Loughborough Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Loughborough Grammar School
• School Type: Independent day school for boys aged 10-18
• Location: Burton Walks, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2DU
• Phone: 01509 233233
• Part of: Loughborough Schools Foundation
• Entry Points: Year 7 (age 11+) and Sixth Form
• Assessment: 11+ entrance examination in January
• Application Deadline: Typically October for following September entry

About Loughborough Grammar School

Loughborough Grammar School has been providing exceptional education for boys since 1495, making it one of England's oldest independent schools. Located in the heart of Leicestershire, the school combines centuries of tradition with modern educational excellence, serving families who value academic rigour and character development.

As part of the prestigious Loughborough Schools Foundation, the school benefits from shared facilities including world-class sports amenities, whilst maintaining its distinct identity as a boys' school. The Foundation's campus approach allows students access to state-of-the-art science laboratories, performance spaces, and sporting facilities that rival university-level provision.

The school's academic reputation is built upon consistently strong results, with the majority of pupils progressing to Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge. Beyond academics, Loughborough Grammar emphasises leadership development through its house system, Combined Cadet Force, and extensive programme of outdoor education expeditions.

Notable features include the school's renowned rowing programme, leveraging Loughborough's sporting heritage, and its innovative STEM centre which provides pupils with access to cutting-edge technology and research opportunities. The school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals is evident in its requirement for all pupils to participate in both sporting and cultural activities.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Loughborough Grammar School's 11+ entrance assessment is typically held in January for September entry, comprising multiple components designed to evaluate academic potential and suitability for the school's demanding curriculum.

Assessment Components

• Mathematics: Tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level, including arithmetic, basic algebra, and geometric understanding
• English: Evaluates reading comprehension, creative writing ability, and language skills through varied texts and written tasks
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking, vocabulary knowledge, and ability to understand relationships between words and concepts
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Tests spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical thinking through visual puzzles and diagrams

Assessment Format

The examination takes place on the school premises, typically on a Saturday morning in January. Each paper is carefully timed, with breaks provided between sections to ensure pupils can demonstrate their best performance. The school provides detailed guidance to families regarding examination logistics and what to expect on assessment day.

Successful candidates may be invited for an informal interview with senior staff, allowing the school to understand each child's interests, motivations, and potential contribution to school life. This interview process is designed to be welcoming rather than intimidating, focusing on getting to know the candidate as an individual.

How to Apply

The application process for Loughborough Grammar School requires careful planning and attention to deadlines, with the school typically opening applications in the summer term for the following academic year.

Application Steps

• Registration: Complete the online application form via the school website, typically by October deadline
• School Report: Provide current school report and teacher reference from your child's Year 6 teacher
• Application Fee: Submit the required registration fee with your application
• Assessment Preparation: Receive confirmation of examination date and detailed guidance materials
• Entrance Examination: Attend the January assessment day at the school
• Results: Receive outcome notification typically within two weeks of assessment
• Offer Response: Confirm acceptance and submit deposit if offered a place

Important Considerations

The school strongly encourages families to visit during their open events, typically held in the autumn term, to experience the school atmosphere and meet staff. These visits provide valuable insight into whether Loughborough Grammar School aligns with your family's educational aspirations and your child's personality.

International applicants and those relocating to the area should contact the admissions office early to discuss specific arrangements, as additional assessments or interviews may be required for candidates educated outside the UK system.

Preparing for the Loughborough Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Loughborough Grammar School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. 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.