Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools

If your child is in Year 5 or approaching it, and you live in Lincolnshire or nearby, you might be hearing a lot about the 11 Plus and the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And what should parents know before applying?

We break it all down for you in simple terms. Whether you’re new to the 11+ journey or just need a refresher, this guide will give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What is the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools?

The Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools is a group of 14 grammar schools across Lincolnshire that work together to manage the 11 Plus admissions process. Instead of each school running its own exam and process, the consortium ensures consistency in testing, timing, and standards.

This makes life easier for parents—if you’re applying to multiple grammar schools within the consortium, your child only needs to sit the 11+ test once.

Which Schools Are in the Consortium?

Here is a list of the grammar schools that are part of the Lincolnshire Consortium:

Co-education (mixed) grammar schools

Girls’ grammar schools

Boys’ grammar schools

What Is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus exam is an entrance test taken by children in Year 6 who wish to apply for a place at a grammar school for Year 7 entry. In Lincolnshire, this test is used by all consortium schools to assess whether a child is suitable for a selective (academic) education.

What Does the Lincolnshire 11 Plus Involve?

The Lincolnshire 11 Plus consists of two main papers:

  • Verbal Reasoning (VR) – Tests language, logic, and problem-solving skills.
  • Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning (NVR & SR) – Tests pattern recognition, logic, and spatial awareness.
  • Each test is around 50 minutes long, and children usually take them a week apart in September of Year 6.
  • These papers are produced by GL Assessment, a well-known exam provider for 11 Plus tests in the UK.

How Is the Test Scored?

Each paper is standardised, meaning scores are adjusted for age so that all children are fairly compared, regardless of their exact birth date. The scores are combined, and the usual pass mark is 220 or above. However, achieving this score does not guarantee a place—schools may still allocate places based on distance or other admission criteria.

When and Where Does My Child Sit the Test?

  • If your child attends a Lincolnshire primary schoo, they’ll usually sit the 11+ test at their own school.
  • If your child is from outside the area or attends a private school, they may be invited to take the test at one of the consortium grammar schools.
  • Tests usually take place in early to mid-September during Year 6, with results typically released in October, ahead of the application deadline for secondary schools.

How Do I Register My Child for the 11 Plus?

  • Registration usually opens in early May and closes by late June. You must register directly with the Lincolnshire grammar school you’re interested in (or through the consortium’s central application).
  • If you miss the deadline, your child may not be allowed to sit the test, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Top Tips for Parents

    • Register early – Don’t miss the summer deadline.
    • Know your schools – Check each grammar school’s admissions criteria.
    • Practice gradually – Little and often is better than last-minute cramming.
    • Keep it positive – Avoid putting too much pressure on your child.
    • Consider travel – Make sure the school location works for your family.

FAQ Section

Q1. What age do children take the 11 Plus in Lincolnshire?
Children take the 11+ exam at the beginning of Year 6, usually aged 10 or11.

Q2. How do I apply to a grammar school after the 11 Plus?
Once you receive your child’s 11+ results (usually in October), you’ll complete the secondary school application form through your local authority by 31st October.

Q3. Is the Lincolnshire 11+ exam hard?
The exam is challenging by design, as grammar schools are selective. However, with steady preparation and support, most children can feel confident tackling it.

Q4. Can children retake the 11 Plus in Lincolnshire?
No. The test is only taken once. However, some grammar schools may have appeal processes or late entry assessments.

Q5. What happens if my child doesn’t pass?
If your child doesn’t meet the qualifying score, they won’t be considered for a grammar school place, but they’ll still apply to local comprehensive or secondary schools. Always have backup options.

Conclusion

The Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools 11 Plus can seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and early preparation, it’s a manageable and even exciting journey for many families. Whether your child ends up attending a grammar school or not, the process itself can help build confidence, resilience, and academic skills.


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