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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 2025 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.
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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 5th 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: 5
GCSE results (2024): 91.9% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 92.3% A*–B
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: 44
GCSE results (2024): 76% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 79.9% A*–B
3. 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 (2024): 73.5% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 73.8% A*–B
4. 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: 76
GCSE results (2024): 77.5% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 69.5% A*–B
5. Marling School
© x.com
Marling School is a grammar school in Stroud, Gloucestershire. It is for boys aged 11-18 with a mixed sixth form. It was founded in 1887, making it the oldest secondary school in Stroud. It is a member of the Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust.
The school provides a vibrant academic environment that paces and challenges its students. These are encouraged to become active learners for further education and a global society.
Town: Stroud
Local authority: Gloucestershire
Gender: boys aged 11–18, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,000+
National rank: 133
GCSE results (2024): 59.5% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 68.1% A*–B
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