The King’s School Grantham 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 174
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
The King’s School, Grantham
The King’s School Grantham is a selective grammar school for boys, located in the centre of Lincolnshire. Founded in 1329, it is one of the oldest grammar schools in England and is widely recognised for its strong academic results and historic traditions.
The school provides an excellent education for boys aged 11 to 18. Alongside academic success, pupils benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sport, music, drama, debating and leadership programmes. A thriving house system and welcoming community are central to school life.
For Year 7 entry, places are allocated through the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools 11 Plus process, which oversees admissions to The King’s School Grantham and other local selective schools..
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The King's School Grantham
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The King's School Grantham
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The King's School Grantham
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your son prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for The King's School Grantham
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The King's School Grantham
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The King's School Grantham
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The King’s School Grantham Key Information
King’s Grantham’s key information, such as contact information and parking availability, which is updated regularly.
School Address
Full Address:
The King’s School Grantham, Brook StreetGrantham
Lincolnshire
NG31 6RP
Contact Information
Parking in the school
The King’s School does not offer on site parking however there are multiple parking sites nearby.
Additional parking off site
- Car park: Watergate, Grantham, NG31 6NS, 0.2 miles from the school
- Car Park: Watergate, Grantham, NG31 6NS, 0.4 miles from the school
The King's School Grantham Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good in every category.
Academic strength: Pupils follow a broad and ambitious curriculum. Most achieve well across subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have strong subject knowledge. Learning builds step by step across the curriculum.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils behave well and are respectful. The school is calm and orderly.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective and staff feel supported. Safeguarding is rigorous and well managed.
King’s School Grantham Exam Format
The King’s School Grantham selects students using the GL 11 Plus exam board. The entry exam is the same as all schools in the Lincolnshire Grammar Schools Consortium. This common exam consists of two tests, the first test is on Verbal Reasoning, while the second test is on Non-Verbal Reasoning. The tests are multiple choice papers and there will be practice questions before each test starts so as to give the children an idea of how to answer questions.
King’s School Grantham GL 11 Plus Test: Overview
Here is an overview of what will be tested from the available GL exam board.
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: The first test assesses skills in word-based logic, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning: The second test focuses on visual patterns, problem-solving, and logical reasoning using shapes and images.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The Lincolnshire Grammar Schools Consortium uses a standardised score of 220 to determine whether applicants can be allocated places. This 220 score is a modified version of the raw scores in both tests added together. The pass criteria demonstrates that children who pass are within the top 25% of children their age in academic ability. Should there be oversubscription despite the pass mark required then applicants will be ordered by merit and places awarded to the highest achievers.
Catchment Area
The King’s School does not have a formal catchment area, but it does take account of primary feeder schools when reviewing applications. Distance from the school is also included within its oversubscription criteria. In general, applicants need to score within the top 25% to be considered for a place.
Additional Eligibility
If more pupils qualify than there are spaces available, the following oversubscription rules are applied in order:
-
Looked After Children (LAC) and Previously Looked After Children (PLAC), including pupils who have been in state care outside England and then adopted, ranked by standardised score.
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Pupil Premium (PP) applicants, ranked by score, with up to 20 places available in this category. Pupils not allocated here may still be considered under the remaining criteria.
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Children living within 30 miles of the school, measured in a straight line, ranked by standardised score.
Click here to find out more about The King’s School Grantham’s admission policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The King’s School Grantham
Preparing for the 11 Plus is essential for your child’s success. Here are some effective strategies to help them excel:
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 The King’s School Grantham. 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.
King’s Grantham Key Dates and Application Information
The dates below are very important for the application process and for taking the 11 Plus entry exam.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Verbal Reasoning Test
Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
The King’s School Grantham Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at The King’s School Grantham, you need to complete the following steps:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the The King’s School Grantham PDF 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 Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
Complete the CAF via your local authority website, listing The King’s School Grantham as one of your preferences.
The King’s School Grantham FAQs
Register for the 11 Plus via the Lincolnshire County Council website and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) via your local authority.
The 11 Plus consists of two multiple-choice tests: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, each lasting 50 minutes
Entry is highly competitive, with applicants needing to be within the top 25% of results to qualify for a place.
There is no specific catchment area, but distance from the school is considered in the oversubscription criteria, prioritising those within 30 miles.