King Edward VI Grammar School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

King Edward VI Grammar School is a historic co-educational selective grammar school located in Louth. Established in 1551, KEVIGS delivers an exceptional education to over 800 pupils aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Recognised amongst the best grammar schools in UK, the academy currently holds an Ofsted Rating of "Good". This consistent academic excellence makes the school a primary choice for local families seeking top-tier schooling.

KEVIGS blends rich heritage as Alfred Lord Tennyson’s alma mater with forward-thinking enrichment. Students build resilience through the esteemed Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, while developing global perspectives via the British Council International School Award, ensuring a rounded academic journey.

In this guide, I've distilled 18+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate King Edward VI Grammar School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with ease.

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar / Academy
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Mixed (Co-educational)
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 11-18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 800+
• GCSE Results (2024): 43% achieved Grade 9-7
• A-Level Results (2024): 54% achieved A*-B

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Year 7 Admissions Details

• Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 180
• Exam Board: GL Assessment
• Number of Stages: 1
• School Catchment Area: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Pass Mark: Qualifying Score 220 (Aim for 90%)

Preparing for the King Edward VI Grammar School open day requires scheduling foresight. I have compiled the official King Edward VI Grammar School 11 plus exam dates, ensuring you have the correct 11+ Exam date schedule for a stress-free application. Below are the essential 11 plus exam dates arranged chronologically.

King Edward VI Grammar School (Louth) coordinates its admissions through the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. Parents must strictly adhere to the Consortium’s timeline to secure a Year 7 place for September 2027.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

The application involves two distinct steps: registering for the test and applying for a school place.

• 11 plus exam registration: You must register your child for the 11+ Exam directly through the Grammar School Consortium or the school website.
• Registration Deadline: As stated in the King Edward VI Grammar School Admissions Policy, the registration window for the test typically closes in late March 2026.
• The Assessment: Candidates sit two papers covering Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning in September 2026 as part of the eleven plus exams.
• Local Authority Application: You must also complete the Common Application Form (CAF) via the Lincolnshire County Council website.
• CAF Deadline: Submit your application by 31 October 2026, ensuring you list KEVIGS as a preference to be eligible for an offer.

The KEVIGS Catchment Area plays a pivotal role in the allocation of school places. As stated in the King Edward VI Grammar School Admissions Policy, the school operates a designated "traditional catchment area" alongside a specific list of Primary Feeder Schools.

This area includes the local community of Louth, its surrounding villages, Market Rasen, and NE Lincolnshire. For parents targeting KEVIGS, residing within the school's free bus travel zone or attending a named feeder school significantly influences priority during oversubscription.

Priority Area Rules and Measurements:

• Distance Measurement: Distance is measured in a direct "as the crow flies" line from the child’s permanent residence by the local authority during tie-break procedures.
• Place Allocation: There are 145 places available in total. Priority is given to students who have passed the 11 plus exam and live in the traditional catchment or attend a designated feeder primary.
• Ranking by Merit: If the school is oversubscribed within the catchment category, applicants are ranked according to their 11 plus test scores. Remaining qualified candidates from outside the area are then ranked by score.

To secure a seat, students must achieve a standardized score of 220 or better. Consequently, the KEVIGS Catchment Area and its feeder network serve as the primary filter for the intake under the 11+ exam catchment criteria.

As stated in the King Edward VI Grammar School Admissions Policy, the school coordinates its testing through the Consortium of Lincolnshire Grammar Schools. Students registering for Year 7 entry in September 2027 will sit the KEVIGS 11 Plus Test in September 2026. Unlike some local authority tests that heavily examine English and Mathematics curriculum content, this exam is designed to measure standardized cognitive ability.

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Parent’s Top 4 Queries

What exam board does KEVIGS follow? 

KEVIGS utilizes GL Assessment. The entrance exam consists strictly of two multiple-choice papers: one Verbal Reasoning and one Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning.

How long is the 11+ Exam for KEVIGS? 

The total testing time per day is approximately one hour. Papers are traditionally taken on the mornings of the third and fourth Saturdays in September.

What is the pass mark for the KEVIGS 11+? 

A total standardized score of 220 or better is required. This score is designed to identify students within the top 25% of the ability range.

Are there English or Maths papers in the test? 

No. Unlike other regions, the Lincolnshire Consortium exam does not test curriculum-based English or Mathematics; it focuses entirely on Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

The KEVIGS entrance exam requires students to mark answers on a separate Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet. It is essential that your child marks the lozenges clearly with a pencil and rubs out any errors completely, as the machine reader may misinterpret stray marks as incorrect answers.

To secure a place at KEVIGS, students must achieve the qualifying standard set by the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools. The official King Edward VI Grammar School Admissions Policy sets the minimum 11 plus pass mark at a total standardized score of 220.

Achieving this score places a student in the top 25% of the ability range and makes them eligible for a place. However, because the school often has more qualified applicants than the 145 available places, reaching the threshold does not guarantee entry.

• Eligibility Threshold: 220 (Total Standardized Score).
• Selection Basis: Ranked by test scores if oversubscribed within specific criteria.

Ample practice helps students achieve 11 plus exam results well above this minimum requirement to remain competitive during the ranking process.

King Edward VI Grammar School, or KEVIGS, is the premier choice for many families in Louth. However, with intense competition for Year 7 places, a strategic backup plan is essential. I always advise parents to maintain a portfolio of three grammar options and two private options to ensure their child secures an elite education.

Top 5 Alternative Schools to King Edward VI Grammar School (KEVIGS)

When looking at alternatives to King Edward VI Grammar School, parents typically consider other Lincolnshire grammars or prestigious local private schools.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to King Edward VI Grammar School

• Queen Elizabeth’s High School (Gainsborough): This co-educational grammar follows the Lincolnshire Consortium format. It provides a very similar academic atmosphere and community feel to KEVIGS, making it a natural parallel choice for local families.
• Caistor Grammar School: Consistently recognised for elite academic results, this school often requires a higher 11 plus score for entry. It is the premier alternative for high-achieving students seeking a rigorous environment that challenges the most capable learners.
• Skegness Grammar School: Beyond its strong curriculum, this school offers unique boarding facilities that are rare for a state grammar. This makes it an excellent option for families who live outside the immediate catchment but desire a grammar education.
• Lincoln Minster School: This independent option provides a distinct advantage through smaller class sizes and broad extracurricular activities. Their bespoke entrance process allows students to demonstrate potential through interviews rather than relying solely on standardised testing.
• The Minster School (Southwell): Known for its rich history and musical heritage, this school offers a highly academic state-funded alternative. It consistently achieves strong A-Level results, placing it among the top-performing schools in the wider region.

According to recent admissions data, the competition for KEVIGS remains consistently intense. The number of applications regularly exceeds the Pupil Admissions Number (PAN) of 145, making entry highly competitive. This data confirms that comprehensive preparation is mandatory for success.

Source: National School Census.

King Edward VI Grammar School was 13% oversubscribed in 2025, highlighting the necessity for a targeted approach.

How hard is it to get into King Edward VI Grammar School?

Parents often come to me and ask, “Is King Edward VI Grammar School hard to get into?” Based on my experience, despite the high applicant volume for KEVIGS , this is a predictable and winnable challenge. I assure you that with a solid strategy, success is achievable.

You must adhere to the regulations outlined in the King Edward VI Grammar School Admissions Policy regarding the eleven plus exam. Keep reading to uncover the 11+ Exam Format and Preparation strategy you need to secure your child’s place.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

The King Edward VI Grammar School 11+ exam places a significant emphasis on Verbal Reasoning skills. Our analysis of 11 plus verbal reasoning patterns highlights a strong focus on vocabulary and coding questions. Mastering these areas is crucial for achieving a high score in this competitive entrance exam.

The following table outlines the estimated topic weighting based on typical GL Assessment structures.

To excel, consistent practice with reliable verbal reasoning 11+ past papers is essential for your child. We recommend using our comprehensive resources to master these specific question types effectively.

We recommend the following 11+ practice papers for King Edward VI Grammar School.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

The 11 plus non verbal reasoning test assesses a student's ability to solve problems using visual information. Key topics frequently include finding the odd one out, analogies, and completing complex patterns. These questions test logical thinking rather than learned knowledge.

This breakdown shows the expected distribution of questions for the Non-Verbal Reasoning paper.

Parents looking for a non verbal reasoning test 11 plus free online often find structured papers more beneficial. Our packs help students navigate spatial puzzles with confidence and precision.

We strongly advise using the following resources for 11 plus exam papers preparation.

Using GL assessment practice papers helps familiarise students with the specific format used by the school. Detailed 11+ past papers are vital for identifying weak areas before the big day.

Preparing effectively for the King Edward VI Grammar School 11 plus mock exam is essential for aspiring students. Regular practice helps candidates familiarise themselves with the challenging format used at KEVIGS . These sessions are crucial for identifying weak areas and improving speed under timed conditions.

The school utilises the GL Assessment board for its entrance procedures. We recommend the following resources to mirror the actual exam experience:

Parents can access our 11 plus mock test papers pdf free to check their child's level. Booking an 11 plus mock test Lincolnshire ensures your child is ready for the real assessment.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 3^rd September 2026 to Friday 16^th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 2^nd November 2026 to Friday 18^th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: Monday 4^th January 2027 to Friday 12^th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 22^nd February 2027 to Thursday 25^th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: Monday 12^th April 2027 to Friday 28^th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 7^th June 2027 to Friday 23^rd July 2027

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and King Edward VI Grammar School Official Website.

​​Navigating the 11+ grammar school entry requires coordinating with your local authority and understanding specific exam formats. Here are the essential, official resources to help you prepare your application for King Edward VI Grammar School.