Ages 
Lincolnshire is a grammar school county so there is plenty of choice locally, but Caistor stands head and shoulders above the others, and parents and pupils know it, hence the clamour for places. A school that offers an all-round education, not just good grades. Able children are taught an excellent work ethic and independent thinking and are well set up for later life, nurtured and encouraged within a very tight, close-knit community. They are very fortunate.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 691 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 162 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Lincolnshire County Council
Headteacher
Headteacher
Shona Buck
Since 2022, Shona Buck.
Entrance
Unusually, the school sets its own 11+ papers, differing slightly from the LA test in that it consists of only verbal reasoning. Pupils usually take the county’s 11+ paper as well to give them the chance of getting into other local grammars if they
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- May
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just over 40 per cent leave at the end of year 11, mainly to take A levels at local colleges. The odd one to private boarding school with a scholarship. The vast majority to university, nearly half Russell Group: Leeds, Sheffield and Durham top of
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 56 per cent 9-7 at GCSE, 93 in 9-5 in English and maths. 38 per cent A*/A at A level (63 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Impressive results, but to be expected from a selective school. ‘They never seem to be under any pressure,’ was said by many parents, but all agreed pupils had high expectations and a great work ethic, instilled by the school. Maths the only subject
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Plenty of support for SEN students: there aren’t many of them but extra help on offer if needed. They're monitored and supported using a passport system.
Arts & extracurricular
Creative subjects actively encouraged by the last head, and popular. Sixth form artists have their own small studio, ‘we are very lucky’; admire the view and the impressive work. Music and drama well supported with parents talking about ‘excellent
Sport
The playing fields are a 10 minute run from the school and all pupils are expected to run there for lessons. A good way to keep them fit, we say. Sport is successful, albeit because of the size of the school there is usually just one team per year.
Ethos & heritage
The school is just off the main square in the centre of Caistor, a small town in the Lincolnshire Wolds, down a very narrow street that leads to the church. Blink and you could miss it as the road frontage is tiny. Founded in 1631, originally as a
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Every parent we spoke to praised the pastoral care. ‘Strong friendships are made here, it’s the sort of school where everyone knows each other, and looks out for each other,’ was said more than once. Parents spoke about ‘excellent pastoral
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Student mobile devices will not be seen, used or heard during the school day.
Pupils & parents
Parents are supportive with not many ‘pushy’ ones. Most want children to be happy and have realistic, but high, expectations. Mainly Lincolnshire folk from a range of backgrounds; many children are second, or even third generation attendees. Mainly
The last word
Lincolnshire is a grammar school county so there is plenty of choice locally, but Caistor stands head and shoulders above the others, and parents and pupils know it, hence the clamour for places. A school that offers an all-round education, not just
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
