Choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision that can shape their future. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best fit.
Grammar schools are known for their academic excellence and rigorous entrance exams. Each year, parents and students eagerly await the rankings to see how their preferred schools measure up.
As we explore each school, you will be transported into a world of learning and opportunity. You will discover the unique atmosphere, the dedicated teachers, and the wide range of opportunities that these schools offer to their students.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the top 10 grammar schools in the UK for 2024. From academic achievements to extracurricular offerings, we will explore what sets these schools apart and help you make an informed decision for your child’s education.
Table of contents
What Is A Grammar School?
A grammar school is a secondary school in the UK that accepts pupils based on their academic ability. Children take an entrance exam known as the 11 Plus when they are in Year 6. The children with the highest scores are then eligible for a place at the school in Year 7. They are a minority within the UK’s state school system, accounting for less than 1%, as reported by the National Grammar Schools Association (NGSA). These schools follow a selective admission process, requiring students to take the ’11+’ examination and often undergo interviews as part of their application. One notable aspect is that attending a grammar school is tuition-free, and a majority of them rank among the top-performing schools in the UK.
As a result of their high standards, competition for spots in grammar schools is highly competitive. Each year, a substantial number of schoolchildren, reaching hundreds of thousands, sit for the 11+ exam, hoping to secure admission to one of the 163 grammar schools scattered throughout the UK. This competition underscores the schools’ prestige and desirability.
Are Grammar Schools Good For Your Child?
Despite the low number of grammar schools in the UK, their popularity remains unshakable. This is mostly because they get very good exam results from their students at GCSE and A-Level. In 2021, 68% of their GCSE entries in England were in grade 7 or above. As this article by the Guardian states.
According to an article published by The Spectator, out of the 80 schools with the greatest number of students going to Oxford or Cambridge University, 22 came from grammar schools.
Generally, grammar schools tend to be a good fit for students who enjoy intense academic environments and subjects, and those who thrive in high-pressure environments. On the other side, comprehensive schools are fit for a wider range of pupils and often do better for those who enjoy many subjects. This is especially true for those who are not purely academic and who want a more balanced education.
Grammar schools usually have the same core curriculum as other schools, especially in the core subjects. However, once students reach GCSE, the choices are sometimes less varied. For example, comprehensives may offer some vocational courses, such as BTECs, whereas grammar schools tend to focus on the academic side.
In terms of subject offerings, grammar schools offer a wide range of subjects beyond the core curriculum. Students have the opportunity to explore subjects like politics, economics, psychology, and more. This diverse educational experience helps students discover their passions and potential career paths at an early age.
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Groups by Age in UK Grammar Schools
UK grammar schools operate within two main age groups: the 11+ and the 16+ stages.
1. The 11+ Stage
At around the age of 10 or 11, students take an exam commonly known as the 11+ (eleven plus). This exam assesses their skills in subjects like mathematics, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The results of this test determine whether a student qualifies for admission to a grammar school. Those who perform well gain entry to these academically focused institutions.
2. The 16+ Stage
For students around 16 years old, the focus shifts to the 16+ stage. At this point, students have typically completed their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. Depending on their results, students might choose to attend a grammar school’s sixth form or similar college-level programs. This stage is crucial as it prepares students for A-levels or other advanced qualifications, which are vital for university admissions.
In both age groups, grammar schools provide an education tailored to academic excellence, often offering a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities to foster well-rounded development. The combination of these age groups ensures that students benefit from focused education during their crucial years of secondary schooling, helping them progress toward their academic and career goals.
Top 10 Grammar Schools in the UK | Full Review
Within the realm of UK grammar schools, certain institutions stand out for their exceptional academic standards, comprehensive facilities, and outstanding reputation. Here’s a closer look at the 10 best grammar schools in U.K:
- The Henrietta Barnett School
- QE Barnet
- Wilson’s School
- The Tiffin Girls’ School
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
- Pate’s Grammar School
- St Olave’s Grammar School
- King Edward VI Grammar School
- Colyton Grammar School
- Colchester Royal Grammar School
1. The Henrietta Barnett School
The Henrietta Barnett School, situated in Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London, is a distinguished grammar school exclusively for girls and holds academy status. Founded in 1911 by Dame Henrietta Barnett, the school’s primary goal is to improve girls’ education based on merit rather than financial considerations.
Recognized for its outstanding academic accomplishments, Henrietta Barnett has consistently earned top rankings as the leading girls’ grammar school on multiple occasions. It consistently exceeds national academic standards, ranking high in-state school league tables. Graduates of the school often progress to prestigious universities, including renowned institutions such as Oxbridge, UCL, King’s College London, and LSE.
The school stands among the top 10 grammar schools in the United Kingdom, further solidifying its reputation as a beacon of educational excellence.
Prospective female students aiming to secure a Year 7 position at The Henrietta Barnett School undergo a two-part 11-plus examination process. The initial stage of testing encompasses evaluations of verbal and numerical proficiencies. Following this, successful candidates proceed to undertake English and mathematics assessments devised by the school.
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2. QE Barnet
Founded in 1573 by royal charter, QE Barnet, often known as Queen Elizabeth’s School, is a prominent grammar school for boys located in Barnet, North London. Its pupils are referred to as Elizabethans with affection in the neighborhood.
Students at QE Barnet get a rigorous and intellectually engaging academic program. With disciplines ranging from traditional to modern, boys participate in a well-rounded education enhanced by a multitude of learning opportunities. These include thought-provoking speeches by well-known visitors and cooperative research gatherings known as “symposia,” which are planned in association with nearby academically successful girls’ schools.
As part of the admission process to Queen Elizabeth’s School, prospective students undertake the 11-plus examination during September of their sixth year. This assessment involves written assessments in English and mathematics.
3. Wilson’s School
Wilson’s School proudly stands as a renowned academy-status institution exclusively for boys. Its rich legacy dates back to its foundation by royal charter in Camberwell (South London) in 1615, a historical distinction that places it among the oldest state schools in England. The year 2020 witnessed Wilson’s School earning the distinguished accolade of ‘London Secondary School of the Decade,’ a recognition bestowed by the Sunday Times.
At Wilson’s School, pupils are immersed in a comprehensive array of subjects that extend beyond the academic realm. Complementing these studies is a thoughtfully designed enrichment program christened ‘The Elizabethan.’ Comprising three distinct dimensions—political, cultural, and public speaking—this program is carefully curated to nurture the holistic development of each young man.
Young boys aspiring to secure a place in Year 7, the journey involves successfully navigating the 11-plus entrance examination, undertaken during their Year 6. Operating as a distinguished Sutton grammar school, Wilson’s School employs the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) as an initial screening mechanism. Those who excel in this stage proceed as shortlisted candidates, subsequently engaging with the school’s bespoke English and mathematics assessments.
4. The Tiffin Girls’ School
The Tiffin Girls’ School, located in Kingston upon Thames, London, is a distinguished all-girls selective institution. This school stands as a counterpart to Tiffin School, a boys-only establishment rooted in the 17th century.
The school’s mission revolves around fostering an environment of intellectual enrichment and community engagement, nurturing students to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society. Positioned as one of the best grammar schools in the UK, The Tiffin Girls’ School was recognized in 2016 as a local recipient of the Pupil Premium Awards, acknowledging its success in enhancing the academic achievement and progress of underprivileged students.
Entry to The Tiffin Girls’ School is achieved through a two-phase entrance examination process. Aspiring Year 7 students face English and math assessments devised by GL Assessment during the initial stage, while the subsequent stage entails English and math papers prepared by the school itself.
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5. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, commonly referred to as AGGS, is a renowned girls’ grammar school located in Bowdon, Greater Manchester. Notably, in 2022, it was honored with the title of ‘Northwest Secondary School of the Year,’ a distinction bestowed upon it by the Sunday Times. AGGS traces its origins back to 1910 when it was established as a response to the 1902 Education Act, which aimed to enhance educational opportunities for young girls. With a student enrollment exceeding 1,300, the school proudly holds the distinction of being the largest single-gender grammar school in all of England.
As one of the premier grammar schools across the UK, AGGS was an early recipient of the prestigious designation as a National Teaching School. Its academic prowess spans various subjects, with notable strengths in fields such as mathematics, science, PSHE (personal, social, health, and economic education), and modern foreign languages. AGGS, an active participant in the Bright Futures Educational Trust, firmly secures its position as a leading grammar school in the UK.
For girls aspiring to join Year 7 at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, the entry process involves taking entrance examinations designed to evaluate proficiency in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics. This rigorous evaluation is part of the school’s comprehensive approach to selecting students who are ready to excel in their academic journey.
6. Pate’s Grammar School
Pate’s Grammar School is an academy-status mixed-sex school. It clinched the title of ‘State Secondary School of the Year’ by the Sunday Times in 2020 and was honored as ‘The Southwest Secondary School of the Year’ in 2017 and 2022.
At the heart of Pate’s Grammar School is a shared vision of ‘Nurturing Excellence’ through the tenets of ‘Embracing Challenge,’ ‘Supporting Each Other,’ and ‘Shaping the Future.’ The school’s exceptional pastoral care underscores relationships and respect for rules, a principle resonating with its 2025 vision.
Renowned as one of the best grammar schools in the UK, Pate’s Grammar School embodies academic distinction and a nurturing environment, making it a beacon of educational excellence.
Prospective Year 7 students aspiring to enroll at Pate’s Grammar School undergo the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Test during Year 6. This evaluation comprises two papers encompassing reading comprehension, vocabulary, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics.
7. St Olave’s Grammar School
St Olave’s Grammar School, a distinguished selective state institution for boys, boasts a mixed sixth form and is located in Orpington, southeast London. With its origins dating back to a royal charter in 1571, the school benefits from the St. Olave’s and St. Saviour’s Schools Foundation.
Termed as ‘Olavians,’ students at St Olave’s embody lofty ambitions, often progressing to esteemed universities in the UK and internationally. Over the past four years alone, an impressive 130 Olavians secured coveted spots at Oxbridge, while 102 pursued engineering and 171 entered the field of medicine.
For boys seeking admission to St. Olave’s Grammar School in Year 7, the application process involves taking the school’s internal Selective Eligibility Test (SET) during September of Year 6. This assessment encompasses English, mathematics, as well as verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Successful candidates are subsequently selected for the second-stage evaluations, which involve additional tests in English and mathematics.
8. King Edward VI Grammar School
King Edward VI Grammar School, situated in Chelmsford, Essex, stands as a distinguished boys’ grammar institution, augmented by a co-educational sixth form. Its establishment traces back to 1551, a result of a royal warrant from King Edward VI, and it has garnered a consistent reputation for academic excellence. This standing is underpinned by an unwavering emphasis on scholastic achievement and a diligent work ethic. Notably, the school earned the title of ‘East Anglia Secondary School of the Year 2022,’ bestowed upon it by the Sunday Times.
Beyond the conventional classroom setting, KEGS students actively participate in a diverse array of lunchtime and after-school clubs and activities. These opportunities span orchestras, choirs, ensembles, drama productions, musicals, local and national sports fixtures across various disciplines, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
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9. Colyton Grammar School
Colyton Grammar School, situated in Devon, stands as a co-educational institution with a storied history. Established in 1546 with the noble goal of providing a “goodly and virtuous education of children forever,” the school remains dedicated to offering a remarkable tuition-free education to academically talented boys and girls.
At its core, Colyton Grammar School prides itself on being an inclusive institution founded on meritocracy. Pupils exhibit dedication, with a significant majority proceeding to some of the nation’s most esteemed higher education institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, and the Royal College of Music.
For Year 7 applicants to Colyton Grammar School, the assessment comprises two 11-plus papers, encompassing questions that evaluate verbal, numerical, and non-verbal aptitude.
10. Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester Royal Grammar School, located in the city of Colchester, Essex, is a distinguished boys’ grammar institution. Its roots date back to 1206, making it one of the country’s oldest schools, and it holds Royal Charters granted by both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Remarkably, the school offers boarding options for sixth-form students, a feature uncommon among state schools.
In a testament to its excellence, The Sunday Times bestowed upon Colchester Royal Grammar School the title of East Anglia State School of the Decade in 2022. The school garners acclaim for its remarkable facilities, outstanding examination results, and expansive extracurricular program.
Boys seeking admission to Year 7 at Colchester Royal Grammar School undergo the CSSE 11 plus examination. This evaluation consists of two written papers, both designed by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. These papers comprehensively assess proficiency in English and mathematics.
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How Do You Take The 11 Plus Exam?
The 11+ is a test taken by some Year 6 pupils in primary schools in England. It’s a way of selecting who’s academically suited to attend a grammar school or selective school for Year 7 onwards, and is sometimes also known as the ‘Transfer Test’.
It involves tests based on numerical and verbal reasoning (maths and English problem solving), English comprehension, punctuation and grammar, non-verbal reasoning, and sometimes creative writing. These are often not areas studied by primary students, so parents often have private tutors, to help prepare their children for the exam.
As Wales and Scotland no longer have grammar schools, the 11+ is only taken in certain parts of England. The test has officially been phased out in Northern Ireland (although some schools still use the test in a different form, called the Northern Ireland Transfer Test, to select the most academically able children).
If your child goes to a local authority primary school, they’ll sit with the 11+ in one of their classrooms. If they go to another type of school, they’ll be asked to take it at a central location, like a local grammar school.
The 11 plus exam testing day depends on where you live, although it’s often early in the autumn term in September. There’s usually a chance to take a practice 11+ a few days before school.
Frequently Asked Questions
A grammar school is a type of secondary school in the UK that places a strong emphasis on academic education and selective admissions based on students’ performance in entrance exams. These schools have historically focused on a classical curriculum and often have a reputation for providing high-quality education.
Grammar school entrance exams typically include subjects like mathematics, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The exams are usually taken by students in their last year of primary school (Year 6) and aim to assess their academic abilities and potential for success in a more challenging curriculum.
Most grammar schools in the UK are state-funded and do not charge tuition fees. However, some grammar schools might have associated costs for specific activities, uniforms, or extracurricular programs. It’s important to research individual school policies to understand any potential costs.
No, grammar schools are just one of the educational options available in the UK. Comprehensive schools and other types of secondary schools also provide excellent education and opportunities for students to excel. Academic success can be achieved in various educational settings, and the right fit depends on the student’s individual needs and goals.
Public schools and grammar schools are neither inherently superior nor inferior. There are several instances where one kind performs better than the other on important measures. Grammar schools typically outperform public schools in terms of academic performance. Most importantly, grammar schools are free, while public schools require fees.
Grammar schools are often very difficult to get into. Many candidates opt for grammar schools because of their high popularity and non-fee-paying status. The ‘11+’ examination is a very challenging entry exam as well. It’s designed to help grammar schools find the most suitable candidates for places.
Conclusion
These top 10 grammar schools in the UK shine as beacons of excellence, fostering academic achievement, holistic growth, and a commitment to nurturing future leaders. From their historic foundations to their modern-day accolades, each school’s legacy resonates through its exceptional programs, outstanding facilities, and the boundless potential it instills in its students.
References
- homeviews.com – 10 best grammar schools in the UK and where to live nearby
- atomlearning.com – The best grammar schools in the UK
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