Ages 
A school that is unashamedly results driven. But not to the detriment of the boys, who are well adjusted and receiving a broad education. A few rocky years appear to be behind them and their reputation is once again deservedly high within the area. The school asks that we make it absolutely clear that the views expressed in the review are our own. Just so – here, and in all our reviews, we reflect the views of the parents that we have spoken to, and the results of our research, and reviews may not line up with the school’s view of itself.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,221 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 325 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Lincolnshire County Council
Headteacher
Head
Simon Pickett
Since September 2018, Simon Pickett BSC (physics), previously deputy head at William Farr School near Lincoln.
Entrance
All boys take the 11+ as compiled by the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, featuring verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Some 185 take the test for 176 places. The school is virtually full, with the odd place higher up, and is usually
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
About a quarter leaves after year 11, mainly to co-ed local colleges and schools. Vast majority to university (especially Newcastle, Leeds, Cambridge, Loughborough and Nottingham), but higher level apprenticeships being actively embraced. A handful
% 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, 63 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 47 per cent A*/A at A level (71 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
French and German offered at GCSE; all boys study both subjects in year 7. Disappointing not to see Latin on offer. Take up of languages at A level very low, but following general trend. Maths by far the most popular subject at A level, hotly
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
SEN support available. Parents spoke of teachers getting in touch immediately if their son was struggling.
Arts & extracurricular
Despite the school being unashamedly academic, the boys are encouraged to broaden their horizons. Drama popular with a school production every year. Some years involves collaboration with KGGS round the corner; these have proved very popular, can’t
Sport
Sport historically very successful. Waned in the last few years but bouncing back well. Lots of teams and practice sessions. Clubs for all; there was even talk of a netball club. One parent felt the late developers were often overlooked when it came
Ethos & heritage
Steeped in history, which can be traced back to 1329, the school has been on the same site, just off the town centre, since 1528. The boys were known as King’s Scholars, Sir Isaac Newton being one of them. You can see his name carved in the wall of
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The school is well aware of pressure the boys are under and teachers are quick to spot mental health issues. Interestingly, during the open day the previous head referred to mental health frequently. Parents impressed with pastoral care, ‘much better
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 Students are not permitted to use mobile phones during the school day, unless permission has been given by a member of staff, for example to use as a payment method for a lunch. Mobile phones should be switched off and out of sight throughout the day.
Pupils & parents
Many boys second, third, or more generations to be attending the school. Catchment area recently expanded with no geographical restrictions on applications. This might affect the feel of the school in future years but, at the moment, very much a
The last word
A school that is unashamedly results driven. But not to the detriment of the boys, who are well adjusted and receiving a broad education. A few rocky years appear to be behind them and their reputation is once again deservedly high within the area.
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 |
