Sitting on Spilsby Road in the historic market town of Boston, Boston High School has served the girls of Lincolnshire for over a century. A selective grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18 (with a co-educational Sixth Form), it balances the academic expectations of the grammar system with a notably inclusive and grounded ethos. Rated Good by Ofsted in July 2024, the school is currently entering a new chapter under the leadership of Mrs Anne-Marie Franks, who took up the headship in January 2026.
The school operates from a site that blends its Edwardian origins with modern necessities. The main building, dating back to 1914, provides a sense of permanence, while newer additions like the Sixth Form block and science facilities support the contemporary curriculum.
Atmospherically, this is not a "hushed" grammar school. It is busy and purposeful. The house system is central to the school's identity, with students allocated to one of five houses: Allan, Conway, Ingelow, Kitwood, or Lindis. These houses are not just for sports days; they form "vertical" families where older students mentor younger ones, fostering a sense of belonging that cuts across year groups.
The recent 2024 Ofsted report highlights a culture where "pupils are encouraged to be pioneers". This terminology is woven into the school's daily life, reflected in the "Boston Pioneers Academy" trust structure it sits within. Relationships between staff and students are described as warm, with a strong emphasis on mutual respect rather than rigid hierarchy.
Academic outcomes at Boston High School are robust, particularly at GCSE.
In 2024, the school ranked 641st in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking). This performance places it in the "national strong" band, meaning it sits comfortably within the top 25% of all schools in England. The Attainment 8 score of 59.9 is significantly above the England average of 45.9, and the Progress 8 score of +0.37 indicates that students make above-average progress from their primary school starting points.
At A-level, the school ranked 2,263rd in England. While 24.8% of grades were A*-B, this places the Sixth Form in the "national lower" band relative to all providers nationally. However, looking beyond the raw ranking is important; the Sixth Form is inclusive and offers a wide range of subjects, serving as a crucial academic hub for the local area.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
24.82%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Key Stage 3 covers three years (Years 7-9), allowing students to explore subjects like Art, Drama, Music, and Computer Science in depth before narrowing their choices. The school resists the trend of shortening this foundational stage, ensuring students are mature enough to make informed decisions for GCSE.
Teaching is subject-specialist led. Science is a particular strength, taught in well-equipped laboratories with a focus on practical application. The school also places heavy emphasis on reading, with dedicated spaces such as "The Next Chapter" designed to encourage reading for pleasure—a feature praised by inspectors.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Destinations data reflects the pragmatic and ambitious nature of the student body. In 2024, 65% of leavers progressed to university, with one student securing an offer from Cambridge.
Notably, 22% of students moved directly into employment, and 6% into apprenticeships. This is a higher proportion than many grammar schools and highlights the school's success in preparing students for the professional world, particularly in local industries and business sectors where degree-apprenticeships are increasingly prized.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 16.7%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Admission to Year 7 is by selection. As part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, entry is determined by the 11-plus examination.
Demand is high. In 2024, the school received 224 applications for 107 places, resulting in an oversubscription ratio of roughly 2 applications per place. The last distance offered is not fixed and varies annually, but priority is given to Looked After Children and siblings before distance criteria are applied.
Applications
224
Total received
Places Offered
107
Subscription Rate
2.1x
Apps per place
Wellbeing is treated as a priority, not an add-on. The pastoral team is led by an Assistant Headteacher, supported by Heads of Year and form tutors.
The school has invested in specific spaces for support, such as "The Hub" and "The Snug", which provide quiet areas for students who may be feeling overwhelmed or need distinct SEN support. This provision is particularly strong; the 2024 inspection noted that students with SEND are "well supported" and benefit from close adult guidance.
The extracurricular offer is diverse, moving beyond the standard sport and drama options to include modern interests.
Netball, hockey, and athletics are staples, with teams competing at county level.
The annual school production is a calendar highlight, and music ensembles perform regularly.
Activities like the "Code Club" and eSports offer outlets for tech-minded students.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular, with many students completing Bronze and Silver expeditions in the Lincolnshire countryside.
As a state-funded academy, Boston High School charges no tuition fees. Education is free for all students.
Families on lower incomes may be eligible for Free School Meals and the Pupil Premium, which provides the school with additional funding to support their child's education. This can cover costs for trips, equipment, and music lessons. Parents should check eligibility criteria with Lincolnshire County Council.
State-funded school (families may still pay for uniforms, trips, and optional activities).
8:50 am to 3:35 pm.
Most students travel by bus. Lincolnshire County Council organises transport for eligible students (generally those living more than 3 miles away in the designated transport area).
A smart blazer-based uniform is compulsory for Years 7-11.
The Sixth Form is co-educational, admitting boys as well as girls.
Competitive Entry: Securing a place requires passing the 11-plus. With two applicants for every place, competition is real. Families should ensure they are comfortable with the pressure of the testing process.
Location: The school serves a wide rural catchment. For families in outlying fens, the school day can be long when bus travel is factored in.
Sixth Form Profile: While GCSE results are strong, A-level performance is statistically lower. Families should look closely at the specific results for the subjects their child intends to study at A-level.
Boston High School offers a high-quality grammar education that is grounded, supportive, and free. It avoids the ivory-tower atmosphere of some selective schools, choosing instead to be a "pioneer" for its community. Best suited to bright girls who will thrive in a busy, purposeful environment and take advantage of the leadership opportunities on offer.
Yes. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024, praising its inclusive ethos, ambitious curriculum, and the behaviour of its pupils.
For Year 7, you must register for the 11-plus test (usually in the summer term of Year 5) and sit the test in September of Year 6. You must also apply via the Lincolnshire County Council website by 31 October.
The five houses are Allan, Conway, Ingelow, Kitwood, and Lindis.
No, the Sixth Form is co-educational. While the main school (Years 7-11) is for girls only, boys are admitted to the Sixth Form.
No. Boston High School is a state-funded grammar school. There are no fees for tuition.
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