Caistor Grammar School sets two verbal reasoning tests a week apart in September of Year 6: a standard format paper, where answers are written in the booklet, and a multiple choice paper. There is no non-verbal reasoning, English or maths.
At a glance
Subjects
Verbal reasoning
Answers
Multiple choice and written answers
Usually held
September
Set by
The schools themselves
Schools
1
The papers
Stage
Paper
How it is answered
Prism practice paper
Test days
Verbal reasoning (written answers)
Multiple choice and written answers
100 questions, 50 minutes
Test days
Verbal reasoning (multiple choice)
Multiple choice
80 questions, 50 minutes
Test setters rarely publish how many questions a paper has, so the question counts are the length of Prism’s practice papers; timings follow the setter’s published guidance where there is any. Arrangements change from year to year: always check them with the school or local authority.
How to prepare for the Caistor
The Caistor Grammar School test covers verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Some answers are written, not chosen, so practise without options to fall back on: write the number or the words yourself, show the working where the paper asks for it, and check each answer against the question.
If MOON is written in code as PRRQ, what is the code for WOLF?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, ZROI
How to work it out
Compare MOON with its code: each letter moves 3 places forward in the alphabet.
Do the same to WOLF: ZROI.
Why the other options are wrong
B (BTQK): Moves each letter 5 places forward, which is two places too far. The example shows 3 places forward.
C (YQNH): Moves each letter 2 places forward, which is one place too short. The example shows 3 places forward.
D (TLIC): Moves each letter 3 places back, the wrong way. The example moves them 3 places forward.
E (ASPJ): Moves each letter 4 places forward, which is one place too far. The example shows 3 places forward.
Questions parents ask
What subjects are in the Caistor?
The Caistor tests verbal reasoning.
When is the Caistor?
The main test usually takes place in September of Year 6. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
How should my child prepare for the Caistor?
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the Caistor format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Find out where your child stands today
Practise straight away at your child’s school year in maths and English, with verbal and non-verbal reasoning for the 11 Plus, and every answer explained. A free check, whenever you like, shows what to practise next and builds a weekly plan, for their year or for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.