Boston High School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Boston High School.
How to get into Boston High School
Boston High School is a selective secondary school in Lincolnshire. To get into Boston High School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Boston High School with all the important information you need to know.
About Boston High School
Boston High School is a selective grammar school for girls located on Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincolnshire [1]. The school also has a co-educational sixth form. The school was founded in 1921 on Carlton Road and moved to its current location in 1938.
Boston High School is a member of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools [1]. This means children applying to the school take the standardised Lincolnshire 11+ examination system.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). To apply for Year 7 at Boston High School, students must first sit an 11+ entrance test which is administered at the start of Year 6 in September [1].
To be eligible for a place at Boston High School, children must meet the minimum required standardised score on both papers [1]. Historically, the school has always been able to accommodate all girls who achieved the required standardised score in their 11+ test [1].
- Families must complete the online 11+ registration form by 31st March 2025 (see key dates) [1]
- Children take the 11+ test at their primary school [1]
- Families must name Boston High School on the secondary school common application form available from early September, submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- For specific eligibility criteria and contact details, see the school information section
The Lincolnshire 11+ Examination
The exam takes place in September in Year 6, with the first paper on Saturday 13th September 2025 and the second paper on Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates). The Lincolnshire 11+ consists of two separate papers taken on consecutive weekends.
The test consists of verbal reasoning with 80 questions split across 15 sections, and non-verbal reasoning. All questions are multiple-choice format with separate answer sheets marked electronically. Families must ensure they purchase multiple choice format practice materials, NOT standard format tests [1].
- Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning - tests language-based reasoning skills
- Paper 2: Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning - tests visual and abstract problem-solving
- Results are emailed to parents in mid-October (see key dates) [1]
- The test is designed to select children working in the top 25% of their year group
Application Process
Families must complete the online 11+ registration form by 31st March 2025, but this does not constitute an application to the school itself [1]. The application process involves two separate steps.
Step 1: 11+ Test Registration
- Complete online registration form by 31st March 2025 (see key dates) [1]
- Register via any participating Lincolnshire Consortium school website
- This allows children to sit the Lincolnshire 11+ for any grammar school in the consortium
Step 2: School Application
- After achieving the required score, submit Secondary School application choosing Boston High School as first preference [1]
- Common Application Form must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- Application submitted through home local authority (Lincolnshire County Council)
- Families have the right to appeal if unsuccessful [1]
Important Dates and Timeline
Families should note these critical deadlines for September 2026 entry:
- 11+ registration opens: Friday 10th January 2025 (see key dates)
- 11+ registration deadline: 31st March 2025 (see key dates) [1]
- Verbal reasoning exam: Saturday 13th September 2025 (see key dates)
- Non-verbal reasoning exam: Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates)
- Results released: mid-October 2025 (see key dates)
- School application deadline: 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- National school offers day: 2nd March 2026 (see key dates)
Preparation Guidance
Families should prepare children for the challenging Lincolnshire 11+ entrance test by building a good knowledge base. Using a 'little and often' approach is key, with regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes recommended for children aged 10-11.
Recommended Preparation Timeline:
- Year 5: Begin familiarisation with test formats and question types
- Early Year 6: Increase practice with timed mock papers
- Summer Year 6: Focus on exam technique and confidence building
- Ensure practice materials are multiple choice format, NOT standard format [1]
Free Resources:
For access to free 11+ practice papers and resources, families should visit our practice papers section.
Additional Support:
Families considering professional tutoring support can find guidance in our tutoring recommendations section.
Exam Day Guidance
Children will take both exam papers at their primary school [1]. The tests are administered over two consecutive Saturdays in September.
What to Expect:
- Multiple choice questions with separate electronic answer sheets
- Strict examination conditions following JCQ guidelines
- Digital or analogue clocks provided (children cannot bring watches)
- Short practice elements included in each test paper
- Approximately one hour per paper
Exam Day Tips:
- Arrive early and well-rested on both testing days
- Bring necessary stationery as specified by the primary school
- Practice bubble-sheet completion before exam day
- Remember that both papers must be completed to receive a score
- Stay calm and work systematically through each section
School Visit Opportunities
Although Year 5 Open Evening and School in Action Days have taken place, the school welcomes parents and prospective students for visits to see facilities and meet staff [1]. Families should contact the school to arrange a convenient visit time [1].
Contact details for arranging visits are available in the school information section.
Alternative Schools in Lincolnshire
Families should consider other grammar schools in the Lincolnshire 11+ consortium as backup options. All use the same examination system and dates.
- Boston Grammar School - selective boys' school (co-educational sixth form)
- Bourne Grammar School - co-educational grammar school
- Spalding Grammar School - selective boys' school
- Spalding High School - selective girls' school
- Carre's Grammar School - selective boys' school in Sleaford
- Kesteven and Sleaford High School - selective girls' school
- Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School - selective girls' school
Support and Appeals
All applicants have the right to appeal admission decisions [1]. Detailed appeals information is available through the school's appeals process.
For questions concerning admission procedures to Lincolnshire Grammar Schools, families should contact the school on 01205 310505 or email enquiries@bostonhighschool.co.uk [1]. Complete contact information is available in the school information section.
Managing Exam Stress
The 11+ examination can be stressful for children and families. Here are strategies to support children through the process:
- Maintain perspective: Remember that grammar school is one of many excellent educational paths
- Keep routines normal: Avoid over-preparing or disrupting family life
- Focus on effort not results: Praise children for working hard rather than achieving specific scores
- Plan backup options: Research and visit other excellent local secondary schools
- Support wellbeing: Ensure children maintain hobbies, exercise, and sufficient sleep
- Stay positive: Present the exam as an opportunity rather than a test of worth
Remember that Boston High School has historically accommodated all girls achieving the required standardised score [1], making it more accessible than many oversubscribed grammar schools.
Lincolnshire 11+ Information
In order to get into Boston High School, children need to pass the Lincolnshire 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Lincolnshire 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Lincolnshire 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
The 11 plus exam for Boston High School for Girls is administered by the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. The assessment consists of two separate papers that evaluate a student's abilities in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning.
The first paper focuses on verbal reasoning and includes 80 questions divided into 15 sections, with a time limit of 50 minutes. The second paper assesses non-verbal and spatial reasoning through 70 questions split across 5 individually timed sections.
All questions in the Lincolnshire 11 plus are presented in a multiple-choice format. Students record their answers on separate answer sheets, which are then electronically marked. The exams take place on two consecutive Saturdays in September.
Other Schools using Lincolnshire 11+
As well as Boston High School, several other schools also use Lincolnshire 11+. These are:
- Bourne Grammar School
- Carre's Grammar School
- Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School
- Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy
- King Edward VI Grammar School
- Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy
- Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle
- Skegness Grammar School
- Spalding Grammar School
- Spalding High School
- The Boston Grammar School
- The King's School, Grantham
- The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough
Lincolnshire 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Boston High School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
Lincolnshire 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Lincolnshire 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Boston High School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Boston High School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Boston High School) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 10/01/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar School 11+ Registration Opens | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 31/03/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Registration Closes | |
| 13/09/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Verbal Reasoning Paper | |
| 20/09/2025 | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Non-verbal Reasoning Paper | |
| Early October | Lincolnshire Grammar Schools 11+ Results Day | |
| Late October | Secondary School Common Application Deadline | |
| 02/03/2026 | National School Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Boston High School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Boston High School
As the Lincolnshire 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Boston High School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Boston High School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Boston High School
Unfortunately, Boston High School has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Lincolnshire 11+ Ensure you double-check with Boston High School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Lincolnshire 11+ to get into Boston High School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Boston High School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Lincolnshire 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Boston High School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Boston High School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Boston High School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Boston High School by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Boston High School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Boston High School, Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 9PF |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.bostonhighschool.co.uk/ |
| Telephone | 01205310505 |
| Email Address | schooladmissions@lincolnshire.gov.uk |
| Gender | Girls only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 108 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 833 (792 Girls / 41 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Andrew Fulbrook |
Boston High School is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 833 pupils attend Boston High School and it's led by the Headteacher, Andrew Fulbrook.
Boston High School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Boston High School was last inspected by Ofsted on 13/11/2014 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 25/02/2015, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 13/11/2014 | 1 | 25/02/2015 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Boston High School for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Boston High School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design (Fine Art) | 24 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | 6 | 5 | - | 7 |
| Biology | 119 | 1 | - | 1 | 9 | 28 | 34 | 18 | 15 | 5 | 8 |
| Business Studies:Single | 69 | - | - | 1 | 10 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 12 | 3 | 5 |
| Chemistry | 119 | - | - | 3 | 22 | 36 | 22 | 17 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 13 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | - |
| Design & Technology | 12 | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | - | - |
| English Language | 119 | - | - | - | 7 | 22 | 36 | 36 | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| English Literature | 119 | - | - | - | 9 | 30 | 33 | 25 | 14 | 5 | 3 |
| French | 51 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 23 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Geography | 41 | - | - | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| History | 79 | - | - | 2 | 4 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 7 |
| Mathematics | 119 | - | - | - | 2 | 23 | 48 | 22 | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| Music | 11 | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | 3 | 4 | 1 | - |
| Physics | 119 | - | - | - | 16 | 36 | 30 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Polish | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | 3 |
| Religious Studies | 50 | - | - | - | 5 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 9 |
| Sociology | 79 | - | - | 1 | 14 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 5 | 3 |
| Spanish | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 26 | - | - | - | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 11 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | - | |||
| Biology | 31 | - | 8 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 29 | - | 2 | 4 | 12 | 8 | 2 | - | |||
| Chemistry | 17 | - | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |||
| English Language | 19 | - | 1 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 2 | - | |||
| English Literature | 33 | - | 1 | 5 | 11 | 12 | 4 | - | |||
| Geography | 14 | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |||
| History | 21 | - | - | 4 | 9 | 4 | 4 | - | |||
| Mathematics | 16 | - | 4 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 16 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 9 | 3 | - | |||
| Music | 7 | - | - | 1 | 5 | - | - | - | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 13 | - | 2 | 3 | 2 | 6 | - | - | |||
| Physics | 11 | - | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Psychology | 71 | - | 9 | 23 | 26 | 9 | - | 1 | |||
| Religious Studies | 6 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | - | |||
| Sociology | 49 | - | 9 | 7 | 13 | 18 | 2 | - | |||
| Spanish | 7 | - | - | 2 | - | 3 | 2 | - | |||
FAQ
Is Boston High School hard to get into?
Yes, Boston High School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Boston High School a private school?
No, Boston High School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Boston High School free?
Yes, Boston High School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Boston High School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Boston High School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Boston High School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
Is Boston High School a girls-only school?
Yes, Boston High School is a girls-only school.
