Boston Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 120
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
Boston Grammar School
Boston Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school in the historic market town of Boston, Lincolnshire. Founded in 1555, it has a long history of academic success and a strong sense of tradition that continues to shape school life today.
The school provides education for boys from Year 7 to Year 11 and offers a shared Sixth Form with Boston High School. Alongside excellent academic standards, Boston Grammar is recognised for its supportive community and the wide range of opportunities it provides in sport, music, art and leadership.
With the motto ‘Ever to Excel’, Boston Grammar encourages ambition and achievement in every area of school life. As part of the Lincolnshire Grammar Schools Consortium, admissions are managed through the local authority, with entry at Year 7 determined by performance in the Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Boston Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Boston Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Boston 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 Boston Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Boston Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Boston Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Boston Grammar School’s Key Information
Key information regarding Boston Grammar School such as the number of students entering into year 7, and how to contact the school regarding 11 Plus entry.
School Address
Full Address:
Boston Grammar School, Rowley RoadBoston
Lincolnshire
PE21 6JY
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking at Boston Grammar School is limited and mainly reserved for staff and visitors. Parents are encouraged to use nearby public car parks or arrange safe drop-off and collection points close to the school, especially during busy times.
Additional parking off site
- Car park: South St, Boston PE21 6NH, 0.2 miles from the school
- Car park: Buoy yard car park, Boston, PE21 6JU, 0.2 miles from the school
Boston Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good across all areas.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well in a broad range of subjects, with the curriculum described as ambitious and much improved.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers show strong subject knowledge; however, checking of understanding and support for SEND pupils is sometimes inconsistent.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils behave well in a calm, respectful environment and take part in a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is ambitious and effective, staff morale is high, and safeguarding arrangements are rigorous and well established.
Boston Grammar School Exam Format
Boston Grammar School is part of the Lincolnshire Grammar Schools Consortium and follows the Consortium’s 11 Plus process. The exam is set by GL Assessment and consists of two multiple-choice papers, taken in the autumn term of Year 6 on consecutive Saturdays in September.
Boston Grammar School Exam Format: Overview
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: 80 questions divided into 15 sections, completed within a 50-minute time limit.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning: 70 questions split across 5 sections, each timed individually by the invigilator.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Unlike other schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar schools, Boston Grammar School does not use a set pass mark. Boston Grammar School instead states that the top 25% of the local cohort have passed the test.
Catchment Area
Boston Grammar School does not have an explicit catchment area or feeder schools, instead it awards places to the 120 closest applicants to the school who have passed the entry test.
Additional Eligibility
If more applicants qualify than there are places available, the school applies oversubscription criteria in the following order:
-
Looked after and previously looked after children
-
Children eligible for Pupil Premium
-
Applicants with siblings already attending Boston Grammar School
-
Children living closest to the school
For full details, parents should check the official Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Boston Grammar School
Supporting your child with early preparation for the Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam can make a big difference to their confidence and results. Below are some proven strategies to help them succeed in the Boston Grammar School 11 Plus.
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 Boston 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.
Boston Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
The key dates that need to be known for a successful application to Boston Grammar School, as well as resources to help in the application process and exam.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application form (CAF) Deadline
Offer Day
Boston Grammar School Application Process
To secure a Year 7 place at Boston Grammar School, parents need to complete the following important steps:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the 11 Plus exam
This must be done through the registration form available on the Boston Grammar School website. Without this step, your child will not be eligible for selection.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
Apply through your local authority’s admissions portal, making sure to list Boston Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Boston Grammar School FAQs
You’ll need to register your child for the Boston Grammar School 11 Plus exam on the school website and also complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority.
The Boston Grammar School 11 Plus consists of two multiple-choice papers by GL Assessment: one in Verbal Reasoning and one in Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning. Both are taken in September of Year 6.
Entry is selective and competitive, as only pupils who achieve results in the top 25% of their year group qualify. If too many pass, oversubscription rules are used to allocate places.
Boston Grammar School does not have a set catchment area. Places go to children who achieve the qualifying 11 Plus score, with priority given to criteria such as siblings, Pupil Premium and distance.
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