Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 174
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School is a selective grammar school for girls, situated in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Established in 1910, the school is renowned for its strong academic achievements, inclusive atmosphere, and diverse extracurricular activities.
Catering for girls aged 11 to 18, the school offers a challenging, supportive, and nurturing environment. Its mixed Sixth Form, which includes boys from Year 12, prepares many students for top universities, including Oxbridge.
As part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, KGGS participates in the coordinated 11 Plus admissions process. The school fosters ambition and curiosity, providing opportunities in sport, drama, public speaking, and community involvement alongside a strong academic curriculum.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ 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 Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School’s Key Information
See here key details for Kesteven, such as contact info, parking availability, and student capacity.
School Address
Full Address:
Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, Sandon RoadGrantham
Lincolnshire
NG31 9AU
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking will not be available in the school grounds, however, there is a multi-storey car park, just a few minutes walk away, in Welham Street (NG31 6QU).
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: There is a car park at Welham St, Grantham NG31 6QQ, which is 0.3 miles from the school.
- Car Park: There is a car park at 4 Hill Ave, Grantham NG31 7XY, which is 0.5 miles from the school.
Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding in all areas, including academic performance and student well-being.
Academic strength: Exceptional achievements across subjects, with students excelling in a wide range of academic disciplines.
Teaching and curriculum: Expertly delivered curriculum, fostering depth and ensuring broad, enriching learning experiences for all students.
Behaviour and culture: Exemplary student behaviour, respectful environment, and robust engagement in extracurricular activities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Outstanding leadership with a strong focus on staff support, and effective safeguarding measures.
Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School Exam Format
Admission to KGGS is determined by the Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam, consisting of two multiple-choice tests set by GL Assessment, both taken on consecutive Saturdays in September.
The Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School Entry Exam: Overview
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Tests word-based logic, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning: Assesses visual pattern recognition, problem-solving, and logical thinking using shapes and images.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The pass mark required for entry into Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School is an aggregate standardised score of 220. This entry mark is common to all of the schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools and represents the top 25% of ability range
Catchment Area
KGGS does not have a catchment area. Generally, applicants must rank within the top 25% of results to be eligible for a place.
Additional Eligibility
If the number of applicants meeting the qualifying score exceeds available spaces, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
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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 who were in state care outside the UK and were adopted.
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Siblings of current students attending the school at the time of application.
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Pupil Premium Students who achieve the minimum qualifying score and live within 12 miles of the school.
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Children of Staff if the member of staff has worked at the school for two or more years, or is recruited to fill a post with a demonstrated skill shortage.
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Distance from the home to the school, with priority given to those living nearest the school.
For more information on KGGS’s admissions policy, click here.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
Early and consistent preparation is key to performing well in the 11 Plus. Below 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 Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ 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.
Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School’s Key Dates and Application Information
The Key events for admission to Kensteven and Grantham Girls’ School, and accompanying documents.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Kesteven and Grantham Girls' 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 would like your daughter to sit the 11+ assessments, you should register on the school website:
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This is done through your local authority website, listing Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School among your preferences.
Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School FAQs
To apply for Year 7 at KGGS, register for the 11 Plus exam through the KGGS website and submit your Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority. Both steps must be completed before the deadlines for consideration.
The 11 Plus entry exam for Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School consists of two GL 11 Plus papers, the first is on Verbal Reasoning, the second is on Non-Verbal Reasoning. Both papers are multiple choice and 1 hour long, with 15 minutes given to practice questions. This exam format is used by most schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, more information can be found in the links section.
The 11 Plus for Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School is competitive. Typically, applicants need to rank within the top 25% of results to be considered for a place. If more applicants meet the qualifying score than places available, priority is given by oversubscription criteria.
KGGS does not operate a strict catchment area. However, priority is given to applicants who live within 12 miles of the school, followed by those with siblings already attending, Pupil Premium students, and staff children.