The best grammar schools in Gloucestershire in 2026
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December 16, 2025
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 10 state schools in the UK.
Keep reading to discover the best grammar schools in 2026 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 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 many grammar schools are there in Gloucestershire?
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 full exam takes approximately two hours.
Is your child ready for the 11+?
See where they stand in minutes. Atom’s free 11+ baseline tests give you an instant breakdown of their strengths and gaps. Know exactly what to focus on next and start preparing with direction, not uncertainty.
Pate’s Grammar School is a high-achieving co-educational school in Cheltenham. It's ranked 6th out of all state secondary schools in the UK and is the best-performing state school outside of London. The school was awarded State Secondary School of the Year in the Southwest for Academic Excellence 2026 by The Times.
‘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 in educational excellence while maintaining robust pastoral care.
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 is 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.
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 wellbeing programme helps to promote each student's self-worth and sense of belonging. This includes yoga and mindfulness sessions, peer support groups and specialised therapy.
Marling School is a boys' grammar school in Stroud, Gloucestershire, with a mixed sixth form.
The school provides a vibrant academic environment that supports and challenges its students. Students are encouraged to become active learners for further education and a global society.
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.
Not sure if your child is on track for the grammar school 11+? You don’t need to guess what to cover or whether they’re ready. Atom shows you exactly what to practise each week and how they’re performing, so you can stay ahead of the process without the stress.
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