Lancaster Girls' Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective state grammar school for girls (ages 11-18)
• Location: Regent Street, Lancaster, LA1 1SF
• Head Teacher: Mr Christopher Beard
• Status: Academy with Outstanding Ofsted rating
• Phone: 01524 581661
• Website: www.lggs.org.uk
• 11+ Test Date: Late September annually
• Application Deadline: 31st October
• Offers: National Offer Day (1st March)

About Lancaster Girls' Grammar School

Lancaster Girls' Grammar School represents one of Lancashire's most academically rigorous educational establishments, providing exceptional opportunities for bright young women aged 11 to 18. Located in the historic city of Lancaster, this selective state grammar school combines traditional academic excellence with modern educational approaches.

The school's academy status allows for greater autonomy in curriculum design whilst maintaining its core mission of nurturing intellectual curiosity and personal development. Under the leadership of Head Teacher Mr Christopher Beard, LGGS has maintained its outstanding reputation for academic achievement, with students consistently achieving exceptional results across all key stages.

What sets Lancaster Girls' Grammar School apart is its commitment to developing confident, articulate young women who are prepared for leadership roles in their chosen fields. The school's location in Lancaster provides unique opportunities for students to engage with the local community whilst benefiting from links to Lancaster University and other regional institutions.

The school places particular emphasis on creating a supportive environment where girls can thrive academically without the pressures often associated with co-educational settings during these crucial developmental years. This approach has proven highly successful, with alumni progressing to leading universities and pursuing successful careers across diverse fields.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Lancaster Girls' Grammar School uses a comprehensive 11+ assessment designed to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in a selective grammar school environment. The assessment process is carefully structured to ensure fair evaluation of all candidates.

Test Components

The entrance examination comprises four key elements:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses comprehension skills, vocabulary knowledge, and logical thinking abilities
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract problem-solving
• Mathematics: Tests numerical skills, mathematical reasoning, and understanding of core concepts
• English: Measures reading comprehension, writing ability, and language skills

Assessment Criteria

The school employs a rigorous marking system that considers overall performance across all test components. Priority is given to girls residing within the Lancaster catchment area, though exceptional candidates from neighbouring regions are also considered. The assessment is designed to identify academic potential rather than simply testing current knowledge, making it accessible to students from diverse educational backgrounds.

Test Conditions

The 11+ examination takes place in late September each year under formal examination conditions. Students are provided with clear instructions and adequate time to complete each section. The school ensures a fair and supportive testing environment that allows candidates to demonstrate their abilities effectively.

How to Apply

The application process for Lancaster Girls' Grammar School follows a structured timeline that families must adhere to strictly. Understanding each step is crucial for successful application.

Registration Process

Parents must register their daughter for the 11+ entrance test by mid-September (typically 15th September at noon). Registration is completed online through the school's website, and early registration is advisable as places are limited.

Key Dates

• Registration Deadline: 15th September (noon)
• Entrance Test: Late September (usually 30th September)
• Application Submission: 31st October
• Offer Notification: 1st March (National Offer Day)

Required Documentation

Families must provide proof of address within the Lancaster area and complete all sections of the application form accurately. The school's admissions team is available to assist with any queries regarding the application process.

Oversubscription Criteria

When applications exceed available places, Lancaster Girls' Grammar School applies specific oversubscription criteria. These typically prioritise students based on test performance and geographical proximity to the school, ensuring fair allocation of places whilst maintaining academic standards.

Preparing for the Lancaster Girls' Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Lancaster Girls' Grammar School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. 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.