Lincolnshire Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Lincolnshire is one of the few counties in England that retains a fully selective grammar school system, with 15 grammar schools across the county. These schools are state-funded, academically selective, and use the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test for Year 7 admissions.
🧠 11+ GL Assessment in Lincolnshire
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Format:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
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Provider: GL Assessment
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Test Timing: Taken during the Autumn Term of Year 6
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Entry: Open to all applicants; results determine eligibility for grammar school placement
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Highly competitive in areas like Grantham and Lincoln, but more accessible in rural areas
🏫 List of Lincolnshire Grammar Schools Using GL Assessment
📍 Lincoln
- Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School
- Lincoln Minster School (Independent – not grammar)
📍 Grantham
- The King’s School (Boys)
- Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
📍 Boston
- Boston Grammar School (Boys)
- Boston High School (Girls)
📍 Sleaford
- Carre’s Grammar School (Boys)
- Kesteven and Sleaford High School (Girls)
- St George’s Academy (Partially selective, includes grammar stream)
📍 Spalding
- Spalding Grammar School (Boys)
- Spalding High School (Girls)
📍 Skegness
- Skegness Grammar School
📍 Louth
- King Edward VI Grammar School (Co-ed)
📍 Gainsborough
- Queen Elizabeth’s High School (Co-ed)
📍 Horncastle
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (Horncastle)
🔍 School-by-School Highlights
🔹 The King’s School, Grantham
- Founded: 1528
- Type: Boys’ grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- One of England’s oldest grammar schools
- Attended by Sir Isaac Newton
- High academic outcomes, especially in STEM
- Exceptional Oxbridge and medical school entries
🔹 Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School (KGGS)
- Founded: 1910
- Type: Girls’ grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Good with Outstanding features
Reputation:
- Former school of Margaret Thatcher
- Consistently strong academic results
- Enrichment in debating, music, and international links
🔹 Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,300
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Popular mixed grammar school
- High-performing in Sciences, English, and Languages
- Strong Sixth Form and Oxbridge success
🔹 Carre’s Grammar School, Sleaford
- Type: Boys’ grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
- Pupil Numbers: ~900
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Focus on sport and academic achievement
- Partnerships with other local grammar schools
- Offers a broad Sixth Form curriculum
🔹 Boston Grammar School & Boston High School
- Type: Single-sex grammars (Boys & Girls)
- Pupil Numbers: ~800–1,000 each
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Strong traditional grammar education
- Excellent community links and pastoral care
- Good university progression, especially in local context
🔹 Spalding Grammar School (Boys) & Spalding High School (Girls)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000 each
- Ofsted: Good / Outstanding
Reputation:
- Strong results in rural south Lincolnshire
- Known for developing well-rounded students
- Strong in English, history, sport, and sciences
🔹 Skegness Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~800
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- High aspirations despite regional challenges
- Part of the David Ross Education Trust
- Focus on academic growth and enrichment
🔹 King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth
- Type: Co-educational
- Founded: 1276
- Pupil Numbers: ~850
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Ancient school with modern facilities
- Strong academic results and inclusive ethos
- Focus on languages, classics, and STEM
🔹 Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle
- Type: Co-educational
- Pupil Numbers: ~900
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Rural excellence, broad Sixth Form offer
- Outstanding student support and academic development
📈 Academic Reputation Overview
| School Name | GCSE (7–9) | A-Level (A*-B) | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| King’s School, Grantham | ~85–90% | ~80–85% | STEM, History, Oxbridge |
| KGGS | ~85% | ~75–80% | Languages, Sciences, Leadership |
| Queen Elizabeth’s High (Gainsborough) | ~80–85% | ~75% | Balance of academic and pastoral support |
| Spalding High & Grammar | ~75–80% | ~70–75% | English, Science, Sport |
| Skegness Grammar | ~70%+ | ~65–70% | Community-based aspiration, enrichment |
🏆 Awards & Enrichment
Most Lincolnshire grammar schools offer:
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- Oxbridge mentoring and UCAS support
- UKMT Maths Challenges
- STEM Olympiads
- Public speaking & debating
- Cultural trips & international exchanges
- Strong links with universities across the Midlands and North
The grammar schools of Lincolnshire, using the GL Assessment 11+, combine historic prestige, academic excellence, and community values. From top-performing schools like The King’s School, Grantham and KGGS, to inclusive co-ed institutions in rural areas, Lincolnshire offers diverse selective school options across the county.
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Lincolnshire 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 Lincolnshire 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 Lincolnshire 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 Lincolnshire 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.
Lincolnshire 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 Lincolnshire Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Lincolnshire Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(GL Assessment Grammar Schools – Entry)
Lincolnshire has 15 selective grammar schools, and entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the 11+ entrance test, which is provided by GL Assessment. Each grammar school in Lincolnshire sets its own admissions policy, but they all follow the same testing process.
🏫 Lincolnshire Grammar Schools (Examples)
| School | Location | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School | Horncastle | Co-ed |
| Caistor Grammar School | Caistor | Co-ed |
| King Edward VI Grammar School | Louth | Co-ed |
| Spalding Grammar School | Spalding | Boys (co-ed Sixth) |
| Spalding High School | Spalding | Girls |
| Grantham Girls’ High School | Grantham | Girls |
| The King’s School | Grantham | Boys |
| Bourne Grammar School | Bourne | Co-ed |
| Boston Grammar School | Boston | Boys |
| Boston High School | Boston | Girls |
✅ All Lincolnshire grammar schools use the same 11+ GL Assessment tests. Most are state-funded and free to attend.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria – Overview
To be eligible for admission to a Lincolnshire grammar school, students must:
🔹 1. Pass the 11+ Selection Tests
There are two GL Assessment test papers:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning
- Both tests are multiple choice and standardised for age.
- The tests are usually taken in Year 6 during September.
- A minimum standardised score of 220 (across both papers) is required to qualify as “grammar eligible” — this may vary slightly by school.
🔹 2. Meet Oversubscription Criteria
If more students pass than there are places available, the school’s admissions criteria will be applied. These may include:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Siblings already attending the school
- Distance from the school (straight-line or driving distance)
- In-catchment area applicants (where applicable)
- Pupil Premium / Free School Meals eligibility
📝 How to Apply for Lincolnshire Grammar Schools
✅ Step 1: Register for the 11+ Test
- You must register directly with each grammar school your child is applying to.
- Registration opens: Spring–Summer
- Registration closes: Usually by early July
- You’ll receive confirmation and test details from the school.
✅ Step 2: Sit the 11+ Tests
- Usually held over two Saturdays in September
- Tests are taken at the grammar school or a local test centre
✅ Step 3: Receive Test Results
- Results are released by mid-October (before the CAF deadline)
- You’ll be told whether your child has met the grammar standard
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- List your chosen grammar schools via your local authority
- Deadline: 31st October
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers are made on 1st March
🔗 Useful Links
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Lincolnshire County Council Admissions:
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/school-admissions -
Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools Info:
www.grammarschools.lincs.sch.uk -
GL Assessment:
www.gl-assessment.co.uk
ℹ️ Important Notes
- Out-of-county students can apply but must register for the test directly with the school(s).
- You must apply to each school separately if applying to more than one grammar school.
- Practice papers are usually sent to registered candidates a few weeks before the exam.
