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
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
IQ JS KU LW ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, MY
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 1 each time; the second letters move forward 2.
So the next pair is MY.
Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which of the shapes below could join this group?
The group
Show the worked answer
Answer: E
How to work it out
Every shape in the group has the same number of dots as it has sides.
Shading and rotation change freely, so they are distractors.
What entrance test does Skegness Grammar School use?
Skegness Grammar School 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 Skegness Grammar School?
Schools do not publish pass marks.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 Skegness Grammar School?
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 Skegness Grammar School?
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.