Lancaster Royal Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Lancaster Royal Grammar School.
How to get into Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Lancaster Royal Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Lancashire. To get into Lancaster Royal Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Lancaster Royal Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
About Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Lancaster Royal Grammar School is one of the UK's top grammar schools and, as a state school, education is free for all pupils [1]. The school is an 11-18 boys grammar school in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, with its sixth form having opened to girls in 2019. The school is also a successful state boarding school, rated as 'outstanding' for boarding by Ofsted, with boarding costs approximately a third of independent school fees and no VAT charges [1].
Admission Requirements
Families must ensure their children will be age 11 years on entry [1]. Applications will also be considered from parents of boys age under 11 years on 31st August in the year of transfer, however, the Governors will require evidence of exceptional academic ability, together with adequate social and physical development to enable such boys to benefit from accelerated entry [1].
Priority is given to the sons of parents living within the boundaries of the Administrative City of Lancaster and all those from this area who reach the qualifying standards are offered places [1]. Lancaster Royal Grammar School offers 164 day boy places and 12 boarding places annually.

- Age requirement: Children aged 11 years on entry to Year 7
- Catchment area priority: Administrative City of Lancaster residents receive priority
- Entry qualification: Must pass the Lancashire 11+ examination
- Boarding places:12 places available with additional entrance exam in January 2026 (see key dates)
Application Process
The deadline for LRGS applications for 2025 entry is Monday 8th September 2025, and families must complete the online application form [1]. Families must also complete the LEA Common Application Form which is distributed by their primary school or home LEA, usually in September of Year 6, and should be submitted by the end of October [1].
The secondary school common application form will be available on families' home council website from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Parents need to name Lancaster Royal Grammar School as one of their preferred schools on this form.
- Complete the LRGS online application form by Monday 8th September 2025 (see key dates)
- Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- List Lancaster Royal Grammar School as a preferred choice on the CAF
- Register for the Lancashire 11+ examination by Monday 8th September 2025 (see key dates)
- For contact information and guidance, visit the school information section
The Lancashire 11+ Examination
The 11+ entrance tests take place at LRGS on Saturday 27th September 2025, consisting of three tests: Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and English, with Non-Verbal Reasoning not being used [1]. Results are sent to arrive with parents by Wednesday 8th October 2025 [1] (see key dates).

Lancaster Royal Grammar School uses the same 11+ exam as three other grammar schools in Lancashire, consisting of three test papers provided by GL Assessment with all questions being multiple-choice, where children use separate answer sheets marked electronically.
- Exam date:Saturday 27th September 2025 (see key dates)
- Location: Tests take place at Lancaster Royal Grammar School
- Format:Three papers - Mathematics, English, and Verbal Reasoning
- Question type: All multiple-choice questions using separate answer sheets
- Marking: Electronic marking system
- Results: Sent by Wednesday 8th October 2025 (see key dates)
Examination Details
The Lancashire 11+ consists of three separate test papers with specific timings and question numbers. The Mathematics test consists of 50 questions in a multiple-choice format and lasts for 50 minutes, measuring problem-solving abilities and arithmetic skills including questions on numbers, measurements, geometry, algebra and statistics.
The English test has two sections - one requiring students to read text extracts and answer questions about the passage, and one testing spelling, punctuation and grammar, with 56 multiple-choice questions lasting 45 minutes. The Verbal Reasoning test has 80 multiple-choice questions lasting 50 minutes, testing logical thinking, use of the English language and vocabulary.

- Mathematics:50 questions in 50 minutes covering arithmetic and problem-solving
- English:56 questions in 45 minutes covering comprehension and technical skills
- Verbal Reasoning:80 questions in 50 minutes testing logical thinking and vocabulary
- Total exam time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes across three papers
- Materials provided: Pencils and erasers supplied - no calculators or reference books allowed
Selection Process and Oversubscription
Children's marks in the 11+ are age-standardised to ensure younger children aren't disadvantaged, with all standardised scores placed in rank order from highest to lowest, and Lancaster Royal Grammar School setting a qualifying score based on this ranked list. Lancaster Royal Grammar School does not have a cut-off score - entry is based on the strength of 11+ candidates sitting the test, with the cohort selected from the ranked list of applicants.
If the number of children achieving the qualifying score exceeds available places, Lancaster Royal Grammar School applies oversubscription criteria, prioritising looked after or previously looked after children who achieve the minimum level or above in the entrance exam, or up to 5% below the minimum level. The school prioritises applicants in the following order:
- First priority: Looked after or previously looked after children achieving minimum level
- Second priority: Children in priority catchment area eligible for pupil premium
- Third priority: Children living within the priority catchment area
- Fourth priority: Children in residual catchment area with pupil premium eligibility
- Fifth priority: Children in residual catchment area achieving minimum level
- Final priority: Children outside catchment area achieving minimum level
Preparation Guidance
Building a good knowledge base before the 11+ is important, using a 'little and often' approach when learning as brains encode new information more effectively when dealing with smaller 'chunks' of information, with child psychologists recommending regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11. Pupils who score 75-85%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the 11+ test, and whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator for successful candidates.
To help children familiarise themselves with the format and types of questions found in the 11+ tests, GL Assessment have created free sample materials and practice papers available online, with the school advising not to use other practice papers from anywhere other than GL Assessment as there are organisations that charge large sums for practice papers not associated with LRGS [1].
- Study approach: Use 'little and often' method with 20-30 minute sessions
- Target performance: Aim for 75-85% in practice tests consistently
- Official resources: Use GL Assessment free sample materials only
- Practice papers: Access free practice papers
- Tutoring support: Consider professional guidance through 11+ tutoring services
- Timeline: Begin preparation at least 12 months before the exam date
Exam Day Preparation
Full details about the test, including room details, will be sent out in the week before the examination, with no dress code required, reference books, dictionaries and calculators prohibited, and stationery not required as pencils and erasers will be provided. Families should ensure children arrive well-rested and have eaten a good breakfast.
The examination takes place at Lancaster Royal Grammar School on Saturday 27th September 2025 (see key dates). Children should bring only essential items and arrive with plenty of time to settle before the examination begins.
- Venue information: Detailed instructions sent one week before the exam
- Dress code:No specific requirements - comfortable clothing recommended
- Prohibited items: Calculators, reference books, dictionaries
- Provided materials: Pencils and erasers supplied by the school
- Arrival: Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in procedures
- Preparation: Ensure adequate sleep and nutritious breakfast
Backup School Options in Lancashire
Families should consider applying to multiple schools as part of their admissions strategy. Lancaster Royal Grammar School uses the same 11+ exam as three other grammar schools in Lancashire, which means the same examination preparation applies to these schools. Consider these alternative grammar schools in Lancashire:
- Lancaster Girls' Grammar School - for families with daughters
- Clitheroe Royal Grammar School - mixed grammar school
- Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School - mixed grammar school
- Local comprehensive schools in the Lancaster area as safety options
- Contact the school information section for guidance on backup choices
Boarding Information
Lancaster Royal Grammar School is a state boarding school with most boarders joining at 11+, where boarding applicants should fill in the same application form and ideally attend the entrance test in September, with another opportunity for boarders to be examined in January if they are late entrants [1].
All overseas applicants must hold a current British passport or have right of residency in the UK, with overseas entrants requiring a UK-based guardian, and pupils should be fluent in English as the school has no facilities for teaching English as a second language [1].
Lancashire 11+ Information
In order to get into Lancaster Royal Grammar School, children need to pass the Lancashire 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Lancashire 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Lancashire 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
The 11 plus exam for admission to Lancaster Royal Grammar School assesses prospective students across three key areas: English, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning. The examination, which is consistent with other grammar schools in Lancashire, is provided by GL Assessment.
The format of the Lancashire 11 plus exam is entirely multiple-choice. Students are given separate answer sheets on which they indicate their responses to the questions posed in each of the three test papers. These answer sheets are then submitted for electronic marking.
Other Schools using Lancashire 11+
As well as Lancaster Royal Grammar School, several other schools also use Lancashire 11+. These are:
Lancashire 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Lancaster Royal 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!
Lancashire 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Lancashire 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 Lancaster Royal Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Lancaster Royal Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Lancaster Royal Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
Date | Event | Calendar Link |
---|---|---|
21/06/2025 | Lancaster Royal Grammar School Open Morning | Add Dates to Calendar |
08/09/2025 | Deadline To Register For Lrgs 11+ Entrance Exam | |
27/09/2025 | Lrgs 11+ Entrance Exam | |
Early October | Parents Receive Exam Results | |
Late October | National Deadline To Apply For Secondary School Places | |
02/03/2026 | National Secondary School Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Lancaster Royal Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Lancaster Royal Grammar School
As the Lancashire 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 Lancaster Royal Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Unfortunately, Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Lancashire 11+ Ensure you double-check with Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancashire 11+ to get into Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancashire 11+.
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Address | Lancaster Royal Grammar School, East Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3EF |
---|---|
School Website | https://www.lrgs.org.uk/ |
Telephone | 01524580600 |
Email Address | genoffice@lrgs.org.uk |
Gender | Mixed (both girls and boys) |
Total Year 7 Places | Unknown |
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1261 (72 Girls / 1189 Boys) |
Head | Dr Christopher Pyle |
Lancaster Royal 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).
Notably, Lancaster Royal Grammar School is one of very few English grammar schools to also offer boarding facilities.
In total 1,261 pupils attend Lancaster Royal Grammar School and it's led by the Head, Dr Christopher Pyle.
Lancaster Royal Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Lancaster Royal Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 19/10/2021 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 10/01/2022, 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 | 19/10/2021 | 1 | 10/01/2022 | Good | Full Report |
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Ofsted Report Summary
Lancaster Royal Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 19 October 2021 and received an overall outcome of Good. The quality of education was rated as Good, while both behaviour and attitudes and personal development were deemed Outstanding. Leadership and management also received a Good rating.
The sixth form provision at Lancaster Royal Grammar School was judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted during the inspection. This highlights the excellent quality of education and support provided to students in the sixth form.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Lancaster Royal Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.
GCSE Subjects Offered |
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A-Level Subjects Offered |
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GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Lancaster Royal 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) | 24 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
Biology | 143 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 15 | 33 | 23 | 32 | 36 |
Chemistry | 160 | - | - | - | - | 5 | 16 | 31 | 34 | 35 | 39 |
Chinese | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 |
Computer Studies/Computing | 68 | - | - | 1 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 18 | 12 | 14 | 5 |
Design & Technology | 66 | - | - | - | 1 | 7 | 11 | 20 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
English Language | 172 | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 24 | 54 | 44 | 26 | 18 |
English Literature | 172 | - | - | - | 4 | 5 | 20 | 47 | 41 | 35 | 20 |
D&T Food Technology | 26 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 3 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
French | 31 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
Geography | 98 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 7 | 20 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
German | 76 | 2 | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 22 | 12 | 11 | 16 | 7 |
Classical Greek | 15 | - | - | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | - | 3 | 2 | 2 |
History | 84 | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 28 | 19 |
Latin | 24 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | 2 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
Mathematics | 172 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 5 | 32 | 52 | 40 | 40 |
Music | 18 | - | - | - | 1 | 8 | - | 7 | 2 | - | - |
Art & Design (Photography) | 22 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Physics | 157 | - | - | - | 1 | 11 | 9 | 28 | 32 | 33 | 43 |
Religious Studies | 58 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 20 |
Spanish | 77 | 4 | - | - | 6 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 19 | 8 | 7 |
Drama & Theatre Studies | 18 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Physical Education/Sports Studies | 31 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 5 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
Biology | 67 | - | 3 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 8 | |||
Business Studies:Single | 29 | - | - | 2 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 3 | |||
Chemistry | 83 | - | 6 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 24 | 13 | |||
Computer Studies / Computing | 16 | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | |||
Design and Technology (Product Design) | 20 | - | - | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | |||
Drama and Theatre Studies | 8 | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 2 | - | |||
Economics | 39 | - | - | 2 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 9 | |||
English Literature | 24 | - | - | 2 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 1 | |||
History | 25 | - | - | - | 2 | 10 | 12 | 1 | |||
Mathematics | 130 | - | 6 | 10 | 17 | 20 | 39 | 37 | |||
Mathematics (Further) | 24 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 10 | 10 | |||
Physical Education / Sports Studies | 12 | - | - | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | - | |||
Physics | 64 | - | 3 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 20 | 12 | |||
Religious Studies | 22 | - | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 8 | - | |||
Spanish | 12 | - | - | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | |||
Geography | 39 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
FAQ
Is Lancaster Royal Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Lancaster Royal 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 Lancaster Royal Grammar School a private school?
No, Lancaster Royal Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Lancaster Royal Grammar School free?
Yes, Lancaster Royal Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Lancaster Royal Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Lancaster Royal Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Lancaster Royal 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.