Grammar Schools — UK Guide & 11+ Preparation
Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools that select pupils by academic ability through the 11+ entrance exam. This guide covers everything parents need to know — finding local grammar schools, understanding 11+ selection, and preparing your child effectively.
What is a grammar school?
A grammar school is a state-funded (free to attend) secondary school in England that selects pupils based on academic ability. Selection is via the 11+ entrance examination, typically sat in September of Year 6. There are around 163 grammar schools in England, concentrated in Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Trafford, Sutton, Birmingham and parts of Hertfordshire. Grammar schools are often confused with independent schools (private schools), which charge fees and have their own admissions — grammar schools are free and state-funded.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find grammar schools near me?
Use the government's "Find a School" tool at get-information-schools.service.gov.uk and filter by "Grammar school". Check your local council's education website — councils in fully selective areas like Kent and Buckinghamshire list all grammar schools and their consortiums.
What is a grammar school?
A grammar school is a state-funded secondary school that selects pupils by academic ability through the 11+ entrance exam. There are around 163 grammar schools in England. Entry is competitive and free — unlike independent schools which charge fees.
How does 11+ selection work?
Grammar school selection works through the 11+ examination, typically sat in September of Year 6. The exam tests Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and/or Non-Verbal Reasoning. Scores rank applicants, and places are offered to the highest-scoring eligible pupils through the Local Authority common application.
What is the difference between a grammar school and an independent school?
Grammar schools are state-funded (free to attend) and select pupils academically through the 11+. Independent schools (private schools) charge annual fees typically ranging from £15,000 to £45,000+ and set their own admissions criteria — often the ISEB Common Pre-Test or school-specific papers.
Which are the best grammar schools in England?
Top grammar schools by GCSE/A-Level results include King Edward VI (Birmingham), Tiffin School (Kingston), Wilson's School (Sutton), Watford Grammar School for Boys, Reading School, and Chelmsford County High School for Girls. Rankings vary by metric — check DfE performance tables for the latest data.
Do you need to pass the 11+ to get into a grammar school?
Yes. Grammar schools require pupils to pass (or score above a standardised threshold in) the 11+ entrance exam. Passing makes you eligible but does not guarantee a place — eligible pupils are ranked by score, and places go to the highest scorers, with oversubscription criteria applied where scores are equal.
What is non-verbal reasoning in the 11+?
Non-verbal reasoning (NVR) tests pattern recognition and spatial logic using shapes and diagrams. CEM and GL Assessment 11+ papers both include NVR sections.
What is the difference between grammar schools and comprehensive schools?
Grammar schools select by 11+ exam score. Comprehensive schools admit all abilities without an entrance test, usually by catchment area.