Grammar vs independent schools: comparing 11+ entry routes

A state grammar school provides free education and uses academic selection. An independent school charges fees and sets its own admission process, which may include exams, interviews or other assessments. Families can apply to both, but the registrations, school-place applications and offer conditions are separate.

This guide focuses on England and on planning the two routes together. For the usual Year 7 grammar transition, tests taken in autumn 2027 commonly relate to September 2028 entry. Independent assessments can take place on different schedules or be used for entry at a later age, so record the intended start year for every school.

A practical comparison

GOV.UK’s school-admissions guidance directs private-school applicants to the school itself. The independent-school overview also explains that these schools must be registered and inspected: independent does not mean unregulated.

Is the 11+ the same exam for both?

No. “11+” can describe the age of entry rather than one shared test. A grammar school might use an area-wide test, a consortium process or school-specific stages. An independent school might use its own papers, a shared assessment, or additional tasks. The provider name alone is not enough to establish subjects, timings or question format.

The ISEB Common Pre-Tests are one example: four online adaptive assessments covering English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. ISEB says they can be used for Year 7 entry or as part of a process leading to Year 9. Its currently published 2026/27 session dates are not a confirmed timetable for tests in autumn 2027.

Do not confuse these Pre-Tests with ISEB Common Entrance at 11+ or 13+. Ask your target school exactly which assessment it requires, who registers the child, where testing takes place and whether another stage follows. Do not assume an English writing paper, interview or reasoning test appears everywhere.

Prepare from the actual specification

• List the subjects and response formats required by each shortlisted school.
• Identify shared foundations such as reading comprehension and mathematical accuracy.
• Practise school-specific requirements separately, for example extended writing if it is assessed.
• Use the school’s or organiser’s official familiarisation guidance to understand the format.
• Check access-arrangement procedures with each organiser rather than assuming approval transfers between tests.
• Keep the workload manageable; adding schools can add assessments, travel and administrative deadlines.

There is no national score that guarantees admission across these routes. An age-standardised score, a raw practice percentage and an independent-school assessment result are not interchangeable. For grammar schools, an eligible result can still leave a child without an offer when the school is oversubscribed.

Keep two application trackers

Read the school’s actual written terms before accepting a fee-paying place. If deadlines clash, contact the admissions office to clarify the options; do not assume a deposit will be refundable or that withdrawing later has no cost.

Fees, bursaries and school names

The word Grammar does not guarantee free education. North London Grammar School, for example, publishes independent-school fees. For a fee-paying choice, use the current total, check whether VAT is included, and ask which meals, transport or activities cost extra. A 2026/27 price is not a confirmed 2028 fee.

Ask schools offering bursaries or scholarships what the award covers, whether it depends on financial circumstances or an assessed talent, and what conditions apply over time. Do not assume either label means a full-fee place. Our grammar-school costs guide separates tuition, boarding, optional preparation and other expenses.

Which route is better for your child?

The label alone cannot answer that. Compare the actual curriculum, pastoral care, SEND provision, journey, activities and affordability. Visit schools and ask for examples of how pupils are supported and challenged. Do not infer smaller classes, better teaching or a particular university outcome merely from fees or selective entry.

Once you have named schools, use the comparison questions in our school-choice guide. Keep future test details marked unconfirmed until published, retain a realistic range of school options, and build preparation around the requirements your child will actually face.