Key Facts
| School Name | Boston Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Location | South End, Boston, Lincolnshire |
| Type | Selective grammar school (boys 11-18, co-educational sixth form) |
| Founded | 1555 |
| Students | Approximately 863 |
| Ofsted Rating | Good (2021) |
| Specialisms | Technology College and Sports Specialist |
| Status | Academy (converted January 2013) |
Figures correct at the time of writing — always confirm current fees and deadlines with the school directly.
Key Information Summary
- School Name: Boston Grammar School
- Location: South End, Boston, Lincolnshire
- Type: Selective grammar school (boys 11-18, co-educational sixth form)
- Founded: 1555
- Students: Approximately 863
- Ofsted Rating: Good (2021)
- Headteacher: Mr J. McHenry
- Specialisms: Technology College and Sports Specialist
- Status: Academy (converted January 2013)
About Boston Grammar School
Boston Grammar School represents nearly five centuries of educational excellence in Lincolnshire. Founded in 1555, this historic institution has evolved into a leading selective grammar school whilst maintaining its commitment to academic rigour and character development. The school's impressive heritage includes notable alumni and a distinguished reputation throughout the East Midlands.
Located in the market town of Boston, the school serves boys aged 11-18 with a co-educational sixth form that welcomes girls. With approximately 863 students, Boston Grammar maintains an intimate learning environment where teachers know each pupil personally. The school's conversion to academy status in 2013 has provided greater autonomy whilst preserving its selective traditions.
The school's specialist status in Technology and Sports reflects its commitment to modern education whilst honouring traditional values. Annual celebrations including Charter Day and the prestigious Prizegiving ceremony reinforce the school's rich heritage and academic achievements. The independent governing body ensures strategic leadership whilst maintaining strong community connections.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Boston Grammar School employs a comprehensive 11+ entrance examination designed to identify academically gifted boys who will flourish in a selective environment. The assessment typically takes place in September and evaluates candidates across four key areas:
- Mathematics: Problem-solving abilities, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 pupils
- English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and written expression skills
- Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking, word relationships, and ability to understand complex verbal concepts
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking abilities
The examination format is designed to assess potential rather than purely curriculum knowledge, recognising that candidates come from diverse primary school backgrounds. Results are typically communicated to families shortly after the examination, allowing sufficient time for the local authority application process.
How to Apply
The application process for Boston Grammar School requires careful planning and attention to deadlines:
Spring Registration:
Applications for the following September's entry typically open in spring. Parents should register their sons through the school's official website or by contacting the admissions office directly.
September Entrance Examination:
Candidates sit the 11+ examination at the school premises in September. The examination usually takes place on a Saturday morning, with specific dates published well in advance.
Results and Notification:
Examination results are communicated to families shortly after the assessment. Successful candidates receive detailed information about the next steps in the admissions process.
Local Authority Application:
Families must submit their secondary school preferences through Lincolnshire County Council by the national deadline, typically 31st October. Boston Grammar School should be listed as a preference choice.
Offer Confirmation:
Final offers are made on National Offer Day in March, with successful families receiving comprehensive joining information for September entry.
Preparing for the Boston Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition
Families preparing for the Boston Grammar School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.
More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.
Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.
Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Boston Grammar School a grammar school?
- Boston Grammar School is a selective grammar school (boys 11-18, co-educational sixth form) — a state school, so no tuition fees apply, with entry through the selective 11+ process.
- How should my child prepare for the Boston Grammar School 11+?
- Start structured preparation 12–18 months before the assessment: secure core English and maths beyond curriculum pace, introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types systematically (these are rarely taught at primary school), and build up to timed practice in the final months.
How Taylor Tuition can help
Expert, one-to-one support from specialist tutors.
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