78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the GL reasoning test
Some areas (e.g. Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire) select using verbal and non-verbal reasoning only.
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
11+
Verbal Reasoning
80
60 minutes
11+
Non-verbal Reasoning
50
40 minutes
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The GL reasoning test covers verbal reasoning and non-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.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 35 seconds
Here are four words and three number codes. The codes are not in the same order as the words, and one code is missing. What is the code for WARY?
YEAR WAYS CARD WARY 2396 1345 9834
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 2349
How to work it out
Find a letter that appears in only one place, or two words that share a pattern, and match them to the codes.
Working through the letters: W = 2, A = 3, R = 4, Y = 9, S = 6, C = 1, D = 5, E = 8.
So WARY is 2349.
Why the other options are wrong
B (3249): Two digits are in the wrong place: check each letter against its number.
C (9432): Two digits are in the wrong place: check each letter against its number.
D (2439): Two digits are in the wrong place: check each letter against its number.
E (2394): Two digits are in the wrong place: check each letter against its number.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
The figure gains two dots, and then becomes shaded solid.
What entrance test does Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle use?
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle uses the GL reasoning test, which tests verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Prism Learning is not affiliated with Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.