Caistor Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 100
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
The Henrietta Barnett School
Caistor Grammar School is a selective co-educational grammar school located in the historic market town of Caistor, Lincolnshire. Founded in 1630, the school is renowned for its academic excellence, inclusive environment, and well-rounded approach to education.
With approximately 680 pupils aged 11 to 18, Caistor Grammar provides a supportive and welcoming atmosphere where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. The school consistently ranks among the top-performing institutions in the East Midlands, achieving outstanding GCSE and A Level results year after year.
Beyond academics, the school offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities, including sport, music, drama, and public speaking. Students also benefit from strong pastoral care and a tight-knit community. As part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, Caistor Grammar follows the Consortium’s standardised 11 Plus testing process for Year 7 entry.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Caistor Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Caistor Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Caistor 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 Caistor Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Caistor Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Caistor Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Caistor Grammar School’s Key Information
Information on Caistor Grammar School such as student intake and parking arrangements, this information is kept up-to-date using government websites.
School Address
Full Address:
Caistor Grammar School, Church StreetCaistor
Lincolnshire
LN7 6QJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
The school offers on-site parking, though it is unclear whether parents are permitted to park for extended periods. Additional paid on-street parking is available nearby, but public transport is recommended, with a bus stop just a 2-minute walk from the school.
Additional parking off site
- The nearest car park is at the Town Hall, a 10 minute walk from the school at Town Hall (Arts Centre), North Street, Caistor TC, LN7 6QU
Caistor Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good.
Academic strength: Pupils are highly motivated and perform well, particularly in subjects like English, mathematics, and science.
Teaching and curriculum: The curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced in most subjects, though some areas require further clarity to ensure consistent knowledge retention.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is positive across the school, with a respectful environment where pupils feel safe and supported.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective, with strong staff morale and rigorous safeguarding practices in place to ensure the well-being of all pupils.
Caistor Grammar Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Caistor Grammar School is determined by the Lincolnshire 11 Plus test, which follows a standard format used across the Consortium. The initial stage consists of two tests: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, both featuring multiple-choice questions. These tests are held on consecutive Saturdays in September.
The Caistor Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Assesses vocabulary, word-based logic, and comprehension skills.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning: Focuses on visual pattern recognition, problem-solving, and logical thinking through images and shapes.
11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The pass criteria for Caistor Grammar School is a total mark of 220 across both papers. This is designed to select the top 25% of the ability range of students. After catchment areas and additional eligibility have been given places, the remaining places will be given to those with the greatest mean rank position (how well they did compared to other applicants in each test).Â
Catchment Area
Caistor Grammar School uses a catchment area; it is defined as living within 6.5 miles, in a straight line, from the school. This can help to determine if you are in the catchment area: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/find-nearest-school. Alternatively ask the school and they will check for you.
Applicants presiding in the catchment area will be given priority over most students when awarding places, should there be too many successful applicants living within the catchment area then tie-breakers will be decided using the mean rank position in the entry exams.Â
Additional Eligibility
If there are more applicants meeting the qualifying score than available places, the school applies the following oversubscription criteria:
-
Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
-
Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children, including those adopted from state care outside of England
-
In-catchment candidates residing within 6.5 miles (as the crow flies) from the school
-
Up to 12 places will be reserved for students eligible for Pupil Premium
To learn more about Caistor Grammar School’s admissions policy, click here.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Caistor Grammar School
To boost your child’s chances of success in the 11 Plus, consistent preparation from an early stage is essential. 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.
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 Caistor 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.
Caistor Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
The Key dates required for admission and also for taking the 11 Plus exam.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application form (CAF) Deadline
Offer Day
Caistor Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Caistor Grammar School, families must complete the following steps:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Caistor 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 through the Caistor Grammar School website. It typically opens in early May and closes in August.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This is done via your local authority's website, where you can list Caistor Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Caistor Grammar School FAQs
To apply, register online via the school’s website in March, then submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority by the August deadline. Both steps are required for a complete application.
The 11 Plus exam comprises two 60-minute Verbal Reasoning papers: one multiple-choice and one standard format. A 15-minute practice paper is provided beforehand. A combined score of 220 or higher is needed for eligibility.
Entry is highly competitive, with approximately four applicants for each available place. Achieving the qualifying score of 220 is essential, and priority is given to in-catchment applicants if oversubscription occurs.
Yes, the catchment area extends 6.5 miles in a straight line from the school’s postcode. In-catchment candidates are given priority if more applicants meet the qualifying score than available places.