Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​​Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy is a historic selective grammar school for girls located in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Established in 1902, this collaborative institution educates approximately 760 students aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Recognised among the best grammar schools in the UK, Kesteven and Sleaford High delivers exceptional pastoral care and academic outcomes. Its current ofsted rating is "Outstanding", reflecting the school’s dedication to student progress and welfare.

Kesteven and Sleaford high fosters ambition through its prestigious World Class Schools accreditation and a House system honouring female pioneers like Curie and Pankhurst. As part of the Robert Carre Trust, it provides exceptional pathways via the unique, co-educational Sleaford Joint Sixth Form.

In this guide, I apply 18+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar Academy (Part of the Robert Carre Trust)
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Girls (Mixed Sixth Form)
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 11–18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 830+
• Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy GCSE Results (2025): 38.8% achieved Grades 7-9 
• Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy A-Level Results (2025): 54% achieved Grades A*–B

Year 7 Admissions Details

• Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 120
• Exam Board: GL Assessment
• Number of Stages: 1 Stage (Two papers)
• School Catchment Area: No. (See Below for more details)
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Pass Mark:Aim for 90%

​Preparing for the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy open day and the subsequent entrance tests requires early organisation. I have compiled the definitive calendar of Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy 11 plus exam dates to guide your family through the specific Lincolnshire Consortium process.

The table below outlines every crucial 11+ Exam date, from the unusually early registration deadline to the final allocation, ensuring you have all the correct 11 plus exam dates and dates for 11 plus exams for the upcoming academic cycle.

Kesteven and Sleaford High coordinates its admissions through the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. As one of the sought-after grammar schools in Lincolnshire, admission requires candidates to achieve the required standard in the entrance assessment.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

The 11 plus exam process involves two distinct steps: registering for the tests and applying for a school place. Here is how to register for 11+ exam entry for September 2026:

• Register for the Test: Parents must complete the 11 plus exam registration directly on the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools website.
• Test Registration Window: The 11 plus exam booking window typically opens in January 2025 and closes in March 2025.
• The Assessment: The 11+ Exam consists of two papers covering Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning.
• Eligibility: Completion of this registration is mandatory for your daughter to sit the eleven plus exams in September 2025.

Local Authority Application (CAF)

• Apply to the Authority: You must submit the Common Application Form (CAF) via the Lincolnshire County Council admissions portal.
• Submission Deadline: The national closing date for submitting the CAF is 31 October 2025.
• Naming the School: You must list this school as a preference on the CAF to be eligible for a place.
• For detailed criteria, please refer to the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy Admissions Policy.

Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy does not have a formal, fixed catchment area, but instead uses an 11+ entrance exam to select the top 25% of ability.

Our Practical Tip for Parents:

As stated in the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy Admissions Policy, there is no fixed Kesteven and Sleaford high Catchment Area. Admission prioritises the 11 plus test, yet straight-line distance acts as an 11+ exam catchment tie-breaker, adhering to School catchment area norms.

According to the National School Census, competition for places at kesteven and sleaford high remains consistently high. As stated in the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy Admissions Policy, the Published Admission Number (PAN) is set at 174 pupils.

The school remains oversubscribed, with a 8% oversubscription rate recorded in 2025. This data highlights that securing a place requires serious dedication and preparation.

Source: National School Census.

How hard is it to get into Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy?

Parents often ask me, “Is Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy hard to get into?” Based on my experience, success is manageable with a solid, targeted strategy.

Despite the competitive numbers, passing the eleven plus exam is a predictable and winnable challenge. Read the next section to understand the 11+ Exam Format and secure your daughter’s place.

As stated in the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy Admissions Policy, the school coordinates its testing through the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. Applicants must achieve a qualifying aggregate score on the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy 11 Plus Test to be eligible for a place.

11+ Exam Components

Parents often ask what is in the 11 Plus exam for this academy. Unlike some regions where 11+ exam questions cover 11+ English and 11+ Mathematics extensively, this exam focuses on reasoning potential. The papers use standard gl assessment 11+ formats. Please note this format is specific to Lincolnshire and differs from the london consortium schools or the slough consortium of grammar schools.

Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

Students must mark their answers on a separate Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet. It is essential to mark the boxes with a firm horizontal line, as stray marks or incorrect shading can affect the machine scoring.

Parent’s Top 4 Queries

What subjects are tested? 

The assessment consists of two papers covering Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (including Spatial Reasoning).

When is the 11+ exam? 

For admission in September 2026, the tests are scheduled to be taken in September 2025.

What exam board does Kesteven and Sleaford high follow? 

GL Assessment Lincolnshire Grammar Schools

How long is the 11+ Exam for Kesteven and Sleaford high? 

Approximately 2 hours total for two papers

To secure a place at Kesteven and Sleaford high, your child must meet the qualifying standard set by the Lincolnshire Consortium. The mandatory threshold is a total standardised score of 220.

Qualifying Score Details

• Required Score: 220 (Aggregate)
• Exam Board: GL Assessment
• Subjects: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Meeting these GL Assessment pass marks is essential for eligibility. However, achieving this score allows the applicant to apply but does not guarantee a place. Consistent practice helps ensure your child’s 11 plus exam results comfortably exceed this standard.

Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy is the premier choice for girls' education in Sleaford. You can explore their ethos directly at the school website. However, with high competition, securing a place is never guaranteed. Most applicants need a robust backup plan.

I have advised parents in Lincolnshire for over 18 years. Relying solely on kesteven and sleaford high can be a risky strategy. I always recommend a portfolio of three grammar schools and two private schools. This ensures your daughter accesses an elite education regardless of the 11+ outcome.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Families targeting Sleaford often look towards Grantham and Bourne for state alternatives. The independent sector in Lincoln also offers strong backups. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

Why these schools are the top alternatives

• Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School (KGGS): This is the closest single-sex alternative. It uses the same GL Assessment 11+ test, meaning no extra exam preparation is needed for your daughter.
• Bourne Grammar School: Bourne is a high-performing mixed grammar school. It is an excellent choice for families willing to travel slightly further for top-tier academic results.
• Lincoln Minster School: As a leading independent school, Lincoln Minster offers smaller class sizes. It provides a nurturing environment if the grammar school route does not work out.
• Stamford School: This independent option offers world-class facilities and a diamond structure. It is ideal for parents seeking a holistic education with strong pastoral care.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy follows the Lincolnshire Consortium selection process. The exam board used is GL Assessment, focusing heavily on logical problem-solving. Our analysis of 11 plus verbal reasoning past papers highlights specific question types that appear frequently.

The exam tests a student's ability to reason with words and numbers. We have found that code-breaking and word meaning make up a significant portion of marks. Students must also be comfortable with mental arithmetic for the maths-based questions.

Which are the Best 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers?

Consistent practice is key to mastering the variety of question types found in GL exams. We recommend using our 11+ verbal reasoning test with answers pdf to identify weak areas early.

Our resources provide a structured approach to the exam. The recommended pack below covers over 21 different verbal reasoning types seen in real tests.

​

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

The second paper for this school assesses non verbal reasoning 11 plus skills. This section requires students to identify patterns and relationships between shapes without using words. Our review of past data indicates a strong emphasis on spatial reasoning.

Parents often ask, "what is on the 11 plus non verbal reasoning exam?" The test typically includes Odd One Out, Series, and Matrices. Recently, 3D visualization questions have become increasingly important for high scores.

​

Which are the Best 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers?

Visual puzzles can be challenging without the right preparation materials. Using 11 plus non verbal reasoning papers pdf with answers helps students understand the logic behind patterns.

We advise using the resource below to familiarize your child with timed conditions. This pack includes specific exercises for difficult spatial reasoning tasks.

​Success in the Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy 11 plus mock exam requires focused preparation. Applicants to kesteven and sleaford high benefit greatly from familiarising themselves with the exam format. These practice sessions allow your child to improve speed and accuracy under timed conditions.

Since the school uses GL Assessment, we recommend the following resources:

Parents can evaluate their child's current ability using our free 11 plus mock test diagnostic tool. Booking a specific 11 plus mock test Lincolnshire ensures candidates are ready for the local selection process.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Wednesday 3^rd September 2025 to Thursday 23^rd October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3^rd November 2025 to Friday 19^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: Tuesday 6^th January 2026 to Friday 13^th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23^rd February 2026 to Wednesday 1^st April 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 1: Monday 20^th April 2026 to Friday 22^nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1^st June 2026 to Wednesday 22^nd July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy Official Website.