Lancaster Girls' Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 140
Ofsted Rating: Good
Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School (LGGS) is a selective state school for girls aged 11 to 18, based in the heart of Lancaster. Established in 1907, it is known for its academic excellence, inclusive ethos and strong focus on student wellbeing.
The school offers a stimulating and supportive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to aim high and think independently. Alongside impressive academic results, LGGS promotes leadership, confidence and resilience through a wide range of extracurricular activities such as music, sport, debating, creative arts and STEM clubs.
LGGS manages its own admissions process and entrance exam, operating independently rather than as part of a grammar school consortium.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Lancaster Girls' Grammar School Key Information
You can keep track of essential school-specific information thanks to 11 Plus Hero.
School Address
Full Address:
Lancaster Girls' Grammar SchoolRegent Street
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 1SF
Contact Information
Additional parking off site
47 spaces available at Kings Yard, 6 High Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LA, 10-minute walk to the school, £3.00 for 3 hours.
19 spaces available at Spring Garden Street, 1 Spring Garden Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LA, 11-minute walk to the school. £4.00 for 3 hours.
Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School is rated Good, with pupils achieving highly and enjoying a happy, inclusive school environment.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and ambitious, helping pupils achieve strong results and sixth-form students excel in their chosen subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is effective and well planned, though some staff are refining how they check understanding and support pupils with SEND.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is Outstanding. Pupils are focused, kind and respectful, creating a calm and supportive atmosphere.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong and caring. Governors provide effective oversight, and safeguarding is well managed and proactive.
Lancaster Girls' Grammar School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School (LGGS) is determined by performance in the FSCE 11 Plus entrance exam, which typically takes place in late September of Year 6.
Test Overview
The exam consists of two papers, both covering English and Mathematics, provided by FSCE. Both papers are taken on the same day and assess a broad range of academic abilities.
Paper One
English and Maths questions with Multiple Choice Answer options.
Paper Two
English and Maths questions where you respond with Short Written Answers.
Lancaster Girls' Grammar School 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
An exact score has not been published. A child must achieve the ‘required standard’ to pass. Places are competitive and often filled by girls who live within the catchment area.
Catchment Area
Priority is given to applicants who permanently live within the City of Lancaster district at the time of application. The school also accepts applicants from outside the City of Lancaster, but only after pupils living within the district have been accommodated.
Additional Eligibility
If more candidates qualify than there are places available, the following order of priority is applied:
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Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
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Looked after and previously looked after children who meet or are within 5% of the pass mark, or achieve the MAEC
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Applicants living in the City of Lancaster eligible for Pupil Premium, meeting or within 5% of the pass mark, or achieving the MAEC
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Applicants living in the City of Lancaster at the time of application
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Children of staff members employed by LGGS
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Applicants outside the City of Lancaster eligible for Pupil Premium, meeting or within 5% of the pass mark, or achieving the MAEC
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All other applicants
For full details, refer to the Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
Helping your daughter prepare effectively for the 11 Plus can make a real difference. Here are some useful tips:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Key Events for Admission to Lancaster Girls' Grammar School
Dates for your diary are listed here so you can plan effectively for LGGS admissions events throughout the year.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Entrance Examination
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Entrance Exam
Register for the entrance exam via the LGGS website. Registration typically opens in spring and closes shortly before the exam in September.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School FAQs
Parents must register their daughter for the school’s entrance exam and include LGGS as a preference on the local authority application form before the deadline.
The 11 Plus includes tests in Verbal Reasoning, English, and Mathematics, designed to assess logic, comprehension, and problem-solving skills. All exams are taken on the same day.
Entry is highly competitive, with many more applicants achieving the qualifying score than there are places available each year.
Yes. The school has a defined catchment area around Lancaster but also accepts applications from outside this zone depending on available places.