Lancaster Royal Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school, Boarding
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Good
Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Lancaster Royal Grammar School (LRGS) is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11 to 18, based in the historic city of Lancaster. Founded in 1235, it is among the oldest state schools in England and offers both day and boarding options. The school has a rich tradition of academic excellence and a strong reputation for nurturing well-rounded students.
LRGS provides a balanced education that combines high academic standards with excellent pastoral care. Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sport, music, debating and outdoor pursuits. The school fosters ambition, leadership and teamwork, helping pupils develop both confidence and character.
The sixth form at LRGS is co-educational, welcoming both boys and girls. Admissions are managed directly by the school rather than through a grammar school consortium, and all applicants must take the school’s own entrance exam as part of the selection process.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Lancaster Royal 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 Royal Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Lancaster Royal Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Lancaster Royal Grammar Key Information
At 11 Plus Hero, we understand that there is a lot of preparation involved and knowledge required for the 11 Plus. To help keep you informed, we have compiled detailed information about school contacts, parking, policies, dates and deadlines.
School Address
Full Address:
Lancaster Royal Grammar SchoolEast Road
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 3EF
Contact Information
Additional parking off site
105 spaces available at Nelson Street, Lancaster, LA1 1AF, 14-minute walk to the school, £4.00 for 3 hours.
60 spaces available at Moor Mills 1, Monmouth Street, Lancaster, LA1 1PT, 13-minute walk to the school. £4.00 for 3 hours.
Lancaster Royal Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Lancaster Royal Grammar School is rated Good, with pupils achieving well and thriving in a happy, respectful community.
Academic strength: A broad, ambitious curriculum and expert teaching help pupils succeed, with sixth-form students achieving excellent results.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are engaging and well planned. Leaders are improving assessment to ensure deeper learning across all subjects.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is Outstanding. Pupils are polite, focused and proud, creating a calm and positive school atmosphere.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong and supportive. Governors challenge effectively, and safeguarding is robust and well managed.
Lancaster Royal Grammar Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Lancaster Royal Grammar School (LRGS) is determined by performance in the 11 Plus entrance exam, usually held in late September of Year 6.
Test Overview
The assessment includes three papers in Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English. All three papers are taken on the same day and are designed to assess a broad range of academic abilities.
Verbal Reasoning:
Tests logic, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Mathematics:
Assesses number knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving ability.
English:
Evaluates reading comprehension, spelling, and understanding of written texts.
Lancaster Royal Grammar 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no set pass mark; instead, pupils are ranked by score, and offers are made according to the school’s published admissions criteria. Typically, pupils need to score within the top 25% to be eligible for admission.
Catchment Area
Lancaster Royal Grammar School admits day pupils from Lancaster and surrounding areas within travelling distance. The priority catchment area covers the City of Lancaster. Once these places are filled, offers may be made to pupils from the residual catchment area, which extends roughly from Arnside to Preston and the River Wyre. Boarding places are open to applicants from any location.
Additional Eligibility
If more candidates meet the qualifying standard than there are places available, offers are made in the following priority order:
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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 score within 5% below the required standard.
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Pupils in the priority catchment area eligible for Free School Meals, meeting or scoring within 5% below the standard.
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Pupils in the priority catchment area who meet the required standard.
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Pupils in the residual catchment area eligible for Free School Meals, meeting or scoring within 5% below the standard.
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Sons of permanent LRGS staff in the residual catchment area who meet the required standard.
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Pupils in the residual catchment area who achieve the required standard.
For full details, see the official Lancaster Royal Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Lancaster Royal Grammar School
To help your child succeed in the LRGS entrance exam, preparation should focus on building confidence with the format and improving core skills. Here are some 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 Royal 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 Royal Grammar School
You can keep track of LRGS’s important admissions dates and deadlines throughout the year conveniently listed in one place.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Entrance Examination
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Lancaster Royal Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Lancaster Royal 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 Royal Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register via the LRGS 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 Royal 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 Royal Grammar School FAQs
Parents must register for the school’s 11 Plus exam and list LRGS as a preference on their local authority application form by the stated deadline.
The entrance exam includes three papers in Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English, testing logic, problem-solving, and comprehension skills. All papers are taken on the same day.
Entry is highly competitive. Pupils generally need to score within the top 25% to qualify, with places offered according to the school’s admissions and catchment criteria.
Yes. The priority catchment covers the City of Lancaster, with a wider residual area extending to nearby towns. Boarding applications are accepted from any location.