Guide to grammar schools

What is a grammar school?

A grammar school is a secondary school in the UK that admits pupils based on their academic ability. All children applying for a place at a grammar school will need to sit an entrance exam in Year 6. The children with the highest scores are then eligible for a place in Year 7.

Historically, the purpose of grammar schools was to teach Latin. In the late Victorian era, the curriculum at grammar schools became more varied.

In 1944, the Education Act created the Tripartite System – a system of state-funded secondary education in England and Wales. The three types of schools in this system were:

• Grammar schools. These schools admitted the top 25% of students and provided an academic curriculum. The assumption was that most of these students would go on to university. Most grammar schools were boys-only or girls-only.

• Secondary modern schools. These were non-selective schools for children who would go into trade jobs from the age of 16.

• Technical schools: very few of these were actually established.

In the 1960s, this system changed and comprehensive schools were introduced to reduce class inequality. Now, children from any school are encouraged to apply to higher education, regardless of their school type.

Most grammar schools are still single-sex. However, many are turning co-educational (teaching boys and girls together).

Are grammar schools free?

Yes. Unlike fee-paying private (independent) schools, you do not need to pay fees for 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 academic ability.

A few grammar schools have boarding facilities, which need to be paid for. However, these fees are significantly less than the fees charged by independent boarding schools.

What are the advantages of grammar schools?

Academic results

Grammar schools select the highest-achieving children in their year group. These children are statistically more likely to achieve high exam results at GCSE and A level. Grammar school pupils are usually more likely to be stretched and challenged in the classroom. In comparison, non-selective schools tend to have mixed-ability classes which can slow down the pace of teaching.

Stimulating environment

Children who are able to work at the top ability range are usually more prepared to work hard to achieve good results. Grammar schools can provide a stimulating environment where working hard and achieving success is celebrated.

Social mobility

Most private schools now offer financial assistance to families who could not otherwise afford school fees. This assistance is known as a bursary and is means-tested. However, these funds are often limited and do not always cover the full cost of fees. In contrast, all grammar schools are free. This means that all bright children from lower-income families have a chance of getting a good-quality education.

What are the disadvantages of grammar schools?

Exam pressures

Some people think the 11 plus exam can cause unnecessary stress in primary school children. This can be particularly true in competitive areas, such as London. As children are still developing their cognitive skills between the ages of 10–11, some people believe that children born towards the end of the school year are disadvantaged.

However, it's important to note that the 11 plus test is age-standardised. This means that the 'raw marks' your child receives in the exam are not the final score. A statistical process takes place to take into account your child's exact age in years and months. For example, if your child was born in July and they sit the exam in the September of the year they turn 10, they will have more points added to their test than a child born in January of the same year.

Class privilege

Some people argue that children taking selective entrance exams need to be tutored for the test. Private tuition costs vary across the country, but can cost £40 per hour in some urban areas. There are concerns that children whose families can afford these costs are more likely to get a place at a grammar school, increasing the class divide.

If you're concerned about the cost of 11 plus prep, there are plenty of low-cost and free resources available. If your child is receiving Pupil Premium, you will be able to access 11 plus content on Atom Home for free. For more information, contact [email protected].

How do I apply for a grammar school?

The admissions dates vary for each school. We always recommend checking with your target schools before you begin your child's application. However, all grammar schools follow the same schedule:

1. Register for the 11 plus

The first stage of the process is to register your child to take the 11 plus exam. Information about how to register your child will be available on your target schools' websites.

Most grammar schools open their exam registration in the spring term of Year 5. Some application windows are only open for a month, while some stay open until the summer holidays.

2. Sit the exam

Your child will take the 11 plus exam in the autumn term of Year 6 (usually in September). They might take the test at their primary school on a school day, or at a testing centre (such as the target school) on a Saturday morning.

You will receive your child's results in October. You might not receive the exact score, but you will be told if your child is eligible for a place.

3. Apply for a school place

If your child is eligible for a place, you can name the school on your secondary school application form. This will be available to complete on your local authority website from early September to late October.

You should only list your preferred grammar schools if your child has met the qualifying score in the 11 plus test. Schools usually publish a qualifying score, or a guidance, in their admissions policies.

For more information, take a look at our guide to completing the secondary school common application form.

4. Allocation of school places

You will find out which school your child has been allocated a place at on National Offers Day. This is usually the first Monday in March in Year 6. This is the same date for all state secondary schools in the country.

Your child will be allocated a place at your highest-preferred school for which they meet the entrance criteria (as long as places are available).

If your child's target school is oversubscribed and you do not meet the oversubscription criteria, they will be offered a place at another school. You can choose to appeal this decision via an independent appeal, but bear in mind that only a small proportion of appeals are likely to be successful.