Kesteven and Sleaford High School

Kesteven and Sleaford High School

Kesteven and Sleaford High School 11 Plus Guide

If you're thinking about Kesteven and Sleaford High School for your child, this 2026 admissions guide provides all the essential details. It includes information about the school, the application process, and tips for helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus exam.

At a Glance

Assessment: GL Assessment

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Girls Only

Places per year: 124

Competition: Medium

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

Introduction to

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.

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 Street
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 7RS

Contact Information

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Admissions and Administration Officer Mrs Y Edwards
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Telephone (Main Office) 01529 414044
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Website Address https://www.kshs.uk/

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. 
  • Car Park: Carre St, Sleaford, NG34 7TW, 0.1 miles from the school.

Kesteven and Sleaford High School Ofsted Report

Outstanding

Based on the inspection date:

19 and 20 November 2024

View Report
The quality of education Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Personal development Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth-form provision Outstanding

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. 

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/ 

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.

  1. Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
  2. 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.
  3. The child is registered for Pupil Premium defined as those registered for Free School Meals at any point in the previous six years.
  4. Students who, at the time of admission, have siblings at one of the schools within the Robert Carre Trust.
  5. 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

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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.

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Use Exam Papers

Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.

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Target Weak Areas

Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.

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Encourage Daily Reading

A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.

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Make Use of Online Resources

Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.

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Best Chance of Success

Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.

COMING SOON

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

Early May 2025
Date passed

Registration Deadline

Late June 2025
Date passed

Verbal Reasoning Test

Saturday 13th September 2025
Date passed

Non-Verbal Reasoning Test

Saturday 20th September 2025
Date passed

Results Issued

Friday 10th October 2025
Date passed

Common Application Form Deadline

Friday 31st October 2025
Date passed

Offer Day

Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply

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:

1

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 Policy
2

Register for the 11 Plus

If you wish to register for the 11+, you can apply on the Lincolnshire County Council website.

Visit Council Website
3

Submit 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.

Schools Nearby

11 schools found within 25 miles of Sleaford


Carre's Grammar School

Carre’s Grammar School, Northgate, Sleaford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
0.2 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Kesteven and Sleaford High School

Kesteven & Sleaford High School, Jermyn Street, Sleaford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
0.3 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School

Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, Sandon Road, Grantham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
11.1 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

The King’s School Grantham

The King’s School Grantham, Brook Street, Grantham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
11.3 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Boston Grammar School

Boston Grammar School, Rowley Road, Boston
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
16.3 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Bourne Grammar School

Bourne Grammar School, South Road, Bourne
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
16.5 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Boston High School

Boston High School, Spilsby Road, Boston
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
16.6 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Spalding Grammar School

Spalding Grammar School, Priory Road, Spalding
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
18.4 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Spalding High School

Spalding High School, Stonegate, Spalding
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
18.6 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School - Horncastle

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Street, Horncastle
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
18.7 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

King Edward VI Academy

King Edward VI Academy, West End, Spilsby
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
24.1 Miles Away Medium Competition View School