Bourne Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Bourne Grammar School.
How to get into Bourne Grammar School
Bourne Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Lincolnshire. To get into Bourne Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Bourne Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 240 places annually [1].
Children must achieve a minimum standardised score of 220 across both papers of the Lincolnshire 11+ examination (see key dates). The school typically selects children working within the top 25% of their year group nationally.
Bourne Grammar School does not have a catchment area, meaning families from any location can apply. The school does not prioritise applications based on 11+ scores once the minimum qualifying standard is met.
Application Process
Families must complete two separate registration processes for admission. First, register for the Lincolnshire 11+ examination between 10th January 2025 and 31st March 2025 (see key dates) through any participating grammar school website.
Second, submit a Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates). This form becomes available from early September and must list Bourne Grammar School as one of the preferred choices.
The school accepts applications from both Lincolnshire residents and non-residents. Lincolnshire families apply directly to the school, while non-residents apply through their home local authority.
- Complete online 11+ registration by 31st March 2025 (see key dates)
- Submit the CAF form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- Attend optional familiarisation session on 6th September 2025 (see key dates)
- Contact the school information section for specific guidance
Examination Details
The Lincolnshire 11+ consists of two papers taken on consecutive Saturdays in September. The verbal reasoning test occurs on Saturday 13th September 2025, followed by the non-verbal and spatial reasoning test on Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates).
The verbal reasoning paper contains 80 questions split across 15 sections with a 50-minute time limit. The non-verbal and spatial reasoning paper includes 70 questions across 5 sections. Both papers use multiple-choice format with separate answer sheets for electronic marking.
Results are sent to families by mid-October 2025, indicating whether children have met the qualifying standard (see key dates). Both papers must be completed for a valid full score.
Oversubscription Criteria
If more than 240 qualifying applicants apply, the school uses oversubscription criteria to allocate places. Children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school receive places first.
Priority is then given in the following order: looked after and previously looked after children, children with siblings currently at the school, children of staff employed for two or more years, and 35 places for pupils eligible for Pupil Premium.
Remaining places are allocated by distance from home to school, with straight-line distance calculated electronically by Lincolnshire County Council. Special arrangements apply for UK service personnel and Crown servants.
Preparation Guidance
Families should begin preparation using a "little and often" approach with regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11. The examination aims to identify the top 25% of children based on ability.
The school offers a familiarisation session on Saturday 6th September 2025, which is not mandatory but recommended (see key dates). This helps children become familiar with examination conditions.
For comprehensive preparation resources, families should access free practice papers. Professional tutoring support is available through specialist 11+ tutors who understand the specific requirements of the Lincolnshire 11+ format.
- Start preparation 12-18 months before the examination date
- Focus on verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning skills
- Practice time management using mock examination conditions
- Attend the school's familiarisation session if possible
- Complete regular practice tests to build confidence
- Consider professional tutoring for targeted support
Key Dates and Timeline
January to March 2025: 11+ registration opens 10th January and closes 31st March (see key dates). Families should register early to secure a place in the examination.
September 2025: Familiarisation session on 6th September, verbal reasoning test on 13th September, and non-verbal reasoning test on 20th September (see key dates).
October to March 2026: Results arrive by mid-October 2025, CAF deadline 31st October 2025, and school offers confirmed in March 2026 (see key dates).
Practical Advice
On examination day, children should arrive early and bring pencils, erasers, and a clear water bottle. All answers must be marked on separate pre-printed answer sheets. Calculators and mobile phones are not permitted.
Families should have backup school options ready, as passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place at any specific grammar school due to oversubscription. Consider other Lincolnshire 11+ schools and local comprehensive schools.
If children experience exam anxiety, a methodical preparation approach can alleviate unnecessary stress. Timed mock tests help children manage questions promptly and confidently.
- Visit the school during open events to familiarise children with the environment
- Practice examination technique including bubble sheet completion
- Ensure adequate sleep and healthy breakfast on exam days
- Prepare alternative school choices in case of unsuccessful application
- Contact the school information section for specific concerns
Lincolnshire 11+ Information
In order to get into Bourne Grammar 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
To secure a place at Bourne Grammar School, prospective students must sit the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools 11 plus exam. This assessment consists of two separate papers, each focusing on different areas of reasoning ability.
The first paper, Verbal Reasoning, comprises 80 questions divided into 15 sections. Students are allotted 50 minutes to complete this paper, which evaluates their ability to analyze and interpret written information.
The second paper assesses both Non-verbal and Spatial Reasoning skills through 70 questions split across 5 individually timed sections. This paper examines a student's capacity to recognize patterns, solve problems, and visualize spatial relationships. All questions in the Lincolnshire 11 plus are presented in a multiple-choice format, with answers recorded on separate sheets for electronic marking.
Other Schools using Lincolnshire 11+
As well as Bourne Grammar School, several other schools also use Lincolnshire 11+. These are:
- Boston High 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Bourne Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar School
Unfortunately, Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Bourne Grammar School, South Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9JE |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk/ |
| Telephone | 01778422288 |
| Email Address | admissions@bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk |
| Gender | Mixed (both girls and boys) |
| Total Year 7 Places | 240 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1708 (810 Girls / 898 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr Alastair Anderson |
Bourne Grammar School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) 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 1,708 pupils attend Bourne Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Alastair Anderson.
Bourne Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Bourne Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 11/10/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 04/12/2022, 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 | 11/10/2022 | 1 | 04/12/2022 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Bourne Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 11 October 2022 and received an overall rating of Good. The school demonstrated Outstanding performance in several areas, including Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, and Sixth form provision.
The school's Personal development and Leadership and management were both rated as Good. This indicates that the school provides a well-rounded education, focusing not only on academic achievement but also on the personal growth and well-being of its students.
The Outstanding ratings in key areas such as Quality of education and Sixth form provision showcase Bourne Grammar School's commitment to providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences for its students, preparing them for success in their future academic and professional endeavors.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar 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) | 44 | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 19 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Biology | 162 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 14 | 39 | 42 | 65 |
| Chemistry | 161 | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 32 | 32 | 48 | 44 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 58 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 10 | 13 |
| Design & Technology | 47 | - | - | - | 3 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 7 |
| English Language | 245 | - | - | - | 10 | 19 | 48 | 71 | 47 | 29 | 21 |
| English Literature | 245 | - | - | 4 | 5 | 11 | 37 | 71 | 49 | 39 | 29 |
| French | 13 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 2 | 10 |
| Geography | 140 | - | 1 | - | 5 | 4 | 19 | 34 | 24 | 31 | 22 |
| German | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| History | 131 | - | 3 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 25 | 22 | 34 | 7 |
| Mathematics | 245 | - | - | - | 3 | 20 | 36 | 46 | 45 | 60 | 35 |
| Music | 19 | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| Physics | 161 | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 25 | 39 | 37 | 55 |
| Religious Studies | 95 | - | - | 2 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 22 | 14 | 20 | 12 |
| Spanish | 238 | 1 | - | 1 | 4 | 19 | 72 | 29 | 39 | 40 | 33 |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 59 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 14 | 13 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 57 | - | - | - | 8 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 13 | 7 | 3 |
| Statistics | 55 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 11 | 6 | 23 | 12 |
| Science: Double Award | 83 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 13 | - | - | - | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Biology | 67 | - | 2 | 4 | 8 | 17 | 22 | 14 | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 56 | - | 4 | 7 | 21 | 18 | 5 | - | |||
| Chemistry | 54 | - | 3 | 4 | 13 | 8 | 16 | 9 | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 14 | - | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||
| Design and Technology (Engineering) | 9 | - | - | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | - | |||
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 11 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Economics | 40 | - | 1 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 10 | - | |||
| English Language | 35 | - | - | 6 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 3 | |||
| English Literature | 31 | - | 1 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 3 | 4 | |||
| French | 6 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||
| Geography | 29 | - | 2 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 4 | 1 | |||
| Government and Politics | 9 | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 4 | - | |||
| History | 39 | - | - | 2 | 7 | 13 | 14 | 3 | |||
| Law | 39 | - | 4 | 4 | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | |||
| Mathematics | 71 | - | 1 | 6 | 11 | 11 | 32 | 10 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 9 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 22 | - | 1 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 8 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Physics | 31 | - | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 13 | 6 | |||
| Psychology | 51 | - | 2 | 5 | 11 | 18 | 12 | 3 | |||
| Religious Studies | 14 | - | 1 | - | 5 | 2 | 5 | - | |||
| Sociology | 37 | - | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 7 | 2 | |||
| Spanish | 15 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 9 | 3 | |||
FAQ
Is Bourne Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Bourne Grammar 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 Bourne Grammar School a private school?
No, Bourne Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Bourne Grammar School free?
Yes, Bourne Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Bourne Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Bourne Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Bourne Grammar 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.
