Verbal Reasoning Section
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Approximately 50 minutes, including instructions and practice time
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Covers logic, language-based reasoning, and vocabulary questions
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All questions are multiple choice
Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools (LCGS)
Lincolnshire 11 Plus
If your child is aiming for a grammar school place in Lincolnshire, they will need to take the Lincolnshire 11 Plus test. This selective exam is used by all 15 schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. Each year, thousands of children sit this test to compete for places at one of Lincolnshire’s grammar schools. On this page, you’ll find all the essential information about the Lincolnshire 11 Plus for 2026 entry, including key dates, test format, scoring, and advice to help your child prepare successfully.
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What Is the Lincolnshire Test?
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus is an exam created by GL Assessment and used by all 15 grammar schools within the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools (LCGS). It evaluates reasoning skills and plays a central role in grammar school admissions throughout the county. The test consists of multiple-choice papers in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Each year, children across Lincolnshire sit the 11 Plus to compete for grammar school places. Although each school manages its own admissions, the testing process is coordinated across the consortium. Pupils usually take the test in September during Year 6, with registration handled separately by each school.
Key Information About the Lincolnshire Test
Applies To:
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus is used by all 15 grammar schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools (LCGS).
Test Format:
GL Assessment administers the Lincolnshire 11 Plus, which covers verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The test does not include maths or a creative writing component.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can take the Lincolnshire 11 Plus. There are no formal admissions requirements, but parents or carers must register their child during the application period, which usually occurs in the academic year before the test, when the child is in Year 5.
Places Available:
Each year, approximately 2,100 to 2,200 grammar school places are available across the 15 schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools.
Applications:
Each year, approximately 4,000 to 4,200 children take the Lincolnshire 11 Plus. Candidates include pupils from local primary schools and those from outside the area, with registration managed individually by each grammar school.
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus Exam Format
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus consists of multiple-choice papers in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The test is designed to evaluate your child’s reasoning skills and academic ability, comparing their results with other candidates across the consortium. There is no English, maths, or creative writing component.
Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
Paper 2: Non-Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
Non-Verbal Reasoning Section
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Includes visual sequences, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning
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Designed to assess problem-solving using shapes and diagrams
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Multiple choice format
GL Assessment Papers
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Lincolnshire Test Pass Mark
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus Test is age-standardised to ensure fair comparison among children of different ages. Each child receives:
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A standardised score for Verbal Reasoning
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A standardised score for Non-Verbal Reasoning
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An overall combined score
The qualifying score can vary slightly each year, but typically:
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Qualifying score: 220
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Maximum score: 282 (141 per paper)
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No minimum score required for individual papers
To be eligible for a grammar school place, your child must meet or exceed the qualifying score based on their combined results from both papers.
Which Schools Use the Lincolnshire Test?
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus is the exam used by the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools (LCGS), which includes 15 grammar schools across the county.
Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools (LCGS)
Admissions Criteria for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus
Lincolnshire 11 Plus Admissions Criteria
There are no formal entry requirements to sit the Lincolnshire 11 Plus, but some practical points to consider. The test is intended for children who are:
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Seeking a grammar school place in Lincolnshire
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Currently in Year 5, aiming to start Year 7 in September 2026
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Working at or above expected academic levels for their age
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Able to practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning under timed conditions
Registration is managed individually by each grammar school, so parents must register directly with their chosen school.
Lincolnshire Grammar Schools Admissions Criteria
Once a child meets the qualifying score on the Lincolnshire 11 Plus, each grammar school applies its own admissions criteria, which may include:
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Distance from the school
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Sibling priority
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Pupil premium eligibility
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Children of staff
Refer to the links for each school to learn more about their specific admissions policies and application process.
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens Registration opens | Friday 10 January 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Monday 31 March 2025 |
| Verbal reasoning test Verbal reasoning test | Saturday 13th September 2025 |
| Non-verbal reasoning test Non-verbal reasoning test | Saturday 20th September 2025 |
| Results day Results day | Mid-October 2025 |
| Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| National offer day National offer day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the 11 Plus Lincolnshire Test
There are no formal entry requirements for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus, but some practical considerations apply. The test is intended for children who are:
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Seeking a grammar school place in Lincolnshire
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In Year 5, aiming to start Year 7 in September 2026
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Working at or above expected academic levels for their age
-
Able to practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning under timed conditions
Parents must register their child directly with the chosen grammar school, as each school manages its own registration process.
Lincolnshire Grammar Schools Admissions Criteria
Once a child meets the qualifying score on the Lincolnshire 11 Plus, each grammar school applies its own admissions criteria, which may include:
-
Distance from the school
-
Sibling priority
-
Pupil premium eligibility
-
Children of staff
Refer to the links in the table above for detailed information on each school’s admissions policies and application procedures.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Lincolnshire Test
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus can significantly boost their chances. Here are practical tips to help:
Start Early
Begin in Year 4 or early Year 5 to build reasoning skills gradually and confidently.
Use Practice Papers
Practice with Lincolnshire-style 11 Plus papers under timed conditions to familiarize your child with question types and improve speed.
Focus on Weak Areas
Identify and spend extra time on challenging verbal or non-verbal reasoning question types.
Encourage Daily Puzzles and Logic Games
Engage in activities like code-breaking, pattern recognition, and shape puzzles to strengthen reasoning skills.
Try Online Tools
Utilize digital platforms offering structured practice, progress tracking, and instant feedback for effective revision.
Consistent, well-structured, and supportive preparation helps your child approach the Lincolnshire 11 Plus with confidence.
Lincolnshire Test 11 Plus FAQs
Who is eligible to take the Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 planning to start Year 7 at a grammar school within the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools can take the Lincolnshire 11 Plus test. There are no formal eligibility requirements, but children should be performing at or above expected academic levels for their age.
How many grammar school places does the Lincolnshire Test provide each year?
Each year, approximately 2,100 to 2,200 grammar school places are available across the 15 schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools.
What subjects are covered in the Lincolnshire 11 Plus test?
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus consists of two papers: one covering verbal reasoning and the other non-verbal reasoning. There is no English, maths, or creative writing component included in the test.
What is the pass mark for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus is determined each year based on the performance of the cohort, aiming to select approximately the top 25% of candidates. While the exact pass mark varies annually, a standardised score of 220 across both verbal and non-verbal reasoning papers is commonly used as a benchmark for eligibility.
How do I register my child for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus test?
You can register your child for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus test through the website of the grammar school you wish them to apply to. Registration must be completed within the school’s specified application period.
Can my child use their Lincolnshire test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to take the Lincolnshire 11 Plus once. Their results can be used to apply to any of the 15 grammar schools within the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools.