The Boston Grammar School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

The Boston Grammar School is a historic selective grammar school for boys based in Boston, Lincolnshire. Established in 1555, it guides over 800+ pupils aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Often listed among the best grammar schools in the UK, Boston Grammar is known for its strong community ethos. Its current Ofsted Rating stands at "Good".

Steeped in heritage with a Royal Charter from 1555, Boston Grammar uniquely combines academic rigour with robust character development. The school champions leadership through its distinguished Combined Cadet Force and competitive House system, empowering students to succeed well beyond the classroom.

In this guide, I use 6+ years of education consultancy experience to help parents secure success during The Boston Grammar School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions.

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar / Academy Converter
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Boys (Co-educational Sixth Form)
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 11-18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 830+
• The Boston Grammar School GCSE Results (2025): 19% achieved Grades 7-9
• The Boston Grammar School A-Level Results (2025): 14% achieved A*-A

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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: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Pass Mark: 220 (Standardised Score)

​Planning for The Boston Grammar School open day requires careful attention to the academic calendar. I have compiled the definitive schedule of The Boston Grammar School 11 plus exam dates to ensure you never miss a deadline or an 11+ Exam date.

 These dates are arranged chronologically to guide you through the admissions process.

​Admission to Boston Grammar is based on academic potential, assessed through the 11 plus exam process. Parents must follow a strict two-step application procedure for Year 7 entry in September 2026.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Exam Registration: You must register your son for the 11+ Exam directly through the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools or the school.
• Forms: Complete the necessary registration forms as outlined in The Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy to secure a place for the tests in September 2025.
• Deadlines: Ensure your 11 plus exam registration is submitted before the consortium deadline, which typically falls early in the year prior to the exam.

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Submitting the Local Authority Application

• The CAF: Registration for the exam does not automatically apply for a school place; you must also submit the Common Application Form (CAF).
• Portal: Applications must be made via the Lincolnshire County Council Admissions Portal.
• Deadline: You must submit the CAF by 31 October 2025, clearly listing Boston Grammar as a preferred school.

The Boston Grammar School does not enforce a fixed map of priority parishes or postal codes. Instead, the effective School catchment area is fluid and defined primarily by proximity to the school. Admission relies on meeting the standard in the 11 plus test followed by distance criteria.

As outlined in The Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy, qualifying boys are prioritised using specific oversubscription criteria.

• Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children.
• Boys who have siblings currently attending the school.
• Boys living nearest to the school by straight-line distance.

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How is distance measured?

The school measures distance "as the crow flies" from the child’s permanent residence to the school. This creates a dynamic 11+ exam catchment zone that changes annually based on applicant density. Consequently, the Boston Grammar Catchment Area effectively extends only as far as the furthest offer made.

According to the National School Census, competition remains steady at Boston Grammar. For the last three years, there have been approximately two applications for every available place. With a Pupil Admission Number (PAN) of 120, comprehensive preparation is vital to ensure your son succeeds.

 Source: National School Census.

As stated in the The Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy, the school remains oversubscribed with a 28% rate in 2025.

How hard is it to get into The Boston Grammar School?

Parents often come to me and ask, “Is The Boston Grammar School hard to get into?” Based on my experience, despite the eleven plus exam pressure, I assure you this is a predictable, winnable challenge. With a targeted strategy for Boston Grammar, your son can secure a place. Keep reading to uncover the 11+ Exam Format and preparation strategy you need to secure your son’s place!

As stated in The Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy, admission for Year 7 in September 2026 is determined by the child’s performance in the 11+ selection tests. Boston Grammar coordinates with the Lincolnshire Grammar Schools consortium to administer these tests. 

The Boston Grammar School 11 Plus Test is designed to assess a child's potential rather than their current academic attainment. Parents should note that while the school does not set a distinct paper for 11+ Mathematics, the Verbal Reasoning component frequently requires strong numerical proficiency and logic.

Exam Format Details

The final score is an aggregate of the two papers, standardised for age (SAS). This ensures that younger children in the year group are not disadvantaged when parents ask how long is the 11+ exam or how difficult it is compared to older peers.

Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

The tests are marked automatically using an Optical Mark Reader (OMR). Ensure your child uses an HB pencil to mark answers clearly with a distinct horizontal line, as stray marks or incomplete shading may result in the machine failing to register the answer.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

Which subjects are tested?

The exam consists of Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (incorporating Spatial Reasoning).

What is the format? 

The test comprises two multiple-choice papers administered by the Lincolnshire Consortium.

What exam board does Boston Grammar follow?

GL Assessment (Lincolnshire Grammar Schools)

How long is the 11+ Exam for Boston Grammar?

Two papers, each approximately 50 minutes long.

​​The Boston Grammar School requires applicants to reach a qualifying standard to be eligible for a place. Typically, this threshold is an aggregate standardised score of 220 across the two tests.

Achieving this score as detailed in The Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy confirms eligibility. However, a passing score does not guarantee admission if the year group is oversubscribed.

Ample practice can ensure that your child is able to score above the pass mark in the eleven plus exam and secure strong 11 plus test results.

​The Boston Grammar School is a premier selective school for boys in Lincolnshire. However, competition for places is intense every year. Many academically gifted students need a solid backup plan.

I have guided parents through the Lincolnshire 11+ process for over a decade. I often see families focus solely on Boston Grammar. They are frequently unprepared for the nuances of catchment areas and scoring variations.

I advise parents to maintain a portfolio of three Grammar schools and two Independent schools. This strategy ensures your son accesses elite education, regardless of the final offer day outcome.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Families targeting The Boston Grammar School often consider other Lincolnshire Consortium schools or private options. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

*Projected estimates based on recent trends.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Boston Grammar

• The King's School, Grantham: This is an exceptional alternative for boys. It shares the same GL Assessment format as Boston Grammar. Your son prepares for one exam style, covering multiple school options.
• Bourne Grammar School: A mixed school with high academic standards. It is a strong choice for parents willing to travel slightly further. The atmosphere is vibrant and co-educational, contrasting with the single-sex environment of Boston.
• Carre's Grammar School (Sleaford): Another boys' grammar school within reach. It focuses on sports and community alongside academics. It serves as a reassuring parallel option within the state sector.
• Lincoln Minster School: A leading independent choice. It offers smaller class sizes and excellent pastoral care. This is a reliable backup if the 11+ pressure proves too high.
• Stamford School: This school offers world-class facilities and a historic reputation. It recently moved to a fully co-educational model. It suits families looking for a holistic education beyond just exam results.

The Boston Grammar School follows the Lincolnshire Consortium selection process. This exam consists strictly of Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning tests administered by GL Assessment.

Unlike some other regions, there are no separate papers for Maths or English. However, strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential to perform well in the reasoning sections.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Our analysis of the 11 plus verbal reasoning papers shows a heavy reliance on vocabulary and pattern recognition. The GL Assessment board typically focuses on specific question types like code breaking and letter sequences.

Success in this section requires a robust vocabulary and logical deduction skills. We have broken down the topic weighting based on past trends for this school.

To help your son excel, we recommend using our comprehensive resources. You can download the 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers to cover all these critical topics.

These verbal reasoning 11 plus resources include topic-wise questions that mirror the actual exam format. Regular practice with these papers will significantly boost confidence.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

The 11 plus non verbal reasoning test assesses a student's ability to analyse visual information. The questions often involve 2D shapes, matrices, and spatial awareness puzzles.

Our experts have noted that Odd One Out and Analogies are frequent components of this exam. Speed and accuracy are vital for this section.

We suggest using our targeted 11+ NVR Practice Papers to master these visual puzzles. These resources are essential for familiarising students with the GL Assessment style.

You can also access a non verbal reasoning test 11 plus free online sample to gauge current ability. This helps identify areas that need immediate improvement.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for The Boston Grammar School?

Our targeted 11 plus practice papers are designed based on the actual question patterns of top grammar schools. They help students adapt to the exam pressure well in advance.

We recommend the GL Assessment style bundles for The Boston Grammar School. These packs contain detailed solutions to help students understand their mistakes.

Using GL Assessment practice papers ensures your child is practising the correct format. This is the most effective way to secure a place at this prestigious school.

​Boston Grammar is exceptionally competitive, making rigorous preparation essential for success. Sitting 11 plus mock tests helps your son familiarise himself with the unique exam format. These sessions are vital to identify weak areas and refine speed under strict exam conditions.

The school uses GL Assessment for its entrance exams. We recommend the following resources to mirror this specific challenge:

You can also access our 11 plus mock test papers pdf free to evaluate your child's current level effectively. Securing an 11 plus mock test Lincolnshire ensures students handle the pressure of this elite school. Diligent revision for The Boston Grammar School 11 plus mock exam is the best strategy for admission.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 04^th September 2025 to 23^rd October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: 03^rd November 2025 to 19^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: 06^th January 2026 to 13^th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: 23^rd February 2026 to 1^st April 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: 20^th April 2026 to 22^nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: 01^st June 2026 to 21^st July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and The Boston 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 Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet.

• GL Assessment Familiarisation Materials
• UK Govt. - Get Information on The Boston Grammar School Page
• The Boston Grammar School Ofsted Report
• Gov.UK Find your Local Council Page
• The Boston Grammar School Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data