Spalding Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Spalding Grammar School.
How to get into Spalding Grammar School
Spalding Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Lincolnshire. To get into Spalding Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Spalding Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
School Overview
Spalding Grammar School offers admission at age 11 to boys who achieve an agreed standard in two entrance tests taken during their final year at primary school [1]. The school is a selective state school, meaning children must take the 11 plus exam to be eligible for a place in Year 7.
As a selective academy, Spalding Grammar School is its own admissions authority and can set its own admissions criteria [1]. The school participates in the coordinated admission scheme administered by the Local Authority [1].
Admission Requirements
Only boys may be admitted below the sixth form [1]. The county standard is set at an aggregate score of 220 or above for the top 25% of Year 6 population. Grammar schools in the Consortium usually select children working within the top 25% of their year group, and children who achieve a total standardised score of 220 or above are likely to be working within this range.
Places are offered to pupils who have attained the county standard irrespective of race, disability or social background [1]. Children with statements of Special Educational Needs that name the school will be admitted, with allocation taking place before normal admissions [1].
Exam Details and Dates
Spalding Grammar School uses the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools 11 plus. There are 15 grammar schools in the Consortium sharing the same entrance test, so children only need to take the test once even when applying to multiple schools.
Registration for the 2025 exam opens on Friday 10th January 2025 and closes on Monday 31st March 2025 (see key dates). The 11 plus exam is taken over two dates: the first paper on Saturday 13th September and the second paper on Saturday 20th September (see key dates).
The verbal reasoning paper consists of 80 questions split across 15 sections with a 50-minute time limit. The non-verbal and spatial reasoning paper consists of 70 questions split across 5 sections. Results are communicated on Friday 10th October (see key dates).
Application Process
Families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates). All dates and procedures concerning application forms, deadlines and notification can be found online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk [1].
Governors must consider parents who have named the school using the common application form or who have applied online before any other parents [1]. The Local Authority will send out offers for places in March of the following year based on preferences submitted.
Oversubscription Criteria
If more than 150 applicants achieve the qualifying score, the school applies oversubscription criteria. Priority is given to Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children, including those who appear to have been in state care outside England.
Children who live in the designated transport area for the school, defined as Spalding and the feeder Parishes of South Lincolnshire, receive priority. The catchment area covers Spalding, Pinchbeck, Weston, Crowland, Whaplode Drove, Holbeach, Long Sutton, Sutton Bridge and Sutterton. If distance is not sufficient to distinguish between applicants for the last place, a lottery will be conducted.
Preparation Guidance
Child psychologists recommend using a 'little and often' approach with regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11. Building a good knowledge base before the 11 plus is important, using smaller 'chunks' of information as brains encode new information more effectively this way.
For free preparation resources, families should visit the practice 11 plus papers section. Those seeking tutoring support can find guidance in the 11 plus tutor section. Children who consistently score 80%+ in practice tests are typically on track to pass the Spalding Grammar School 11 Plus.
Practical Advice
Setting regular, achievable goals and celebrating progress helps keep motivation high. Families should encourage a growth mindset by celebrating effort as well as achievement, helping children understand they improve through practice.
Passing the 11 plus does not guarantee allocation to a preferred school, as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children. A reserve list is maintained for the intake year for qualified children who were initially refused places.
For specific contact information and detailed admissions queries, families should consult the school information section. Additional details about testing arrangements can be obtained directly from the school, and families should see the school's full admissions policy for more information.
Lincolnshire 11+ Information
In order to get into Spalding 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
The 11 plus exam for Spalding Grammar School is administered by the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. The assessment consists of two separate papers, each focusing on different cognitive abilities. The first paper evaluates the candidate's verbal reasoning skills, while the second paper assesses their proficiency in non-verbal and spatial reasoning.
The verbal reasoning paper comprises 80 questions divided into 15 sections, with a time limit of 50 minutes. The non-verbal and spatial reasoning paper, on the other hand, contains 70 questions split across 5 sections, with each section being individually timed by the invigilator. All questions in both papers are presented in a multiple-choice format, and candidates are provided with separate answer sheets to mark their responses, which are then electronically evaluated.
The 11 plus exam for Spalding Grammar School is designed to identify students with exceptional academic potential and to ensure that they are well-suited for the rigorous curriculum offered by the school. Success in this assessment is a key factor in securing a place at this prestigious educational institution.
Other Schools using Lincolnshire 11+
As well as Spalding Grammar School, several other schools also use Lincolnshire 11+. These are:
- Boston High School
- 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 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 Spalding 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 Spalding Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Spalding Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Spalding 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 Spalding Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Spalding 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 Spalding Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Spalding 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 Spalding Grammar School
Unfortunately, Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Spalding Grammar School, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 2XH |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.spaldinggrammar.lincs.sch.uk/ |
| Telephone | 01775765800 |
| Email Address | dhaslam@spaldinggrammar.lincs.sch.uk |
| Gender | Boys only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 150 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 966 (79 Girls / 887 Boys) |
| Headmaster | Mr Steven Wilkinson |
Spalding Grammar School is a boys 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 966 pupils attend Spalding Grammar School and it's led by the Headmaster, Mr Steven Wilkinson.
Spalding Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Spalding Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 05/11/2015 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 25/11/2015, 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 | 05/11/2015 | 1 | 25/11/2015 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
The inspection of Spalding Grammar School on 6 February 2024 resulted in an overall outcome of Good. The school demonstrated a good quality of education, with effective teaching and learning practices in place. Pupils exhibited good behaviour and attitudes, creating a positive learning environment.
The school's provision for personal development was also rated as good, indicating that pupils receive appropriate support and guidance for their well-being and growth. Leadership and management were found to be good, with the school's leaders and staff working effectively to ensure the school's success.
Additionally, the sixth form provision at Spalding Grammar School was rated as good, demonstrating that the school provides a high-quality education for its older students, preparing them well for their future endeavors.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Spalding 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 Spalding 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 | 22 | - | - | - | 4 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | - | - |
| Biology | 68 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 10 | 11 | 20 | 22 |
| Business Studies:Single | 90 | - | - | - | 9 | 10 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 6 |
| Chemistry | 68 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 14 | 24 | 12 | 13 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 39 | - | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | - |
| Design & Technology | 21 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 3 |
| Applied Engineering | 23 | - | - | - | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | - | - | - |
| English Language | 124 | - | - | - | 10 | 14 | 31 | 36 | 13 | 16 | 4 |
| English Literature | 124 | - | - | 3 | 7 | 27 | 36 | 26 | 19 | 6 | - |
| French | 56 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 3 | - | - |
| Geography | 36 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| History | 55 | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 20 | 11 | 2 |
| Latin | 11 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Mathematics | 124 | - | - | - | 2 | 15 | 26 | 28 | 22 | 19 | 12 |
| Music | 12 | - | - | - | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Physics | 68 | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | 19 | 17 | 11 | 12 |
| Religious Studies | 24 | - | - | - | 2 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 1 | - |
| Spanish | 58 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 40 | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Science: Double Award | 56 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Biology | 26 | - | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 3 | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 30 | - | - | 1 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 2 | |||
| Chemistry | 18 | - | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | - | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 9 | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 4 | - | |||
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 6 | - | 1 | 1 | - | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Economics | 20 | - | 1 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 1 | |||
| English Language | 8 | - | - | 4 | 2 | 2 | - | - | |||
| English Literature | 12 | - | - | 4 | 1 | 5 | - | 2 | |||
| Geography | 13 | - | - | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||
| History | 7 | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Law | 24 | - | 4 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Mathematics | 53 | - | 3 | 11 | 7 | 13 | 9 | 9 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 18 | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 15 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 7 | 4 | - | |||
| Physics | 23 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 1 | |||
| Psychology | 42 | - | 7 | 7 | 12 | 13 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Religious Studies | 6 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | |||
| Sociology | 10 | - | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | - | 1 | |||
| Spanish | 6 | - | - | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Classical Civilisation | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
FAQ
Is Spalding Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Spalding 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 Spalding Grammar School a private school?
No, Spalding Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Spalding Grammar School free?
Yes, Spalding Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Spalding Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Spalding Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Spalding 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.
Is Spalding Grammar School a boys-only school?
Yes, Spalding Grammar School is a boys-only school.
