Boston Grammar School

Boston Grammar School runs its own entrance exam using GL Assessment's standard 11+ format. This means your child will sit papers in Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and English — the typical combination for grammar school entry. The school is selective but not among the most competitive in the country, so the exam is designed to be achievable with solid, focused preparation rather than requiring intensive tutoring.

The exam sits at about the right level of difficulty for a standard GL paper. Maths is straightforward KS2 content with some problem-solving, and time pressure is moderate — your child won't feel rushed if they're well-prepared. The main area to focus on is vocabulary in the Verbal Reasoning section, which is a meaningful differentiator. Building a broad vocabulary through reading and word study should be a key part of your preparation plan.

The English comprehension paper includes both literal questions and inference-based questions, so it's worth practising both types with your child. Non-fiction and fiction passages both appear, so exposure to a range of reading materials will help. Overall, the exam rewards solid, well-rounded preparation — there are no unusual surprises or trick elements to worry about.

Boston Grammar School runs its own admissions process (it's not part of a shared consortium), so you'll need to check the school's website directly for registration deadlines, exact exam dates, and any other specific requirements for the year your child is applying.