What GCSE and A level results do grammar schools get?

Overview of Grammar Schools in the UK

Grammar schools are state-funded selective secondary schools in the UK that admit pupils based on academic ability, primarily through the 11-plus exam, with only 163 remaining from over 1,200 in the 1960s. The Butler Act 1944 established the tripartite system, dividing secondary education into grammar, technical, and modern schools to identify high achievers early. This system aimed to provide rigorous academic paths for gifted students.

Today, about 5% of secondary pupils attend grammar schools, concentrated in 36 local authorities such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, and parts of London. Regional variations stand out, for instance in Kent where a notable share of secondary pupils join grammars. These schools often top GCSE results and A level results league tables due to their selective intake and focus on core subjects.

The selection timeline starts with Year 6 SATs, followed by the 11-plus exam in October or November, with offers typically in March. Grammar schools emphasise high Attainment 8 scores and Progress 8 measures, outperforming national averages in English Baccalaureate entry. Maps of grammar regions highlight clusters in the South East, aiding families in planning applications.

Grammar schools maintain strong Ofsted ratings and excel in EBacc average point scores, particularly in maths GCSE, English GCSE, and science GCSE. They prepare students for top universities through demanding sixth forms, with high pass rates in A-level subjects like STEM and humanities. Parental involvement and small class sizes contribute to these consistent outcomes in school performance tables.

Definition and Selection Process

Grammar schools select the top 25% of ability range via 11-plus exams testing verbal and non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English, with pass marks typically 110+ out of 141. The three main 11+ test providers include GL Assessment with over 110 questions, CEM focusing on adaptive reasoning, and CSSE using traditional comprehension formats. Multiple choice questions make up a large portion of these tests.

Results use standardised scores where 110 equals the 80th percentile, helping schools rank applicants fairly. Admissions priorities follow a clear order: first the 11+ score, then siblings, and finally distance from the school. For example, Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet requires a combined score of 334 out of 400 for entry.

These processes align with the official DfE admissions code, ensuring transparency in catchment areas and academic selection. Selective schools prioritise prior attainment from Key Stage 2 SATs to spot high achievers. Regional variations affect benchmark scores, with London grammars often facing higher competition.

Families should check school websites for prospectus information on entry requirements and open days. Mock exams and predicted grades help prepare for the 11-plus, smoothing the transition to secondary education. This rigorous selection supports strong GCSE and A level performance in top performing schools.

GCSE Performance in Grammar Schools

Grammar schools achieve Attainment 8 scores averaging 75.4 versus the national average of 46.7 according to 2023 DfE data, with over 85% of pupils reaching grade 5 or above in English and maths. Data from the compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk shows grammar schools outperform all schools by +28 points. This gap highlights their focus on academic selection through the 11-plus exam.

Year-on-year trends reveal a steady rise of +2.1 points in Attainment 8 since 2019. Grammar schools maintain this edge against the national benchmark, even post-COVID with adjusted grading. Selective schools prioritise core subjects like maths, English, and sciences, driving higher scores.

Compared to comprehensives, grammar schools show stronger Progress 8 measures, reflecting value added from Key Stage 2 SATS. Regional variations exist, with London grammars often leading. Parents can explore DfE performance tables for catchment-specific insights.

These results stem from rigorous curricula, small class sizes, and high teacher expectations. Grammar schools support high achievers and gifted students, closing gender gaps in STEM subjects. Longitudinal data confirms consistent outperformance in EBacc entry and average point scores.

Average Attainment 8 and Progress 8 Scores

Grammar schools average 75.4 Attainment 8 in 2023 DfE data versus 46.7 nationally, placing them in the top 1% with percentile rankings. Their Progress 8 score averages +1.02 against the national baseline of 0.00. This positions them ahead of top 10% schools overall.

Breakdown shows English at 11.2 versus 5.1 nationally, maths at 12.3 versus 5.8, and EBacc at 14.5 versus 4.8. Top grammars like Wilson’s School score 80.2, Reading Boys 79.8, and Queen Elizabeth Barnet 78.9. DfE 2023 tables confirm these via live percentile data.

These metrics reflect selective education benefits, with strong progress from prior attainment. Schools track pupil premium and disadvantaged pupils closely. Use performance dashboards for value added measures like contextual data.

Percentage Achieving Grade 5+ in English and Maths

92.6% of grammar school pupils achieve grade 5+ in both English and maths in 2023, compared to 39.4% nationally, with top schools reaching 99-100%. A 53.2 point gap persists versus comprehensives. EBacc entry stands at 89% against 24% national.

1. 1Newstead Wood Girls: 99.7%
2. 2Chelmsford County High: 99.6%
3. 3Colchester Royal GS: 99.5%

Trends from 2019-2023 show grammar stability amid grading changes. DfE school performance pages detail this for each selective school. High rates link to curriculum rigour in maths GCSE and English GCSE.

Grammar schools excel for ethnic minority achievement and SEND support. They narrow socioeconomic factors through academic focus. Parents check league tables for regional leaders like Kent grammars.

Top Performing Grammar Schools

Top 5 grammars by Attainment 8 include 1) Wilson’s School at 80.2, 2) Reading School at 79.8, 3) Queen Elizabeth's Barnet at 78.9, and 4) Colchester Royal GS Girls at 78.7. These state grammar schools dominate league tables. London claims 8 of the top 10, Kent has 12 over 75, and Bucks 9 above 74.

Real Schools Guide and DfE tables rank by value added. 2024 provisional data suggests continued trends. Single-sex schools like boys grammars lead in sciences.

Admissions criteria emphasise 11-plus scores and catchment areas. Open days reveal teaching quality and extracurriculars. These top performers boost university admissions to Russell Group spots.

A-Level Results in Grammar Schools

Grammar school sixth forms average 47.8 A-Level points (ABB equivalent) vs 34.5 national, with 45% achieving A*-A grades (2023 JCQ data).

Grammar schools dominate ALPS rankings, filling the top 10% of sixth forms for value-added performance. This shows their strength in boosting student progress beyond prior attainment. Fischer Family Trust data highlights a +13.3 point advantage for grammar pupils over similar peers in comprehensives.

Specific metrics from school performance tables reveal consistent outperformance in core subjects and STEM fields. Top grammar sixth forms often exceed national benchmarks by wide margins. Parents checking DfE 16-18 measures can compare average point scores and progression rates directly.

These results stem from selective admissions via 11-plus exams and rigorous sixth form entry requirements. Schools like those in London grammars lead year-on-year trends. Longitudinal data confirms sustained high achievement post-COVID recovery.

Average Point Scores (APS)

Grammar sixth forms average 47.8 APS (2023), equivalent to ABB, with top schools like St Olave's reaching 53.2 (A*AA); national average 34.5 (CCC).

Breakdown by subject shows excellence in STEM subjects: Maths at 50.2 points, Further Maths at 52.1 points, Physics at 48.9 points, compared to national figures around 38-42 points. This reflects curriculum rigour and specialist teaching in selective schools. Humanities and languages also surpass averages.

Value-added measures from DfE 16-18 performance measures indicate grammars add +8.2 points above prior attainment. This metric accounts for Key Stage 4 results like Attainment 8 scores. It underscores teaching quality and support for high achievers.

Percentage A*-A/ A*-B Grades

48.2% of grammar school A-Level entries achieve A*-A (2023), rising to 72% A*-B, compared to 23.4% and 48.1% nationally.

Subject breakdowns highlight disparities, with grammars excelling in demanding courses. Oxbridge destinations reach 15% for grammar pupils versus 0.5% nationally, aiding Russell Group entry. This ties to strong predicted grades and university admissions support.

Top performers include Westminster School at 82.4% A*-A and St Paul's Girls at 79.1%, setting benchmarks against independents. Parents can use performance dashboards and league tables for comparisons. Factors like small class sizes and extracurriculars contribute to these top grades.

Comparisons with Non-Selective Schools

Grammar schools outperform non-selective schools by 28.7 Attainment 8 points and +1.02 Progress 8, even after adjusting for prior attainment (2023 DfE). This gap highlights the strong academic performance of selective schools in GCSE results. Students in grammars often achieve top grades in core subjects like maths GCSE and English GCSE.

Comprehensive schools, by contrast, serve a broader intake including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND support. Their attainment reflects national averages more closely. Grammar schools' selective admissions via the 11-plus exam contribute to higher exam grades overall.

Value-added analysis shows grammars add significant progress, with measures around +0.9 compared to +0.1 for comprehensives. Sutton Trust research on selection impact notes this through contextual value added data. Such metrics account for pupil premium and free school meals backgrounds.

Parents comparing options should check school performance tables for year-on-year trends. Real schools guide tools help spot regional variations, like stronger London grammars. This data aids decisions on catchment area and entry requirements.

Understanding Key Metrics

Attainment 8 score averages grades across eight GCSEs, including English Baccalaureate subjects. Grammars excel here due to curriculum rigour and teaching quality. Comprehensives show wider variation from socioeconomic factors.

Progress 8 score tracks improvement from Key Stage 2 SATs to GCSEs. Grammar pupils, often high achievers from strong primary schools, build on prior attainment effectively. This measures true value added beyond selection.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths marks basic proficiency. Grammars' high rates reflect focus on core subjects and homework load. Parents can use these in league tables for benchmark scores.

Value-Added Insights

Grammar schools demonstrate strong value added measures, boosting gifted students' outcomes. Contextual value added adjusts for ethnic minority achievement and gender gaps. This levels comparisons with non-selectives.

Sutton Trust work highlights selection's role in closing achievement gaps for some. Grammars often outperform on pupil premium progress. Check performance dashboards for Fischer Family Trust data.

For A level results, grammars maintain leads in **A* grades and A grades**. Average points score and ALPS rankings show sixth form strength. This supports university admissions to Russell Group places.

Practical Comparisons for Parents

Review DfE data and Ofsted ratings alongside metrics. Selective indeps mirror grammars but with higher funding per pupil. State grammar schools offer similar gains at no fee.

Visit open days and school websites for prospectus information. Compare extracurricular activities and class sizes. Single sex schools like boys grammars may narrow gender gaps further.

Consider post-COVID recovery in 2023 and 2024 results. Predicted grades and mock exams predict fit. Tools like real schools guide reveal percentile rankings against national averages.

Factors Influencing High Results

Selective admissions selecting top 25% cognitive ability explains much of the performance gap, enhanced by rigorous curriculum and high teacher quality. Grammar schools focus on students with strong prior attainment from Key Stage 2 SATs. This foundation supports outstanding GCSE results and A level results.

Research suggests a strong link between KS2 scores and later exam grades in selective schools. Grammar schools often achieve high Attainment 8 scores and Progress 8 measures due to this intake. Their EBacc entry rates exceed national averages, emphasising core subjects like maths GCSE and English GCSE.

Staffing plays a key role with better teacher:pupil ratios allowing personalised support. A culture of high expectations leads to strong sixth form retention and A* grades at A level. Longitudinal data shows consistent top performance in league tables.

Experts recommend examining school performance tables for value added measures. Factors like curriculum rigour and parental involvement further boost academic outcomes. These elements combine to drive success in selective education.

Selective Admissions Impact

Selecting top performers via the 11-plus exam gives grammar schools a clear edge in GCSE results. Students entering typically show higher ability than national averages from primary school performance. This leads to advantages in Attainment 8 score before value-added adjustments.

Grammar pupils often outperform peers in non-selective schools due to this academic selection. Research suggests selective intake correlates strongly with later exam success in secondary education. Longitudinal studies highlight stable high achievement over years.

For example, high achievers transition smoothly, gaining top grades in science GCSE and humanities. This impacts A level results, with more A grades and university admissions to Russell Group institutions. Catchment area rules ensure focus on gifted students.

Experts note that while selection boosts raw scores, Progress 8 score measures true added value. Schools maintain high standards through entry requirements. Comparing to comprehensive schools shows the selective model supports consistent outperformance.