Spalding High School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 150
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Spalding High School
Spalding High School is a selective grammar school for girls located in the market town of Spalding, Lincolnshire. The school is well-regarded for its academic excellence, supportive environment, and comprehensive educational approach.
Years 7 to 11 are for girls only, while the Sixth Form is co-educational. Students enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, sport, debating, STEM, and leadership opportunities. The school values both academic achievement and personal growth equally..
Spalding High School is part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, which oversees the 11 Plus testing process for Year 7 admissions.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Spalding High School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Spalding High School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Spalding 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 Spalding High School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Spalding High School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Spalding High School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Spalding High School Key Information
Here are the contact information, school statistics and additional details such as address and parking near Spalding High School
School Address
Full Address:
Spalding High School, StonegateSpalding
Lincolnshire
PE11 2PJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Spalding High School has on site parking and nearby street parking available.
Additional parking off site
- Car park at 23 Bedford Pl, Spalding, PE11 1AS, 0.4 miles from the school.
- Car park at 2 Holland Rd, Spalding, PE11 1UL, 0.4 miles from the school.
Spalding High School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding, with excellent behaviour and attitudes.
Academic strength: Pupils thrive in a culture of high aspiration, achieving excellent results in a range of subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: The curriculum is carefully planned and challenges pupils, helping them develop sophisticated knowledge.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, creating a respectful and supportive environment, with diverse extracurricular opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective with strong staff morale, and safeguarding is thorough and well-implemented.
Spalding High School’s 11 Plus Exam Format
Spalding High School’s selection process involves applicants taking a GL 11 Plus entry exam. This entry exam is common to all schools that are members of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. The entry exam involves two separate tests taken on different days, the first is on Verbal Reasoning, and the second is on Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Spalding High School’s 11 Plus Exam: Overview
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Tests skills in word-based logic, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning: Focuses on visual patterns, problem-solving, and logical reasoning with shapes and images.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The minimum pass mark is a standardised score of 220, which is the same as all the schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, places will be awarded to those who achieve higher than this mark after standardisation of their tests.
Catchment Area
Spalding High School does not use a catchment area, instead if there are more students achieving the pass mark than the maximum intake then places will be awarded to those living closest to the school.
Additional Eligibility
If there are more applicants who meet the qualifying score than there are places available, the school applies its oversubscription criteria to determine admissions, giving priority in the following order.
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Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
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Looked After Children and those who were previously Looked After.
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Siblings of children currently attending Spalding High School or due to start at the school at the time of admission.
Click to find out more about Spalding High School’s admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Spalding High School
To ensure your child feels confident and ready, it’s essential to establish a steady and supportive revision routine. 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 Spalding 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.
Spalding High School’s Key Dates and Application Information
11 Plus applications have a lot of deadlines and dates that need to be remembered, we have collected all of them into an easy to understand format.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
The Henrietta Barnett School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at The Henrietta Barnett 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 Spalding High School Admissions Policy to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the 11 Plus
Register through the Lincolnshire County Council website.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
Complete the CAF via your local authority website, listing Spalding Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Spalding High School FAQs
Register for the 11 Plus via the Lincolnshire County Council website and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority.
The exam consists of two multiple-choice papers: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning both of which are 50 minutes long.
Entry is highly competitive, with approximately four applicants for each available place.
Spalding High School does not have a formal catchment area but considers proximity to the school in its oversubscription criteria.