How do you get into a grammar school?

Understanding Grammar Schools

Grammar schools are academically selective state-funded institutions in the UK that admit pupils based on 11+ entrance exam performance, with 163 remaining across England as of 2024. These schools differ from comprehensives, which accept all local children regardless of ability. They focus on high academic standards from Year 7.

Top-performing examples include King Edward VI Grammar Birmingham and Wilson's School. Other strong schools are Latymer Grammar, Henrietta Barnett, and Tiffin School. These often show excellent GCSE and A-Level results.

Regional hotspots feature Kent grammar schools with 38 institutions, Birmingham with 8, and Trafford with 5. Parents in these areas face high competition for places. Visiting school open days helps assess fit.

Pupils at grammar schools gain from a traditional curriculum with setting and streaming. Research from the Sutton Trust indicates they are more likely to attend Russell Group universities. This supports long-term academic success.

What Are Grammar Schools?

Grammar schools admit only the top 20-25% of applicants based on 11+ exam results, prioritising academic potential over catchment area in most cases. Entry relies on tests from exam boards like CEM, GL Assessment, or CSSE. These include verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths tests, and English tests.

Key characteristics define these selective schools. They offer a traditional academic curriculum, often including Latin or Greek. Most hold high Ofsted ratings, with many Outstanding.

• Selective entry via 11+ exams covering comprehension, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• High progression to Oxbridge, as seen at Tiffin School.
• Setting and streaming from Year 7 to match pupil ability.
• Strong focus on core subjects mastery and advanced problem-solving.
• Emphasis on exam technique, time management, and confidence building.

League tables highlight top schools by A-Level results, such as Wilson's School, Latymer Grammar, Henrietta Barnett, Tiffin School, and Dartford Grammar. Parents should review prospectuses and Ofsted reports. Preparing with mock exams and practice papers from Bond or CGP books boosts chances.

Eligibility and Application Timeline

Most grammar schools require registration by June or July in Year 5 for Year 6 testing, with exams in September and offers by March. Parents should follow a clear application timeline to stay on track. Start researching in Year 4 to identify suitable selective schools.

In Year 5, register by June and begin exam preparation for the 11+ exam. Year 6 brings the September entrance exam, followed by March offers for Year 7 entry. Picture a timeline graphic: Year 4 marks school research, Year 5 covers registration and prep, Year 6 handles exams and results.

Priority criteria shape admissions after the entrance assessment. Common lists include: looked-after children first, then pupil premium eligibility, academic score from the test, sibling priority, and distance from school, often 0.5 to 3 miles. Medway and Kent have unique rules, like separate tests or banding.

Many children test in September for these state grammar schools. Check oversubscription criteria in each prospectus. Early planning helps with catchment area and competition.

Age Requirements and Deadlines

Children born between 1st September 2012 and 31st August 2013 qualify for 2024 entry, with most schools requiring registration by 30th June. Age rules ensure fairness in the 11 plus exam. Confirm eligibility via the school prospectus.

Deadlines vary by county for the admissions process. Use this table to track key dates:

GL schools often close in May or June, while CEM exams run June to July. Secondary applications go in by 31st October. Fees for multiple tests range from £20 to £50 per school.

Follow this checklist for smooth preparation:

• Check school prospectus for exact rules and download familiarisation materials.
• Submit secondary school application by 31st October via your local council.
• Register for tests at multiple grammar schools, noting fees and late restrictions.

Late registration often bars entry, so mark dates early. Experts recommend verifying with open days or league tables.

Preparing for the Entrance Exam

The 11+ tests academic ability through 45-60 minute papers in Maths, English, and Reasoning, with pass marks typically 80-85% under age-standardised scoring. Most grammar schools use one of three main exam boards: GL Assessment for multiple choice papers, CEM for combined subjects using Durham methods, and CSSE for written essays. Exams last about 2 hours total across 4-5 papers, with scores reported as standardised (121+ to pass), raw (70-80%), or stanine (6-9).

Regions vary in format. In Kent, the 11+ exam uses two papers totalling 120 minutes. Birmingham grammar schools often select CEM Select tests lasting 100 minutes. Parents should check the specific grammar school prospectus for the exact board and timing.

Preparation involves building exam technique through mock exams and practice papers. Focus on time management, speed, and accuracy to boost confidence. Experts recommend a study plan with regular practice papers from Bond or CGP books.

Registration deadlines fall in spring for year 6 entry. Review catchment areas, sibling priority, and oversubscription criteria early. Attend open days to understand the full admissions process.

Exam Format and Subjects

GL Assessment uses 4 multiple choice papers (Maths 50 questions, English 50 questions, VR 80 questions, NVR 60 questions), while CEM combines subjects into 2 longer tests. CSSE focuses on written papers without multiple choice. Durations range from 100 to 120 minutes total, testing core skills for selective education.

Question types include verbal reasoning (synonyms, cloze procedure), non-verbal reasoning (patterns, spatial shapes), and Maths (word problems). VR often allocates 20% to synonyms and 30% to cloze. NVR covers 40% patterns and 30% spatial reasoning.

Sample timings: GL Maths 25-30 minutes for 50 questions, English comprehension 25 minutes. Mark allocations reward accuracy over speed. Practice with familiarisation materials to master formats across GL, CEM, and CSSE.

Core Study Areas: Maths, English, Reasoning

Master 12 key topics: Maths (fractions, decimals, algebra), English (comprehension, SPaG), VR (synonyms, antonyms), NVR (rotations, patterns). Weightings guide focus: Maths around 30%, English 25%, VR 25%, NVR 20%. Allocate study time as 40% Reasoning, 30% Maths, 30% English for balanced prep.

Maths test covers ratios, speed and distance, data interpretation. Sample: "If a car travels 60 miles in 1.5 hours, what is its average speed?" Solution: Speed = distance ÷ time = 60 ÷ 1.5 = 40 miles per hour. Practice word problems daily.

English test includes 25-minute comprehension and SPaG (spelling, punctuation, grammar). Sample: "Choose the correct spelling: recieve or receive." Solution: Receive follows 'i before e except after c'. Build vocabulary through reading.

• VR sample: "Odd one out: apple, banana, carrot, pear." Solution: Carrot (vegetable, others fruits).
• NVR sample: Identify next in sequence of rotating shapes. Solution: Rotate 90 degrees clockwise.
• Maths sample: "2/3 of 12?" Solution: 8.

Use mock exams, past papers, and tutoring for core subjects mastery. Develop logical thinking and pattern recognition. Parental support with a revision timetable aids year 7 transition.

Recommended Study Resources

Top resources include Bond 11+ Assessment Papers (8 books, £8 each) and CGP 11+ Practice Papers (£6-£9), popular choices for grammar school preparation. These materials cover 11+ exam essentials like verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths test, and English test. Parents often start here for cost-effective practice.

Books from Bond and CGP total around £50, ideal for beginners building exam technique. Online platforms like ExamPapersPlus (£49 per year) offer 20+ mocks, while PreTestPlus provides £24 per CEM Select test. Tutors charge £30-£60 per hour for personalised guidance on CEM exam or GL Assessment.

Combine these for a balanced study plan. Use books for daily drills in comprehension and spatial reasoning, online mocks for time management, and tutors for weak areas like quantitative reasoning. This approach boosts speed accuracy before the entrance exam.

Books, Online Courses, and Tutors

Invest in 8 Bond Assessment Papers (£64 total) for foundational practice, supplemented by CGP Complete 11+ Practice Papers (£45 for 6 books). These target grammar school entrance topics like spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. They help year 6 pupils master core subjects at home.

Books suit different needs. Bond offers 8 books for beginners (£64), CGP has 10 exam-specific ones (£72), and Letts provides mixed ability sets (£55). Pair with online resources like ExamPapersPlus (£49/year, 20+ mocks) or PreTestPlus (£24 per CEM Select) for mock exams.

Tutoring enhances progress. Group sessions from KTS or Kings Tutors cost £25 per hour, while 1:1 with Bonas MacFarlane runs £45 per hour. A typical budget covers £250 in books plus £500 in tutoring, totalling £750 for full exam preparation.

Practice and Mock Tests

Complete 12 full mock exams under timed conditions with a 9am start, aiming for 82%+ in final 4 mocks before exam day. This builds stamina for the real 11+ entrance exam and mirrors the selective school pressure. Parents often schedule these on weekends to simulate school days.

Follow an 8-week practice schedule to ramp up intensity. Weeks 1-2 focus on two half-mocks each week for baseline assessment. Weeks 3-6 involve one full mock per week, while weeks 7-8 double to two mocks weekly for peak preparation.

Use error analysis after every mock to categorise mistakes: technique (40%), knowledge gaps (30%), and careless errors (30%). Review verbal reasoning code breaking flaws or non-verbal reasoning shape sequences weekly. This method sharpens exam technique and boosts confidence.

Choose providers wisely for quality practice papers. Table below lists options with costs and formats suited to GL Assessment or CEM exams used by grammar schools like Tiffin School or Dartford Grammar.

Track score improvements from Mock 1 at 65% to Mock 12 at 85% using a revision timetable. Combine with past papers from Bond or CGP books for maths test and English test mastery. This structured approach supports year 6 pupils targeting state grammar schools.

Building a Strong Application

Secure above average primary school reports and Level 5+ SATs results to support your 11+ score in oversubscribed grammars. Beyond the entrance exam score, applications need strong academic evidence. Common requirements include KS2 SATs 100+ scaled scores, 'secure' teacher judgement, and no behaviour concerns.

Grammar schools use priority categories for oversubscription. These often break down into academic ability, siblings, distance, and pupil premium or looked after children. Understanding these helps target the right selective schools.

Follow a clear application checklist. Register for up to six schools, submit by the 31st October deadline, and attend open days to gather insights on the admissions process.

• Request detailed headteacher references highlighting academic potential.
• Prepare evidence of extracurricular achievements if required.
• Check each school's catchment area and oversubscription criteria.
• Attend school open days to assess fit for year 7 transition.

Academic Evidence and Reports

Strong primary school reports form the backbone of your grammar school application. Teachers must confirm 'secure' progress in core subjects like maths and English. Pair this with KS2 SATs results showing high achievement to demonstrate readiness for selective education.

Headteachers provide references that carry weight in the selection process. They detail class performance, attitude to learning, and suitability for a challenging environment. Request these early to allow time for thorough completion.

Avoid any behaviour concerns flagged in reports. Schools prioritise pupils with consistent focus and resilience. Use year 6 to build a positive profile through stretch and challenge activities.

If needed, include an educational psychologist report for gifted and talented pupils. This supports cases for academic excellence in competitive grammars like Wilson's School or Tiffin School.

Priority Categories Breakdown

Most grammar schools allocate places via priority categories. Academic ability often leads, followed by sibling priority, distance criteria, and provisions for pupil premium or looked after children. Review each school's policy to align your application.

Sibling priority gives an edge if a brother or sister attends. Distance criteria favour those in the catchment area or priority areas. Pupil premium status can boost chances in state grammar schools.

Prepare for oversubscription by excelling in the 11+ exam. High scores in GL Assessment or CEM exam secure academic priority. Combine this with strong SATs for the best outcome.

• Check prospectus for exact category weights.
• Measure home to school distance accurately.
• Confirm eligibility for looked after children status.

Application Checklist and Deadlines

Start with registering for six grammar schools via your local authority. Submit the application form by the 31st October deadline to avoid late penalties. Double-check all documents for completeness.

Attend open days and virtual tours to evaluate options like Dartford Grammar or Newstead Wood. Note Ofsted ratings, league tables, and curriculum details such as setting or house systems. This informs your ranked preferences.

Track the registration deadline for entrance exams like the 11+ or Medway test. Practice with familiarisation materials to build exam technique. Parental support in organising mocks aids time management.

1. 1Gather SATs results and reports.
2. 2Complete online registration for exams.
3. 3Rank schools on the common application form.
4. 4Monitor for offers on 1st March.

Interview Preparation

10-15% of grammar schools such as those in Trafford and Reading conduct 20-minute panel interviews. These sessions test current affairs knowledge, teamwork skills, and subject enthusiasm. Parents should check the prospectus or school open day for specifics on the interview process.

The typical format involves a 5-person panel including teachers and heads of year. Interviews last 15-25 minutes and break down into 60% academic questions, 25% current affairs, and 15% personal topics. This structure helps schools assess fit for selective education.

Practice builds confidence through three mock interviews, often costing around £50 each. Record or video these sessions for review to improve exam technique like clear speaking and eye contact. Focus on time management to cover all points within limits.

Stay informed with top news sources for kids: BBC Bitesize, First News, The Day, Scholastic, and Newsround. Discuss articles daily to sharpen current affairs responses. This prepares for questions on weekly events or global issues.

Sample Questions and Model Answers

Common query: "Why our school?" Model answer: "I admire your strong maths test results and house system, which matches my interest in competitive academics from my 11+ exam prep." Keep it personal, linking to their Ofsted rating or traditions like Latin classes.

Another: "Summarise this week's news." Model: "The UK government announced new funding for grammar school expansion, and a drought affected farming in East Anglia." Practice concise summaries of 3-4 key stories from Newsround.

For personal questions like "Describe a teamwork challenge." Say: "In year 6 group project, I organised tasks to meet the deadline, much like your setting streaming approach." Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structure.

Academic probes, such as "Explain photosynthesis." Respond clearly: "Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make glucose via chlorophyll." Rehearse core subjects from entrance exam topics like verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.

Practice Methods

Book mock interviews with a grammar school tutor to simulate the panel. Review videos for body language and filler words. This mirrors the assessment day pressure.

Role-play at home with parents acting as interviewers. Time sessions to 20 minutes and debrief on strengths. Incorporate current affairs from priority areas like social mobility debates.

Join group tuition or online Zoom lessons for peer feedback. Practice 11 plus exam style questions verbally. Track progress in a revision timetable.

Build mindset with parental support and exam anxiety tips. Visualise success from school open days. Consistent practice leads to natural responses in the real interview process.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Parents face top hurdles when preparing for grammar school entry, including fierce competition with multiple applications per place, strict time pressure of just over a minute per question in the 11+ exam, anxiety that affects many candidates, and gaps in key subjects like maths or non-verbal reasoning.

These issues can undermine exam technique and confidence building, but targeted strategies help overcome them. A structured approach with practice and support turns challenges into strengths for the entrance exam.

Common problems often stem from limited parental support or unfamiliarity with formats like CEM exam or GL Assessment. Families benefit from early mock exams and practice papers to build familiarity.

Below is a table outlining key challenges, their effects, practical solutions, and helpful tools. A 12-week intervention can lead to notable score improvements, as seen in programmes like those from PiAcademy.

Integrate these into a study plan with revision timetable. Combine online practice and tutoring for best results in selective school preparation.