Lincolnshire Grammar Schools: Entry Requirements and Preparation

Lincolnshire is one of England's largest selective education systems, with eight state grammar schools across the county. These schools—including Lincoln Grammar School, Boston Grammar School, and Grantham Grammar School—educate some of the region's most able students and consistently deliver strong academic outcomes.

If your child is preparing for entry to Lincolnshire grammar schools, understanding the entry process, exam format, and preparation timeline is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Lincolnshire Grammar Schools: The Eight Schools in the System

Lincolnshire operates one of England's largest selective education systems. The eight grammar schools are:

• Lincoln Grammar School: Boys' grammar school in Lincoln; academically selective with strong sciences and humanities
• The Priory Federation Lincoln LSST (Lincoln): Mixed grammar school; also includes Croft Primary Academy
• Boston Grammar School: Mixed grammar school in Boston; notable for languages and sciences
• Grantham Girls Grammar School: Girls' grammar school in Grantham; strong all-round provision
• Kesteven and Sleaford High School: Girls' grammar school in Sleaford; high attainment, STEM-focused
• Caistor Grammar School: Mixed grammar school; smaller, rural setting but strong outcomes
• Market Rasen Grammar School: Mixed grammar school; rural setting with good pastoral care
• Corby Glen High School: Mixed secondary school; small but selective entry

Some of these schools have more competitive entry than others, but all are selective. Competition varies by catchment area and how many places each year group needs.

The Lincolnshire 11 Plus Entry Assessment

Which Format Does Lincolnshire Use?

Lincolnshire uses the GL Assessment 11 Plus format, specifically the Common Entrance Assessment (CAT) reasoning tests alongside subject-specific papers in English and Maths. The system changed in 2021 to introduce the GL Assessment format, moving away from previous testing arrangements.

Structure of the Lincolnshire 11 Plus Exam

The entrance assessment typically comprises:

• English (written paper): Reading comprehension and language mechanics. Usually 60 minutes, assessing reading accuracy, comprehension, and written expression.
• Maths (written paper): Arithmetic and problem-solving. Usually 60 minutes, covering the full primary maths curriculum.
• Reasoning (usually administered by schools): Verbal and non-verbal reasoning elements that follow GL Assessment conventions, though some schools add their own reasoning assessments.

Some Lincolnshire grammar schools use cognitive ability testing (CAT scores) to identify able students. Speak with your primary school about whether your child's school administers CAT—this can influence preparation strategy.

Timing of the Assessment

The Lincolnshire 11 Plus assessment typically takes place in October/November of Year 6, with results issued in December. This timeline is earlier than many other selective authorities, so preparation should be well underway by summer of Year 5.

Entry Requirements and Cut-Off Marks

Typical Cut-Off Scores

Lincolnshire grammar schools typically operate a system where the top 20-25% of candidates gain places, though this varies by school and year. Approximate cut-off scores (out of combined totals):

• Lincoln Grammar School: Typically 260-290 out of 400 (highly selective)
• Boston Grammar School: Typically 240-280 out of 400 (moderately selective)
• Grantham Girls Grammar School: Typically 250-290 out of 400 (selective)
• Kesteven and Sleaford High School: Typically 260-300 out of 400 (highly selective)
• Caistor Grammar School: Typically 200-240 out of 400 (moderately selective)
• Market Rasen Grammar School: Typically 190-230 out of 400 (least selective)

Important: These are approximate figures based on historical trends. Actual cut-offs vary year to year depending on cohort ability. Your child's primary school will have more precise data from recent years.

Fair Banding and Wider Access Initiatives

Lincolnshire grammar schools are committed to widening access. Some use Fair Banding systems that ensure places go to able students from all backgrounds. If your family receives Free School Meals, is in a Pupil Premium category, or comes from an underrepresented area, ask whether your target school operates a Fair Banding system. Additional support may be available.

Preparation Timeline for Lincolnshire Grammar School Entry

With the assessment in October/November of Year 6, a realistic preparation timeline is:

1. Summer of Year 4: Introduce the concept of grammar school entrance. Begin light practice with reasoning puzzles and games.
2. Autumn/Winter of Year 4: Gentle weekly practice (1-2 hours) across all four areas. Focus on familiarity, not intensity.
3. Spring/Summer of Year 5: Increase to 3-4 hours per week. Begin taking timed practice papers.
4. Autumn of Year 5: Maintain 3-4 hours weekly. Take mock exams monthly; identify weak areas.
5. Spring of Year 6: Increase slightly to 4-5 hours weekly if needed. Target weak areas specifically.
6. Summer of Year 6: Maintain weekly practice (3-4 hours) but keep intensity manageable to avoid burnout.
7. September (month before exams): Final intensive preparation. Take full mocks weekly under strict timed conditions.
8. October (exam month): Light taper for 2 weeks before the assessment. Maintain confidence; avoid new material.

This timeline assumes aiming for selective grammar schools like Lincoln or Grantham. If targeting less selective schools, 6-8 months of focused preparation is often sufficient.

Subject-Specific Preparation for Lincolnshire Entry

English Paper Preparation

The English paper tests:

• Reading comprehension: Understanding passages, answering questions, drawing inferences
• Grammar and punctuation: Identifying errors, understanding sentence construction
• Vocabulary: Word meanings, synonyms, context-based usage
• Spelling and handwriting: Some schools assess written presentation

Preparation strategy: read widely (fiction, non-fiction, newspapers), complete daily comprehension practice, and build a strong vocabulary. The Lincolnshire 11 Plus English paper rewards reading fluency and comprehension—children who read regularly typically perform well.

Maths Paper Preparation

The Maths paper covers:

• Number and arithmetic: All four operations, fractions, decimals, percentages
• Problem-solving: Multi-step problems requiring reasoning
• Shape, space, and measures: Geometry, area, perimeter, volume
• Data handling: Graphs, charts, basic statistics

Preparation strategy: identify gaps in primary curriculum (often fractions and percentages), practise problem-solving regularly, and build fluency with times tables and mental arithmetic. Maths requires both accuracy and speed—timed practice is essential.

Reasoning Preparation

Lincolnshire entry often involves reasoning assessment. This includes:

• Verbal reasoning: Analogies ("cat is to kitten as dog is to..."), logic problems, word relationships
• Non-verbal reasoning: Pattern spotting, shape rotation, visual sequences

Reasoning isn't taught in the primary curriculum, so preparation requires explicit, regular practice. Many children find reasoning difficult initially but improve markedly with consistent work.

Quality Resources for Lincolnshire 11 Plus Preparation

Official Resources

Lincolnshire schools publish sample papers and guidance on their websites. Download these directly—they show the exact format and difficulty level your child will face.

Commercial Resources

• Bond Assessment Papers: Authentic papers in GL Assessment format, aligned to Lincolnshire entry
• Black Lace papers: Comprehensive practice papers with detailed marking guidance
• CGP Study Guides: Age-appropriate, well-structured revision guides for each subject

Free Resources

• Applaa: Free, AI-powered 11 Plus revision app providing adaptive learning tailored to your child's level, with instant feedback on every question
• BBC Bitesize: Free secondary resources covering English, Maths, and reasoning
• Khan Academy: Free maths foundation-building
• Your child's primary school: Usually has sample papers and can advise on local entry patterns

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

Challenge 1: Stress and Anxiety

The Lincolnshire assessment is high-stakes. Children can become anxious about entry. Mitigate this by:

• Framing it positively ("a chance to show what you can do," not "a test you might fail")
• Taking practice papers without pressure—this is learning, not testing
• Celebrating effort and improvement, not just correct answers
• Maintaining balance with other activities (sports, hobbies, friendship time)

Challenge 2: Disparities Between Subjects

Many children are strong in Maths but weak in reasoning (or vice versa). Identify your child's natural strengths early, then dedicate time to weak areas without neglecting strengths.

Challenge 3: Timing and Pace

The assessment papers are timed tightly—roughly 1-2 minutes per question in some sections. Your child must learn to work quickly without panicking. This speed develops through practice, not instruction.

Challenge 4: Motivation Over a Long Timeline

Preparation from Year 4 through Year 6 is a long journey. Maintain motivation by:

• Setting short-term goals (e.g., "improve reasoning score by 5% this month")
• Using varied, engaging resources (mix paper-based with apps like Applaa)
• Celebrating progress regularly
• Taking genuine breaks when needed

What Happens After You're Offered a Place?

If your child is offered a place at a Lincolnshire grammar school, you'll receive an offer letter by December of Year 6. You must formally accept the place by the specified deadline (usually in January).

Transition arrangements typically include:

• Open evenings and transition events during spring and summer of Year 6
• Summer transition workshops (often 1-2 days) in July/August before Year 7
• Mentor assignments at some schools to support new students

The transition to grammar school is significant, but most children settle quickly. Grammar schools expect to teach to the ability of their intake, so your child isn't "behind" compared to other grammar school entrants.

If Your Child Doesn't Gain a Place

Not all able children gain grammar school places—selection is competitive, and some high-ability students don't get in due to timing, circumstances, or pressure. If your child doesn't gain a place:

• You can appeal if you believe the assessment wasn't fair. Ask your primary school about appeal procedures.
• Your child may be allocated to a comprehensive secondary school which will also have high-attaining provision.
• Some comprehensive secondaries have grammar streams where students are taught with other high-attaining peers.
• Individual progress and wellbeing matter more than which school type—many students thrive in comprehensive schools.

The 11 Plus assessment is one point in time, not a judgment of ability. Many successful students didn't gain grammar school places.

Key Takeaways: Lincolnshire Grammar Schools

Here's what every parent should know:

• Lincolnshire has eight grammar schools; all are selective but with varying difficulty
• Entry assessment uses GL Assessment format with English, Maths, and Reasoning components
• Preparation timeline: ideally 18-24 months from summer of Year 4 through Year 6
• Cut-off marks vary (200-300 out of 400) depending on the school and year
• Resources exist both commercially and free (Applaa, BBC Bitesize, school-provided papers)
• Quality preparation combines understanding with practice under timed conditions
• Balance preparation with maintaining your child's wellbeing and confidence

Conclusion: Entry to Lincolnshire Grammar Schools

Lincolnshire grammar schools offer excellent secondary education to the region's most able students. Entry is competitive but fair, and families with realistic timelines and quality preparation resources see strong results.

Start preparation early (summer of Year 4 is ideal), understand the GL Assessment format, use a mix of commercial and free resources, and balance intensive practice with maintaining your child's wellbeing. With structured preparation, realistic expectations, and understanding of what Lincolnshire grammar schools assess, you're setting your child up for success whether or not they gain a selective place.