Carre’s Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 120
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
Carre’s Grammar School
Carre’s Grammar School, located in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, is a selective grammar school for boys with a rich history dating back to 1604. It upholds a strong tradition of academic excellence and community spirit.
The school offers a diverse curriculum, with a particular emphasis on sports, leadership, STEM subjects, and the arts. While Years 7–11 are boys-only, the Sixth Form is co-educational, in collaboration with local schools through the Sleaford Joint Sixth Form.
As part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, Carre’s follows the shared 11 Plus testing process for admissions.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Carre’s Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Carre’s Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Carre’s 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 Carre’s Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Carre’s Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Carre’s Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Carre’s Grammar School’s Key Information
Here is the key information regarding available parking, key contact information, and student statistics.
School Address
Full Address:
Carre’s Grammar School, NorthgateSleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 7DD
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Carre’s Grammar School offers limited on-site parking, with spaces not guaranteed. For safety reasons, parents are advised not to drop off students on the school site before 8 a.m. The front car park is designated for staff and visitors. Parents needing to collect students during the day for appointments or illness are permitted to use the front car park.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: 7DJ, E Gate, Sleaford, 0.4 miles from the school.
- Car Park: E Gate, Sleaford NG34 7EE, 0.7 miles from the school.
Carre’s Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well, particularly in geography, modern foreign languages, and physical education.
Teaching and curriculum: Curriculum is well planned, but some subjects need more consistent implementation.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils demonstrate good behaviour and respect in a positive learning environment.
Leadership and safeguarding:Strong leadership and effective safeguarding practices are in place.
Carre’s Grammar Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Carre’s Grammar School is based on the Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam, set by GL Assessment and taken in Year 6.
The Carre’s Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
The examination phase involves two tests on consecutive Saturdays in September. Each test lasts around 50 minutes and contains multiple-choice questions.
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Assesses vocabulary, word-based logic, and comprehension skills.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning: Examines problem-solving and visual-spatial thinking using shapes and patterns.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Carre’s Grammar School uses a pass mark of a standardised score of 220, this is common to most of the schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. The standardised score is found by taking the raw score of both tests and adjusting for factors such as age difference.
Applicants must achieve the pass mark in order to be accepted to Carre’s Grammar School.
Catchment Area
Carre’s Grammar School does not use a set catchment area, instead priority is given to the applicants who live closest (by straight line) to the school.Â
Additional Eligibility
If the number of qualifying applicants exceeds available places, the following oversubscription criteria are used:
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Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
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Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children, including those in state care outside England who have been adopted.
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Students registered for Pupil Premium, including those who’ve had Free School Meals at any point in the past six years (excluding Key Stage 1 statutory Free School Meals).
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Students with siblings attending schools within the Robert Carre Trust.
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Students living closest to the school.
Click to learn more about Carre’s Grammar School’s admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Carre’s Grammar School
Helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus is one of the most important parts of the process. Here are some useful suggestions:
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 Carre’s 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.
Section 3: Carre’s Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the key dates that you should know when applying for admission to Carre’s Grammar School. The open days will involve tours of the school, which will be carried out by senior students and will last about 30-45 minutes. The open days are by appointment only.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Carre’s Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Carre’s Grammar School, you must complete the following steps:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Carre’s Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the 11 Plus
If you wish to register for the 11+, you can apply on the Lincolnshire County Council website.
Visit Council WebsiteSubmit the Common Application Form (CAF)
Complete the CAF through your local authority’s website, listing Carre’s Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Carre’s Grammar School FAQs
To apply, register your child for the 11+ exam through the school. After receiving the results, complete the Common Application Form (CAF) via your local authority, listing Carre’s Grammar School as a preference.
The Carre’s Grammar School 11+ exam comprises two multiple-choice papers: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning. Both tests are administered by GL Assessment and are age-standardised.
The 11+ exam for Carre’s Grammar School is competitive, with applicants generally required to be in the top 25% of scores. If there are more qualifying candidates than places, priority is given based on oversubscription criteria.
No, Carre’s Grammar School does not have a defined catchment area. However, in case of oversubscription, priority is given to students living closest to the school, determined by straight-line distance.