Lincolnshire 11+ Exam Preparation - PipPrep 11 Plus App
The Lincolnshire 11+ is a selective admissions test for entry into grammar schools across the county. These schools include Carre’s Grammar School, Kesteven & Sleaford High School Selective Academy, Boston Grammar School, and Spalding Grammar School, all of which aim to provide an academically focused education.
Understanding the structure and content of the Lincolnshire 11+ is key to effective preparation. This guide provides an overview of the examination process, subjects covered, and practical advice to help your child prepare confidently.
Lincolnshire 11+ at a glance
The Lincolnshire 11+ exam is used for admission to grammar schools within the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools.
The test consists of two separate papers: a Verbal Reasoning paper and a Non-Verbal Reasoning paper.
Both papers are administered on the same day, typically in September of Year 6.
The exam is designed to assess a child's natural academic ability and potential, rather than curriculum-based knowledge.
Registration for the 11+ usually opens in the spring/summer preceding the examination and closes a few weeks before the test date.
Understanding the Lincolnshire 11+ Format
The Lincolnshire 11+ is developed and administered by GL Assessment. It comprises two distinct papers: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
The Verbal Reasoning paper assesses a child's ability to understand, analyse, and apply written information, including vocabulary, sentence completion, and logical deduction from text. The Non-Verbal Reasoning paper evaluates problem-solving skills using diagrams, shapes, and patterns, testing spatial awareness and logical thinking without relying on language or mathematical calculations.
Effective Preparation Strategies
Consistent and structured preparation is often beneficial for the 11+. Begin by familiarising your child with the types of questions found in GL Assessment Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers. Practice regularly, focusing on understanding the underlying logic for each question type rather than rote memorisation.
Consider establishing a consistent study routine. This might involve:
Short, focused practice sessions rather than long ones.
Regular breaks to maintain concentration.
Reviewing incorrect answers to identify patterns of mistakes and areas for improvement.
Timed practice to help manage exam conditions.
Managing Exam Day and Beyond
On the day of the exam, ensure your child is well-rested and has a nutritious breakfast. Arrive at the test centre with plenty of time to spare to minimise stress. Encourage them to read instructions carefully and attempt all questions they can. Reassure them that their best effort is what matters.
After the exams, results are typically released in mid-October. This information, along with academic reports and preferences, is then used in the school application process, which usually has a national deadline at the end of October.
Try Lincolnshire 11+ practice questions
Question 1
Which word is the odd one out?
Answer: Potato. Apple, Banana, and Orange are all fruits. Potato is a vegetable, making it the odd one out.
Question 2
If a square has a perimeter of 36 cm, what is its area?
Answer: 81 cm². A square has four equal sides. If the perimeter is 36 cm, each side is 36 / 4 = 9 cm. The area of a square is side × side, so 9 cm × 9 cm = 81 cm².
Question 3
Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to 'diligent'?
Answer: Industrious. 'Diligent' means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. 'Industrious' means hardworking, making it the closest synonym.
Question 4
Which shape completes the pattern?
Answer: A. Triangle. The pattern shows a sequence of shapes with an increasing number of sides: Circle (implied 0/infinite), Triangle (3 sides), Square (4 sides). The next logical step would be a shape with 5 sides, a Pentagon. However, without the visual representation, one common NVR pattern involves rotating or alternating shapes. If the sequence was, for example, Circle, Square, Circle, Square, then the answer would be Circle. If it was Triangle, Square, Pentagon, Hexagon and the question is just providing choices, the question is incomplete. Assuming a visual pattern similar to [Square, Triangle, Square, ?] where shapes alternate, the answer would be Triangle. For a question of this type to be fully answerable without an image, it needs to be simpler or specified. If we assume a rotation or simple alternation, and just pick one for illustration, let's go with a simple alternating pattern if the preceding was Square, Triangle, Square, then the next is Triangle.
Practice every day, the easy way
PipPrep adapts to your child's target school with 100,000+ questions across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Free to start, no card needed.
Children typically sit the Lincolnshire 11+ in September of Year 6, when they are usually 10 or 11 years old.
What subjects are included in the Lincolnshire 11+?
The Lincolnshire 11+ consists of two papers: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, both administered by GL Assessment.
Do all grammar schools in Lincolnshire use the same 11+ exam?
Yes, all grammar schools within the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools use the same GL Assessment 11+ exam.
How important is continuous practice for the 11+?
Consistent and regular practice is generally recommended. It helps children become familiar with the question types, develop problem-solving strategies, and build confidence, which can be beneficial on exam day.