Kesteven and Sleaford High School 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 124
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Kesteven and Sleaford High School
Kesteven and Sleaford High School, a selective grammar school for girls in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, has built a strong academic reputation since its establishment in 1902. Becoming an academy in 2011, it is now part of the Robert Carre Trust. The school fosters a supportive environment focused on nurturing well-rounded individuals.
While the school is girls-only from Years 7 to 11, its Sixth Form is co-educational, shared with Carre's Grammar School and St George’s Academy through the Sleaford Joint Sixth Form. Many students progress to top universities, including Oxbridge and other Russell Group institutions.
As a member of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, Kesteven and Sleaford High School follows a shared 11 Plus testing process for Year 7 admissions.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Kesteven and Sleaford High School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Kesteven and Sleaford High School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Kesteven and Sleaford High 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 Sleaford High School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Kesteven and Sleaford High School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Kesteven and Sleaford High School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Kesteven and Sleaford High School’s Key Information
We regularly update on Kesteven and Sleaford High School’s key information, including contacts and school statistics.
School Address
Full Address:
Kesteven & Sleaford High School, Jermyn StreetSleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 7RS
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Very limited parking is available for Staff and Visitors so you’re advised to make use of public transport to nearby stops.
Additional parking off site
- There is a car park directly next to the school, called Jermyn Street car park.Â
- Car Park: Carre St, Sleaford, NG34 7TW, 0.1 miles from the school.
Kesteven and Sleaford High School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding for education quality, behaviour, personal development, leadership, and sixth-form provision.
Academic strength: Pupils excel academically, particularly in subjects like languages, maths, and physical education, with an ambitious curriculum.
Teaching and curriculum: High-quality lessons with strong subject knowledge, though more can be done to ensure full comprehension for all pupils.
Behaviour and culture: Exemplary behaviour with a positive, inclusive environment and varied extracurricular activities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Outstanding leadership with strong staff morale and effective safeguarding measures.
Kesteven and Sleaford High School Exam Format
To gain admission to Year 7 at Kesteven and Sleaford High School, candidates must take the Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam, provided by GL Assessment, during Year 6.
The Kesteven and Sleaford High School Entry Exam: Overview
The Lincolnshire 11 Plus exam consists of two multiple-choice tests, taken on consecutive Saturdays in September:
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Tests word-based logic, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates problem-solving skills and logical thinking through visual patterns.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Kesteven and Sleaford High School have a duty to only admit the top 25% in the ability range for the local area. Kesteven and Sleaford High School are a member of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, all schools in the consortium use a standardised score of 220 for entry.Â
Catchment Area
Applicants will be given higher priority the closer they live to the school. The free transport area for the school can give a good estimation of how close this area is. That can be seen on the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools website here: https://www.grammarschools.lincs.sch.uk/home/Â
Additional Eligibility
If there are more applicants who meet the qualifying score than places available, the school applies its oversubscription criteria to decide on admissions, giving priority according to the following order.
- Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children, including those children who appear to have been in state care outside of England and cease to be in state care as a result of being adopted.
- The child is registered for Pupil Premium defined as those registered for Free School Meals at any point in the previous six years.
- Students who, at the time of admission, have siblings at one of the schools within the Robert Carre Trust.
- Straight line distance from the home to the Academy, priority will be given to the child living closest to the Academy.
Click find out more about the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Kesteven and Sleaford High School
Preparation is essential for success in the Lincolnshire 11 Plus. Here are some helpful strategies:
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 Sleaford High 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 Sleaford High School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are all of the relevant dates that you should know for admission to Kesteven and Sleaford High School. Some of the information is not known, the predicted dates are based on other schools’ practices in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Kesteven and Sleaford High School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Kesteven and Sleaford High School, families need to complete all three steps listed below:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Kesteven and Sleaford High 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 and submit the CAF through your local authority website, listing Kesteven and Sleaford High School as one of your preferences.
Kesteven and Sleaford High School FAQs
To apply for a Year 7 place, parents must register for the 11 Plus via the Kesteven and Sleaford High School website. Additionally, they must submit the Common Application Form (CAF) by the local authority’s deadline.
The 11 Plus exam for Kesteven and Sleaford High School consists of two tests: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Both are multiple-choice, and a qualifying score is required to be considered for admission.
The 11 Plus for Kesteven and Sleaford High School is competitive. Applicants typically need to rank in the top 25% of results. If more applicants meet the qualifying score than available places, oversubscription criteria are applied for prioritisation.
Kesteven and Sleaford High School does not have a strict catchment area. However, priority is given to children living closest to the school. Siblings and those receiving pupil premium also receive prioritisation in the oversubscription process.