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Are you considering a grammar school in Gloucestershire for your child? There are 7 grammar schools to choose from – and one is in the top 5 state schools in the UK.
Keep reading to discover the best grammar schools in 2024 and learn how to help your child get a place.
What are grammar schools?
A grammar school is a secondary school in the UK that selects pupils based on their academic ability. Children applying for a place at a grammar school will need to sit an entrance exam in Year 6 known as the 11 plus (11+). The pupils with the highest scores are then eligible for a place in Year 7.
You do not need to pay school fees if your child attends a grammar school. Grammar schools are funded by the state (government). They are the only state-funded secondary schools in England that can select pupils based on their academic ability.
How to get into a grammar school in Gloucestershire
If you would like your child to be considered for a place at a Gloucestershire grammar school, they will need to take the 11 plus. All the grammar schools in Gloucestershire use the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test. All the schools hold the exam on the same day in September. If you're applying to more than one grammar school in the county, your child will only need to take the exam once.
The Gloucestershire 11 plus is split into test papers. One tests verbal skills, including reading comprehension, vocabulary and verbal reasoning. The other tests non-verbal reasoning and mathematical knowledge. The complete exam takes approximately two hours to complete.
Tailored preparation for the Gloucestershire 11+
Give your child the best chance at getting a place at a Gloucestershire grammar school. Unlock tailored learning and unlimited mock tests for the Gloucestershire 11 plus.
The 5 best grammar schools in Gloucestershire
1. Pate’s Grammar School
© tes.com
Pate’s Grammar School is a high-achieving co-educational school in Cheltenham. It's ranked 4th out of all state secondary schools in the UK and is the best-performing state school outside of London. In 2022, the Sunday Times named Pate's 'Southwest Secondary School of the Year'.
‘The Pate’s Way’ is a vision that connects staff, students and the wider community. Everyone is encouraged to embrace challenges and support one another. The school leads on educational excellence while maintaining robust pastoral care. Individuals are encouraged to achieve personal success, including outstanding Higher Education guidance for students and gold-standard CPD for staff.
Town: Cheltenham
Local council: Gloucestershire County Council
Gender: boys and girls
Number of pupils: 1,200+
National rank: 4
GCSE results (2023): 90.7% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 91.5% A*–B
Pate’s Grammar School 11+ guide
2. Sir Thomas Rich’s School
© strschool.co.uk
Sir Thomas Rich’s School is a boys’ grammar school with a mixed sixth form in Gloucester. It was founded in the city centre by 1st Baronet Sir Thomas Rich in 1666 and moved to its present site in the suburbs in 1964.
Ofsted praises students' 'impeccable behaviour' and the high expectations from leaders. There's a wide range of extracurricular activities on offer, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The school has plenty of travel opportunities, including European language trips, USA politics trips, and global sports tours.
Town: Gloucester
Local council: Gloucestershire County Council
Gender: boys aged 11–18, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,250+
National rank: 63
GCSE results (2023): 72.2% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 76.9% A*–B
Sir Thomas Rich’s School 11+ guide
3. Denmark Road High School
© denmarkroad.org
Denmark Road High School is a girls' grammar school with a mixed sixth form in Gloucester. It provides a well-rounded education to support students with the skills and knowledge needed for future success. The school is committed to prioritising wellbeing, equality, sustainability and partnerships.
Students are encouraged to get involved in active citizenship. Many fundraise and volunteer for organisations such as Refugee Aid, Mind and Oxfam.
Town: Gloucester
Local council: Gloucestershire County Council
Gender: girls aged 11–18, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 950+
National rank: 99
GCSE results (2023): 73.4% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 67.1% A*–B
Denmark Road High School 11+ guide
4. Stroud High School
© wiltsglosstandard.co.uk
Stroud High School is a girls' grammar school in Stroud, Gloucestershire. It's committed to helping students cultivate advanced thinking and learning to prepare for life in the 21st century.
Stroud High School puts wellbeing at the top of its priorities. A programme of wellbeing activities helps to promote each student's self-worth and sense of belonging. This includes yoga and mindfulness sessions, peer support groups and specialised therapy.
Town: Stroud
Local council: Gloucestershire County Council
Gender: girls
Number of pupils: 1,000+
National rank: 121
GCSE results (2023): 67.3% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 66.1% A*–B
5. The Crypt School
© facebook.com
The Crypt School is a mixed grammar school in Gloucester with a history which dates back to 1539. Ofsted rate the school 'outstanding' and praise the strong culture of learning.
There's a vast extra-curricular programme on offer at The Crypt School. A Sports Academy programme supports and challenges able sportsmen and women. There are also lots of activities in music, art and drama, including annual productions, concerts and ensembles.
Town: Gloucester
Local council: Gloucestershire County Council
Gender: boys aged 11–18, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,000+
National rank: 134
GCSE results (2023): 59.3% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 68.5% A*–B
Gloucestershire 11+ prep
Wondering how to make sure your child covers the depth and breadth of the Gloucestershire 11+ exam, stays on track with their progress, and gets help when they're stuck? Online learning is a particularly efficient, cost-effective (and fun) way to do this!
Atom is an online learning platform that gives your child everything they need to prepare for the Gloucestershire 11 plus.
Children work independently through over 90,000 interactive practice questions in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Teacher-created helpsheets and videos help them discover new concepts and consolidate their learning.
Atom's algorithm keeps children on their ideal learning path, tailored to their unique learning style and pace to keep them challenged and motivated.
Gloucestershire 11+ mock tests
Atom gives children access to unlimited online practice papers tailored to Gloucestershire grammar schools. And what's more, everything is automatically marked for you!
Make grammar school a reality for your child.
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