The 11 Plus Test for Grammar Schools in Lincolnshire UK : Everything You Need to Know
The 11 Plus Test for Grammar Schools in Lincolnshire: Everything You Need to Know
The 11 Plus test is the entrance exam required for students who wish to attend one of Lincolnshire’s prestigious grammar schools. This test is a vital part of the selection process, assessing students’ reasoning skills and determining whether they are a good fit for the academically demanding environment of a grammar school. If you’re planning for your child to take the 11 Plus, this guide will provide essential details on the application process, test format, eligibility, and the schools included in the Lincolnshire Consortium.
1. What is the 11 Plus Test?
The 11 Plus is an entrance exam designed to test a child’s academic abilities, typically taken by students in Year 6 for entry into Year 7 at grammar schools. It assesses verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning skills, which are critical for success in a grammar school environment.
2. Eligibility for the 11 Plus Test
- The test is generally taken by children aged 10 or 11, in Year 6.
- Students from both local and independent primary schools can take the exam, and students from outside the Lincolnshire area are also eligible.
3. How and When to Apply
- Applications open: Parents must register for the 11 Plus between January and March of Year 5.
- Test dates: The exam is conducted in September of Year 6, and the results are released by October.
- Applications are handled either via the Lincolnshire Consortium’s online portal or through individual grammar schools, depending on the specific school’s procedure. In addition, parents must submit the Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) for secondary school preferences.
- You can register with any schools for the 11 plus test, but it doesn’t qualify for the admissions. This is only for children to take up the exam, so you can check the nearby schools by website or by phone from your home for the registration process. They will send one online form to fill the details about your child, school, date of birth and email, phone no’s; this will be used as a source of contact for all the communications. After filling the form don’t worry about that, most of the schools acknowledge and send you confirmation mails. After few months certain school will call you for mock test conducted on their own, if you interested you can go and check the ability on mock tests. School mail will have some attachment about the process and policies might be study materials links.
Sample Form
4. The Test Format
In Lincolnshire, the 11 Plus exam consists of two papers:
- Verbal Reasoning: This paper tests logic, comprehension, and the ability to understand language and solve puzzles.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning/Spatial Reasoning: This paper focuses on problem-solving skills that involve visual patterns, sequences, and spatial understanding.
Each paper carries 141 marks, and the scores from both papers are standardized to account for age differences. The pass mark is typically set at 220 or above (combined total), though achieving this score does not guarantee admission as some schools have additional oversubscription criteria.
5. Which Grammar Schools are in the Lincolnshire Consortium?
The Lincolnshire Consortium consists of several grammar schools that use a common 11 Plus test. These schools include:
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Alford
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle
- Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough
- King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth
- Spalding Grammar School
- Spalding High School
- Boston Grammar School
- Carre’s Grammar School, Sleaford
- Skegness Grammar School
- The King’s School, Grantham
- Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
- Bourne Grammar School
It is important to note that Caistor Grammar School is not part of the Lincolnshire Consortium and conducts a separate entrance exam. Parents must check directly with Caistor Grammar for its specific admissions procedure and deadlines.
6. Passing Scores and Admissions
- Standardized Score: The pass mark is generally set at a score of 220 across both papers.
- Schools can be oversubscribed, so even if your child meets the pass mark, admission may depend on factors such as proximity to the school or whether the child qualifies for any special consideration (e.g., pupil premium eligibility).
- Most grammar schools follow a priority system, including catchment area restrictions and a tie-breaking lottery if necessary.
7. Appeals Process
If a child does not meet the required pass mark, parents may still appeal the decision. Appeals usually involve submitting supporting evidence, such as reports from the child’s current school or extenuating circumstances that may have affected their performance on the test day.
8. Top Tips for Parents
- Early preparation: Begin working on 11 Plus practice papers in Year 4 or early Year 5 to familiarize your child with the test format.
- Mock tests: Practice exams can help your child improve their time management and identify areas where they may need extra help.
- Support: Keep a balanced approach to study and relaxation to avoid putting undue pressure on your child. Encouragement and emotional support are key during the preparation process.
Dates for your diary
Friday 10th January 2025: Lincolnshire Grammar School 11+ registration opens
Monday 31st March 2025: Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ registration closes
Saturday 13th September 2025: Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ verbal reasoning paper
Saturday 20th September 2025: Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ non-verbal reasoning paper
Mid-October 2025: Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ results day
Friday 31st October 2025: secondary school common application deadline
Monday 2nd March 2026: national school offers day
Conclusion
The 11 Plus test is a critical part of gaining entry into Lincolnshire grammar schools. Understanding the application timeline, exam format, and which schools are part of the Lincolnshire Consortium will help ensure that you and your child are well-prepared for the journey ahead. Always remember to check with the individual grammar school or the Lincolnshire Consortium website for the latest updates on test dates and admission policies, as they can vary slightly each year.
For more details and practice papers, visit the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools website or the relevant grammar school’s site.
Website : https://www.grammarschools.lincs.sch.uk/home/
Books
11+ GL Verbal Reasoning Practice Book & Assessment Tests – Ages 9-10 (with Online Edition) (CGP GL 11+ Ages 9-10) – https://amzn.to/4e6bQ4U
11+ GL Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Book & Assessment Tests – Ages 9-10 (with Online Edition) (CGP GL 11+ Ages 9-10) – https://amzn.to/4dZCUmj
For mock test
GL Assessment – Monthly
GL Assessment – Annual
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