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Lincolnshire 11+: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Lincolnshire 11+ works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
- Reported
- Two tests only, verbal reasoning and non-verbal and spatial reasoning, with no English or maths. They are sat on separate Saturdays in September (for 2027 entry: 12 and 19 September 2026), with results emailed in October.
- Reported
- The tests are sat once and shared across the Lincolnshire grammar schools. Caistor Grammar School runs a different arrangement (two verbal reasoning papers).
- Reported
- For 2027 entry, school pages gave registration from January to late March 2026 (sources differ on the exact closing date); dates for 2028 entry are expected around January 2027. A qualifying score of 220 is quoted by tutoring sites but is not confirmed by the schools.
- Not published
- The number of questions, the time allowed (about 45 minutes for verbal reasoning and 40 minutes for non-verbal and spatial), the question types, the multiple-choice layout and five answer options. The schools do not publish these and say the live layout may differ from practice material.
Schools that use this test
- Boston High School, Boston
- Bourne Grammar School, Bourne
- Caistor Grammar School, Market Rasen
- Carre’s Grammar School, Sleaford
- Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School, Grantham
- Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy, Sleaford
- King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy, Alford
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle, Horncastle
- Skegness Grammar School, Skegness
- Spalding Grammar School, Spalding
- Spalding High School, Spalding
- The Boston Grammar School, Boston
- The King’s School, Grantham, Grantham
- The Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough, Gainsborough
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Learn the verbal reasoning question types one at a time, then mix them. Vocabulary grows fastest through wide reading.
- For non-verbal reasoning, check one feature at a time (shape, number, shading, size, position, direction) and rule options out.
- Spatial questions (rotations, reflections, cube nets) improve with hands-on practice: fold paper nets and turn shapes on the table.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the Lincolnshire 11+
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four full mock tests, each with a 60-question verbal reasoning paper and a 50-question non-verbal and spatial paper, answer sheets, explanations and a parent guide.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the Lincolnshire 11+: 43 lessons teaching the methods for verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the Lincolnshire 11+ test?
It covers verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Two tests only, verbal reasoning and non-verbal and spatial reasoning, with no English or maths. They are sat on separate Saturdays in September (for 2027 entry: 12 and 19 September 2026), with results emailed in October.
Are these the real Lincolnshire 11+ papers?
No. Real past papers are not usually published. Our papers are original and set out like the published format, so children know what to expect.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with your chosen school’s admissions page. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
- A balanced Year 5 summer 11+ revision plan
- 11+ test day checklist for parents
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.