Pupils: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Outstanding
- 11+ Provider: GL Assessment
Highlights:
- One of the oldest grammar schools in the UK
- Offers day and boarding options (one of the few state boarding schools)
- Academic excellence in Sciences, Maths, and Classics
- Strong Oxbridge and medical school admissions
- Extensive sports, CCF, and music programmes
🔹 2. Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School (LGGS)
- Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
- Founded: 1907
- Type: Girls’ grammar (Co-ed Sixth Form)
- Pupils: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Outstanding
- 11+ Provider: GL Assessment
Highlights:
- Regularly ranked among the top girls’ grammar schools in the North
- Excellent exam results in STEM, English, and Languages
- High progression to Russell Group universities and Oxbridge
- Strong extracurricular programme and student leadership opportunities
🔹 3. Clitheroe Royal Grammar School (CRGS)
- Location: Clitheroe, Lancashire
- Founded: 1554
- Type: Co-educational grammar school
- Pupils: ~1,300
- Ofsted: Outstanding
- 11+ Provider: GL Assessment
Highlights:
- Academic excellence at both GCSE and A-Level
- Known for strength in Humanities, Maths, and Sciences
- High number of university entries, including Law, Medicine, and Engineering
- Dynamic Sixth Form with a wide range of subject options and enrichment
🔹 4. Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS), Penrith
- Location: Penrith, Cumbria
- Founded: 1564
- Type: Co-educational grammar school
- Pupils: ~900
- Ofsted: Good with Outstanding features
- 11+ Provider: GL Assessment
Highlights:
- One of Cumbria’s only grammar schools
- Strong community ethos with excellent academic results
- Particularly strong in Science, Maths, and English
- Offers extensive sports, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and outdoor activities
- High university progression, especially in STEM and healthcare fields
📊 Academic Reputation Overview
| School Name | GCSE 7–9 (%) | A-Level A*-B (%) | University Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRGS | ~85–90% | ~80–90% | Oxbridge, Russell Group, Medicine, Engineering |
| LGGS | ~85–90% | ~80–90% | Russell Group, STEM, Law, Languages |
| CRGS | ~80–85% | ~75–85% | Medicine, Economics, Law, Humanities |
| QEGS (Penrith) | ~75–80% | ~70–80% | Strong STEM and health science progression |
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- Ofsted “Outstanding” for LRGS, LGGS, and CRGS
- Strong participation in:
- UKMT Maths Challenges
- Science & Physics Olympiads
- Young Enterprise competitions
- Debating & Model United Nations
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award widely offered
- Music, Drama, CCF, and high-level sports teams
- LRGS and LGGS have boarding rated among best for state-funded boarding by national league tables
🧪 GL Assessment 11+ – Overview
- All four schools listed use GL Assessment for their 11+ entrance exams
- Usually includes:
- English (Comprehension & SPaG)
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Administered typically in September of Year 6
- Admissions are highly competitive, especially for LRGS and LGGS
Grammar schools in Lancashire and Cumbria using GL Assessment offer an exceptional academic education, a rich co-curricular life, and an inclusive ethos. They combine centuries-old tradition with modern success, consistently sending students to top universities and professions.
They are an excellent choice for families seeking grammar school education in the North West of England.
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Admissions info: Lancashire County Council, 0300 123 6707 | Cumbria County Council, 01228 221582
Lancashire & Cumbria Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(Using GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Tests)
In Lancashire and Cumbria, a small number of state-funded grammar schools use the GL Assessment 11+ test for Year 7 entry. Each school sets its own admissions policy and organises its own testing, although the format is broadly consistent.
🏫 Grammar Schools in Lancashire & Cumbria That Use the GL Assessment Test
Lancashire:
- Lancaster Royal Grammar School (Boys; co-ed Sixth Form)
- Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
- Clitheroe Royal Grammar School (Co-educational from Year 7)
Cumbria:
- Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith (QEGS) – Co-educational
✅ 11+ Admissions Criteria (2025 Entry)
All of these schools use a GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam that includes:
🔹 GL 11+ Test Subjects
- English (Reading comprehension, grammar)
- Mathematics (KS2 content)
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning (varies by school)
These are multiple-choice papers, usually sat on the same day or across two sessions.
🔹 Scoring & Selection
- Each paper is standardised for age.
- Candidates are ranked by their total standardised score.
- Schools set a cut-off score each year depending on the number of applicants and performance.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 Grammar School Entry
Each school requires two separate steps:
🔸 Step 1: Register for the 11+ Entrance Test
- Register directly with the grammar school through their website (not via a consortium).
- Registration typically opens in April/May and closes in June/July.
- You’ll receive details about the exam day and arrangements.
🔸 Step 2: Take the Test
- Test date: Usually September (dates vary slightly by school)
- Test location: At the school or a designated test centre
🔸 Step 3: Receive Results
- Results are sent to parents in October, before the secondary school application deadline.
- You’ll be informed whether your child has met the standard for that school.
🔸 Step 4: Submit the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF)
- Deadline: October
- Submit via your home local authority
- List your preferred grammar school(s) in your order of choice
🔸 Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers made on 1st March
📌 Oversubscription Criteria (Varies by School)
Most schools use the following order of priority if more students qualify than places available:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium / Free School Meals applicants
- Siblings of current pupils
- In-catchment area applicants
- Rank order of score
- Distance from school (used as a tie-breaker)
🔗 School-Specific Admissions Pages
-
Lancaster Royal Grammar School:
www.lrgs.org.uk -
Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School:
www.lggs.org.uk -
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School:
www.crgs.org.uk -
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (Penrith):
www.qegs.cumbria.sch.uk -
Lancashire County Council Admissions:
www.lancashire.gov.uk -
Cumbria County Council Admissions:
www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
