Spalding Grammar School

If your son would thrive somewhere that takes its history seriously and still wants him out of his seat and into the life of the school, Spalding Grammar is worth a look. It is a boys' grammar in the market town of Spalding, around 1,000 strong, taking boys from 11 to 18 with entry by the Lincolnshire 11-plus. Its story is a long one. It was founded by royal charter in 1588 as the Queen Elizabeth Royal Free Grammar School and spent nearly 300 years housed in the upper floor of a chapel in the parish church, before moving to its present site in 1881.

The watchwords here are inspire, challenge and enrich, sitting alongside the values of respect, responsibility and resilience. The head describes a community that holds high aspirations for every boy and pairs academic rigour with a broad programme beyond the classroom, taking in music, the arts, sport, clubs, trips and student leadership. Pastoral care matters too, with a dedicated team working closely with teaching staff so each boy is well supported. The aim, in the school's own words, is for boys to become reflective, well-rounded young people who reach their potential intellectually, socially and personally.

Spalding suits a boy who will value a school proud of its heritage and keen to see him get stuck in well beyond lessons, where being looked after counts for as much as being pushed. It is led by executive headteacher Michele Anderson, who also leads the neighbouring Spalding High School, so a boy here joins a place that knows exactly the kind of young person it wants to send out into the world.