Do grammar schools give priority to siblings?

Some grammar schools give priority to siblings; others do not. Where it exists, the policy defines who counts as a sibling and how that priority interacts with academic eligibility and other criteria. An older child’s place does not automatically secure admission for a younger child.

First separate qualification from priority

A selective school’s academic requirement and its oversubscription rules answer different questions. The first establishes who can be considered; the second orders applicants when there are more eligible children than places. Do not assume a sibling link removes the test requirement or changes the qualifying score. Read the actual conditions for that school.

The School Admissions Code requires admission authorities to explain what they mean by a sibling. It does not impose one nationwide sibling-priority system on grammar schools. Your family circumstances must be assessed against the published definition.

Three examples show why the wording matters

Check the Bexley Grammar policy, Stretford admissions page and Devon 2027 guidance for the full context. These are examples from that entry cycle. They are not a substitute for the policies governing a younger child’s future application.

Does sixth form attendance count?

Only if the policy includes it. An older child moving from Year 11 into Year 12 can affect eligibility where a rule specifies Years 7–11 at admission. Equally, another school may use a different date or expressly include sixth form. Write down both children’s expected year groups at each date the policy names.

Hypothetical example: a school requires the older sibling to be in Years 7–11 when the younger child starts. The older child will be in Year 12 by then. Although both will be at the same school, this particular rule would not be met. This is an illustration of wording, not a universal sixth-form exclusion.

Check relationship, address and linked-school definitions

• Does the definition include full, half, step, adopted or foster siblings?
• Must the children live at the same permanent address?
• Does it cover only this school, or a specifically named linked school?
• Does it include former pupils’ siblings, or only current pupils?
• Which date determines whether the relationship or attendance condition is met?

Do not infer that two schools in the same trust share sibling priority, or that a brother at a nearby boys’ school gives priority at a girls’ school. A link needs to appear in the relevant admissions arrangements. Where care or living arrangements make the wording unclear, ask the admission authority for a written explanation.

What about twins and other multiple births?

Check the multiple-birth clause as well as the sibling clause. Twins applying together are not necessarily in the same position as a child whose older sibling already attends. Ask how the policy deals with the last available place, qualification and any tie-break. Do not assume that one twin’s offer automatically brings an offer for the other.

How to claim priority properly

1. 1Open the determined policy for the correct entry year.
2. 2Confirm the younger child’s assessment and application requirements.
3. 3Copy the relevant sibling definition and note its position in the oversubscription order.
4. 4Provide the requested sibling details on the application and any required supplementary form.
5. 5Submit accurate evidence through the official channel and retain confirmation.
6. 6Notify the authority if circumstances change and ask whether this affects the application.

There is no universal extra document bundle for every school. Follow the instructions you receive and avoid sending unnecessary sensitive family information. A registration for the entrance test is not automatically the school-place application; our admissions timeline separates those stages.

If priority is unavailable or does not lead to an offer

Consider the remaining criteria and realistic alternative schools. Sibling priority can improve a position under a policy without guaranteeing a vacancy. If a refusal appears to overlook a valid sibling category, ask the authority to explain how it applied the rule, retaining your original application records.

Read what happens after passing without a place for waiting-list and appeal options. Keep school choice focused on the younger child’s needs too: a familiar journey is useful, but both children need a suitable learning environment.