Bourne Grammar School Review 2026: Classical Grammar School with Elite GCSE Performance

Nearly seven centuries of educational tradition define Bourne Grammar School. The school's roots trace back to 1330, when a headmaster was appointed by the Lincoln Cathedral Chapter, though the present institution originated from William Trollope's bequest in 1636. The current campus, established in July 1921, sits on the edge of the Lincolnshire market town, occupying spacious grounds that have been substantially developed over the past decade. With over 1,700 students on roll, including more than 500 in the sixth form, Bourne has become one of the region's most academically accomplished selective schools. The 2022 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good overall, with Outstanding judgements for Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, and Sixth Form Provision. GCSE results place it among the top 8% of schools in England (rank 369, FindMySchool data), and a Progress 8 score of +0.68 demonstrates that pupils make well-above-average progress from their starting points to age 16.

A visiting observer would encounter a purposeful, orderly environment where academic achievement and personal development are visibly valued. The campus reflects substantial recent investment. In 2018, a £4 million Science Block opened with 15 state-of-the-art laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Further development in 2019 added an Astroturf Pitch and classroom refurbishment programme, followed by a 2023 extension to the staffroom and administrative hub. These improvements signal that the school is evolving thoughtfully to support an expanding population.

Students appear engaged and well-managed. Behaviour is exemplary both in lessons and around the school. Ofsted's 2022 inspection confirmed that behaviour is outstanding, and bullying is stamped on quickly by staff. The school operates a formal house system that provides pastoral structure and creates community within the larger institution. Mobile phones are restricted (students may use them only with specific staff permission, with some sixth form concessions), creating spaces free from digital distraction during the school day.

The school maintains what one might call grammar school traditions without becoming parochial. There is a Christian character (reflected in mandatory PSHE and assemblies), but no overt religious selection or requirement. Students are drawn from across Lincolnshire and beyond, including Stamford, Peterborough, the Deepings, and Spalding. This geographic breadth creates social and cultural diversity within the selective intake. Leadership emphasises individual student flourishing; the school employs a student manager, safeguarding officer, and counsellor to support students navigating adolescence. Sixth formers benefit from dedicated pastoral teams and a substantial wraparound support structure.

GCSE Results

Bourne delivers consistently strong GCSE outcomes. In the latest examination cycle, 54% of entries achieved grades 9-7, well above the England average of 54%. Attainment 8 averages 68.1, significantly exceeding the national figure. Crucially, 74% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate, a breadth measure that reflects rigorous curriculum provision across sciences, languages, and humanities.

The school ranks 369th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 8% nationally and first among local grammar schools. Progress 8 scores of +0.68 indicate that students make above-average progress relative to their starting points at age 11. This demonstrates the school adds genuine value to the cohort it receives.

A-Level Results

Sixth form performance is equally strong. Some 63% of A-level entries achieve grades A*-B, well exceeding the England average of 47%. The school ranks 562nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool data), placing it in the top 21% nationally and reflecting consistent quality at post-16. Subject specialist teaching and small group sizes (particularly in A-level seminars) enable rigorous, personalised instruction.

In 2024, three students secured places at Cambridge and Oxford out of 19 applications, evidence of the school's elite academic positioning. Beyond Oxbridge, approximately 71% of leavers progressed to university in the 2023-24 cohort, with a significant proportion attending Russell Group institutions including Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham, UEA, and Nottingham Trent.

Teaching follows clear, structured approaches. Ofsted's 2022 inspection identified Quality of Education as Outstanding, noting that subject knowledge is strong and subjects are taught almost always by specialists. The curriculum is well organised and planned, with high expectations embedded throughout. For example, GCSE pupils take up to nine subjects, providing breadth alongside depth. Sciences are taught separately from Year 7, offering extended time for laboratory work and conceptual understanding. Languages (including French and optional German) feature prominently in the curriculum.

Sixth form students benefit from a sophisticated curriculum. A-level subjects span traditional academic disciplines including the sciences, humanities, languages, and mathematics, alongside Psychology, Media Studies, and other modern subjects. Entry to sixth form requires a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 9-4, including grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics, alongside subject-specific requirements. This filtering ensures that sixth formers are well-prepared for advanced study.

Teachers provide useful feedback and set challenging tasks. Pupils are encouraged to develop independent learning habits from Year 7 onward. The Careers programme is integrated throughout school life, with dedicated sessions, assemblies, and post-16 guidance. Year 10 Geographers undertake fieldwork in Cambridge as part of their GCSE programme, and Year 12 Media students gain industry insight through visits to Warners PLC, a major local publishing company. This applied learning approach complements formal examination preparation.

For GCSE leavers, approximately 80% progress to the school's own sixth form, with 20% moving to external sixth forms or vocational courses. This retention rate reflects both the quality of provision and the confidence families have in progression pathways.

Sixth form leavers show strong university attainment. The 2024 cohort achieved 71% progression to university, with approximately 35% entering Russell Group institutions. Oxbridge success is notable: in the measurement period, three students secured places at Cambridge and Oxford. Medicine remains a competitive specialism, with several students typically securing medical school places annually. Beyond the Russell Group, graduates have progressed to Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, and other competitive universities.

The school actively supports students in competitive applications. UCAS and Careers provision is enhanced and systematic. University visits, lecture programmes, and personal guidance support students in navigating post-18 options.

Co-curricular provision reflects the school's commitment to developing the whole person. Music is a significant strength. The Chamber Choir is active, performing at external festivals including the Grantham Music Festival. Annual concerts are prolific; the 2025-26 academic year marked the busiest Christmas period the Music Department had experienced in years, with three concerts across consecutive days: the Christmas Carol Concert, a lunchtime performance series, and a Community Carol Service in collaboration with other local ensembles. Instrumental music lessons are available across a wide range of instruments.

Drama is well-supported. The school runs theatrical productions and dance activities, with students accessing multiple performance opportunities throughout the year.

Physical Education is both compulsory (Years 7-11) and available as an optional GCSE and A-level subject. Results consistently exceed national expectations. Sports clubs include girls' and boys' football, hockey, netball, rugby, cross country, badminton, basketball, athletics, tennis, and cricket. Teams compete in inter-school fixtures and tournaments. The new Astroturf Pitch, installed in 2019, supports hockey and other field sports. A student representing the school at the British Schools Gymnastics Championships recently achieved gold medal status, exemplifying the calibre of athletic achievement.

Beyond sport, the school offers a diverse clubs programme. The Chess Club is highly popular. The Debating Society attracts both senior and junior participants, developing rhetoric and critical thinking. An LGBTQ+ club provides peer support and community. The Science Club engages students interested in extended learning. A very recent Clubs and Societies Fair hosted over 22 club stalls, showcasing coding activities, film production, boardgames, and numerous other pursuits. Many student-led clubs commence in Term 2 once Year 12 Subject Prefects assume their roles, creating student ownership of extra-curricular life.

Duke of Edinburgh expeditions are available at Gold level, promoting outdoor adventure, teamwork, and self-reliance. The school actively encourages broad participation in co-curricular activities; leadership explicitly states ambition for students to be "proactively involved in as many activities as possible, opening the door to interests and friendships that reinforce a healthy lifestyle."

Bourne Grammar operates as a selective school. At Year 7 entry, approximately 516 families applied for 239 places in a recent admissions cycle, a subscription ratio of 2.16:1. The school is part of the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools, meaning applicants sit a single entrance test that serves multiple schools within the coalition.

Entrance is via two papers sat on consecutive Saturdays in September: Verbal Reasoning (80 questions across 15 sections, 50 minutes) and Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning (70 questions across 5 sections). All questions are multiple-choice. The pass mark is not fixed in advance; instead, the Consortium determines a benchmark after tests are sat, typically around a score of 220 or above. There is no formal catchment area; distance is used only if places cannot be allocated by test score alone, in which case proximity determines the final offers. If distance proves insufficient, a lottery applies.

Registration for the 2025 11+ test opened on Friday 10 January 2025 and closed on Monday 31 March 2025. Candidates sat tests on Saturday 13 September and Saturday 20 September 2025. Results were released on Friday 10 October 2025. Offers were made through the coordinated admissions process in March 2026.

For sixth form entry (Year 12), the school accepts both internal Year 11 students and external applicants. All candidates must meet the school's overall academic standards and specific subject-level requirements. A minimum of 7 GCSE passes (grade 9-4) is required, including grade 4 minimum in English Language and Mathematics. Subject-specific criteria (typically grades 6-7 at GCSE for A-level study) are published on the school website.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Students benefit from supervised lunch facilities and a biometric till system. Transport to school is managed through Lincolnshire County Council's home-to-school transport programme; the school itself does not operate minibuses. The school has a clear mobile phone policy: devices must not be used without specific staff permission, with limited exceptions for sixth form students. Uniform is compulsory for Years 7-11; sixth formers observe a dress code rather than strict uniform.

The school's facilities have expanded substantially. Beyond the £4 million Science Block and Astroturf Pitch mentioned above, recent years have seen opening of a number of teaching buildings, including a new 10-classroom block. The campus benefits from space and investment in modern teaching environments.

Pastoral support is layered. Year tutors, Heads and Deputy Heads of Year, a student manager, safeguarding officer, and counsellor form a dedicated pastoral team. The house system provides a secondary community structure and avenue for leadership opportunities. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and to develop respect for others and adults. Trust is cultivated such that students demonstrate excellent behaviour even without constant adult supervision.

Personal Development is embedded. A core curriculum of Personal Development runs through tutor time, assemblies, dedicated lessons, and drop-down PSHE days. Beyond formal curriculum, students access additional opportunities including house competitions, student leadership programmes, charity work, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, and trips and visits to cultural institutions. The Careers programme weaves through all aspects of school life.

The school explicitly aims that all students leave well-qualified, well-rounded, and well-prepared. Support is wrapped around the sixth form in particular, with dedicated Year 12 and Year 13 teams ensuring students navigate the demands of advanced study.

Grammar school entry is competitive. With approximately 2.16 applications per place and no catchment, families must be realistic about securing entry. Many families pursue tuition in preparation for the entrance test; whilst the Consortium has redesigned the test to reduce tutoring advantage, intensive preparation remains the norm locally. Families should ask themselves honestly whether their child thrives under competitive selection pressure.

The school's selective intake means the peer group comprises academically able students. For children who have always found school straightforward, the transition to being surrounded by equivalently strong peers may require social and emotional adjustment. Some excel in this environment; others may struggle with the shift in relative standing within the cohort.

The school maintains a formal, traditional character. House systems, emphasis on uniform, Christian assemblies, and academic rigour reflect a somewhat traditional ethos. Families seeking a more progressive, informal environment should consider alternatives.

An active expectations culture exists around university progression. Results are strong, university destinations are prominent in school communication, and sixth form life is centred substantially on UCAS planning from early on. Families not seeking this focus may find the culture pressure-driven.

Bourne Grammar School delivers elite academic education within a selective, well-structured environment. GCSE and A-level results place it firmly in the top tier nationally. Teaching is rigorous, expectations are clear, and students make demonstrable progress. The breadth of co-curricular opportunity is genuine, with particular strengths in music, sport, and student leadership. Pastoral support is substantial and visible. The school is best suited to academically able students who thrive on challenge and competition, whose families are willing to engage with selective admissions processes, and who appreciate traditional grammar school culture. The chief barrier to entry is competition for places; once a place is secured, the educational experience is exceptionally strong.