Lancaster Royal Grammar School 11 plus: 2024 entry guide

Are you considering Lancaster Royal Grammar School? We've collated all the information you need to know about 2024 entry to Year 7. Keep reading to learn about the admissions process for grammar schools in Lancashire – and how to help your son excel in the 11 plus exam.

About Lancaster Royal Grammar School

Founded in the 13th century, Lancaster Royal Grammar School is a selective boys' day school as well as a successful state boarding school.

Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, the school's academic results are consistently strong. Pupils are encouraged to take part in an extensive co-curricular programme. Many activities are supported by the school’s Annual Fund and some operate alongside Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School.

Lancaster Royal Grammar School prides itself on being a quality, affordable alternative to the independent sector. Their boarding fees are only a third of the average cost of private boarding schools.

• Address: East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EF

• Local authority: Lancashire County Council

• School type: boys' grammar (day and boarding)

• Headteacher: Chris Pyle

• Number of pupils: 1,260

• National rank (Sunday Times Parent Power): 126

• A level results: 76.9% A*–B

• GCSE results: 63.2% 9/8/7

Key info for Year 7 admissions

• Admissions contact: [email protected] or 01524 580629

• Number of places in Year 7: 180 (156 day places, 24 boarding places)

• 11 plus registration opens: early May 2023

• 11 plus registration closes: 4th September 2023

• Open day: 17th June 2023

• Exam date: 30th September 2023

• Exam type: GL Assessment

• Local authority application form deadline: 31st October 2023

• National school offer day: 1st March 2024

What is the pass mark for Lancaster Royal Grammar School?

After your child takes the exam, their scores are age-standardised and combined to give a total score across all three papers, then ranked in order. Generally, grammar schools are looking to select from the top 20–25% of academic performers. We recommend aiming for a standardised age score of 116–121.

Lancaster Royal Grammar School sets target scores in the three papers. This varies each year depending on the size and performance of the year group, and can only be calculated after the standardised scores are ranked. Successful candidates should ideally reach all three, but a lower score in one subject can be balanced against a higher score in another.

Achieving a specific score doesn't guarantee a place at the school, as it's likely to be oversubscribed with qualified candidates. We always recommend researching the admission policies and oversubscription criteria for your target schools.

​​​​​​​Lancaster Royal Grammar School admissions criteria

The planned admission number (PAN) for the school is 180. 156 of these are places for day students and 24 are reserved for boarding students. Children who achieve the target score in the test and have an Education, Health and Care (EHCP) plan that names the school will be admitted first. After this, places are offered in this order:

1. Looked After or previously Looked After Children who achieve the minimum score and above, or up to 15 marks below it.

2. Children who live in the school's priority catchment area who get free school meals and achieve the minimum score and above, or up to 15 marks below it.

3. Children who live in the priority catchment area and achieve the minimum score or above.

4. Children who live in the school's residual catchment area who get free school meals and achieve the minimum score and above, or up to 15 marks below it.

5. Children who live in the residual catchment area and achieve the minimum score or above.

​​​​​​​Lancaster Royal Grammar School catchment area

Lancaster Royal Grammar School has a priority catchment area and a residual catchment area which is given second priority.

Priority catchment area

Boys who live in the city of Lancaster district are given priority for admission. This includes the following areas:

Silverdale, Yealand Redmayne, Whittington, Burrow with Burrow, Leck, Yealand Conyers, Priest Hutton, Tunstall, Ireby, Warton, Borwick, Arkholme with Cawood, Cantsfield, Carnforth, Over Kellet, Gressingham, Hornby with Farleton, Melling with Wrayton, Wennington, Slyne with Hest, Nether Kellet, Halton with Aughton, Claughton, Wray with Botton, Tatham, Morecambe and Heysham, Heaton with Oxcliffe, Lancaster, Quernmore, Caton with Littledale, Roeburndale, Middleton, Overton, Ashton with Stodday, Scotforth, Thurnham, Ellel, Over Wyresdale and Cockerham.

A map is available in the school's admissions policy.

Residual catchment area

The residual catchment area includes Arnside to the northwest, Milnthorpe to the north, Leck to the northeast, to Grimsargh to the southeast, the River Ribble through Preston to the south, and the River Wyre to the southwest.

Personalised 11 plus prep for your child

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Atom Nucleus is the award-winning online 11 plus practice platform that gives your child everything they need to prepare for grammar school exams.

Children work independently through over 90,000 interactive practice questions in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Teacher-created helpsheets and videos help them discover new concepts and consolidate their learning.

Atom's algorithm keeps children on their ideal learning path, tailored to their unique learning style and pace to keep them challenged and motivated.