About Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools
This area has five grammar schools — four in Lancashire and one in Cumbria: Lancaster Royal Grammar School (boys), Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School, and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith. They are separate admissions authorities, so you register with each school individually.
Most use GL Assessment — Lancaster Royal, Clitheroe Royal and Bacup & Rawtenstall test English, mathematics and verbal reasoning — while Lancaster Girls’ uses the Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) test. Each school sets its own test date and registration window.
For September 2027 entry, the Lancaster schools’ test is Saturday 26 September 2026, with the others in late September; results follow in mid-October. You then list schools on your home authority’s (Lancashire or Cumbria) Common Application Form by 31 October, with offers on National Offer Day (1 March). Entry is by test score, then each school’s catchment/distance criteria.
Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools
The five grammar schools across Lancashire and Cumbria, each running its own entrance test. Click any school for its detailed admission guide, test format, catchment and key dates:
These schools are separate admissions authorities with their own tests and dates, so register with each individually. Lancaster Royal and Queen Elizabeth, Penrith also offer boarding; all allocate places by test score then distance.
About the Lancashire & Cumbria 11+
There is no single shared test across these five schools — each sets its own entrance test and date, and you register with each school directly.
GL Assessment is used by Lancaster Royal, Clitheroe Royal and Bacup & Rawtenstall, testing English, mathematics and verbal reasoning across multiple-choice papers (around 45–60 minutes each). Lancaster Girls’ uses the FSCE test, which assesses Key Stage 2 content in an inclusive format.
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith (Cumbria) runs its own selective test with an earlier registration deadline (around July). The Lancaster schools test on Saturday 26 September 2026, with the others in late September; results follow in mid-October.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools
These five schools run separate admissions: register with each school individually via its website. Windows vary — Queen Elizabeth, Penrith closes earliest (around July), while the Lancaster schools and Clitheroe Royal run into early/mid-September. The Lancaster schools test on Saturday 26 September 2026, with the others in late September; results arrive in mid-October. You then list schools on your home authority’s (Lancashire or Cumbria) Common Application Form by 31 October, with offers on National Offer Day (1 March). Entry is based first on test score, then each school’s catchment/distance criteria. Note the providers differ: Lancaster Royal, Clitheroe Royal and Bacup & Rawtenstall use GL Assessment, while Lancaster Girls’ uses the FSCE test.
What the Tests Cover
The GL schools (Lancaster Royal, Clitheroe Royal, Bacup & Rawtenstall) test English, mathematics and verbal reasoning; Lancaster Girls’ uses the FSCE test based on Key Stage 2 content. Practising realistic 11+ material across these areas is the most effective preparation.
Lancashire & Cumbria 11+ Practice Papers for Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools
Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Lancashire & Cumbria 11+
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Lancashire and Cumbria Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools are in Lancashire and Cumbria?
Five — four in Lancashire (Lancaster Royal, Lancaster Girls', Clitheroe Royal, Bacup & Rawtenstall) and one in Cumbria (Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith).
Do they share one test?
No — each school sets its own test and date, so you register with each individually.
Which test does each school use?
Lancaster Royal, Clitheroe Royal and Bacup & Rawtenstall use GL Assessment (English, maths, verbal reasoning); Lancaster Girls' uses the FSCE test; Queen Elizabeth, Penrith runs its own.
When are the tests?
The Lancaster schools test on Saturday 26 September 2026, with the others in late September; results follow in mid-October.
How do I register?
Register with each school directly via its website. Windows vary — Queen Elizabeth, Penrith closes earliest (around July), the Lancaster schools and Clitheroe Royal run into early/mid-September.
How do I apply for a place?
List schools on your home authority's (Lancashire or Cumbria) Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are made on National Offer Day (1 March).
Do any offer boarding?
Yes — Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith offer boarding alongside day places.
Does passing guarantee a place?
No — entry is by test score, then each school's catchment/distance criteria, so meeting the standard does not guarantee an offer.