Bourne 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: 240
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
Bourne Grammar School
Bourne Grammar School is a mixed selective grammar school located in Bourne, Lincolnshire, with a rich history dating back to 1330. The school is renowned for its high academic standards, excellent teaching, and strong community values, all of which have contributed to its growth in recent years.
Catering to boys and girls aged 11 to 18, Bourne Grammar School offers a traditional grammar school education combined with a modern outlook. The school provides a broad curriculum alongside numerous extracurricular activities, ensuring students have a well-rounded education. The Sixth Form is particularly popular, offering students a range of academic and personal development opportunities.
Bourne Grammar consistently achieves outstanding GCSE and A Level results, making it one of the top-performing schools in the county. Many of its students go on to attend prestigious universities, including Oxbridge and members of the Russell Group. As part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, the school uses the standardised 11 Plus testing process to assess applicants.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Bourne Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Bourne Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Bourne 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 Bourne Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Bourne Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Bourne Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Bourne Grammar School’s Key Information
Regularly updated information regarding contact details and key information on the school.
School Address
Full Address:
Bourne Grammar School, South RoadBourne
Lincolnshire
PE10 9JE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Bourne Grammar School has limited on-site parking available, primarily for staff. Parents are encouraged to use nearby parking areas to avoid congestion and ensure safe drop-off and pick-up procedures.
Additional parking off site
- Car park: 27 Hereward St, Bourne, PE10 9EX, 0.5 miles from the school.
- Car park: 29 Burghley St, Bourne, PE10 1EQ, 0.6 miles from the school.
Bourne Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good overall, with outstanding ratings for behaviour and attitudes as well as outstanding provision in the Sixth Form.
Academic strength: Pupils perform exceptionally well across the curriculum, including subjects like English, history, and science. The school consistently achieves high academic results.
Teaching and curriculum: The curriculum is strong, with clear planning and expert teaching, though there are areas where personal development and careers guidance could be improved.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with a respectful and well-ordered environment. Pupils show independence and responsibility, contributing positively to school life.
Leadership and safeguarding: The school is well-led with a focus on staff well-being and safeguarding. Effective measures ensure that pupils' safety and support are maintained at a high standard.
Bourne Grammar School Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Bourne Grammar School is determined by the Lincolnshire 11 Plus test, which follows the standard format used across the Consortium. The assessment consists of two tests: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, both of which are multiple-choice. The tests take place on consecutive Saturdays in September.
The Bourne Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Assesses word-based logic, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning: Focuses on pattern recognition, problem-solving, and logic using shapes and images.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The pass criteria is a standardised score of 220. This has been selected so as to filter out the top 25% of students in the local area. All applicants must achieve the pass mark in order to be accepted.
Catchment Area
Bourne Grammar School does not use catchment areas, instead places will be given to the applicants that live closest to the school. There is a map on the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools website that shows the usual area where students are accepted from.
Additional Eligibility
If more applicants meet the qualifying score than there are places available, the school applies the following oversubscription criteria:
-
Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children, including those adopted from state care outside England.
-
Siblings of children already on roll at the school.
-
Children of staff members.
-
Up to 35 places for Pupil Premium students who meet the minimum qualifying score, with priority given to those living closest to the school.
-
Distance from the school, with priority given to the child living nearest. If there is a tie for the last place, a lottery will be conducted by an independent person.
To learn more about Bourne Grammar School’s admissions policy, click here.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Bourne Grammar School
Effective preparation for the 11 Plus can enhance your child’s confidence and improve their chances of success. Here are some helpful 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.
Bourne Grammar School Exam Papers
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 Bourne 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.
Bourne Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Information on the key dates required for application to the 11 admissions and the entry tests involved in that application.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Bourne Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Bourne Grammar School, families need to complete the following steps:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Bourne Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the 11 Plus
Registration is done online through the Bourne Grammar School website, typically opening in early May and closing in late June.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
Complete the CAF via your local authority’s website, listing Bourne Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Bourne Grammar School FAQs
To apply for a Year 7 place, families must register for the 11 Plus online through the Bourne Grammar School website by June 30. Additionally, submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority by October 31.
The 11 Plus exam consists of two tests: Verbal Reasoning (50 minutes) and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning (50 minutes). The tests include multiple-choice questions, assessing logical thinking, vocabulary, problem-solving, and pattern recognition in images and shapes
Entry into Bourne Grammar School is highly competitive. Applicants must achieve a combined score of 220 or higher in the 11 Plus exam to be considered for a place. There are limited spaces available, making it a selective process.
Bourne Grammar School does not have a strict catchment area. Admission is based on the 11 Plus exam score, but priority is given to children living closer to the school. A lottery may be used for ties