FavSchools
Secondary students learning together in a bright classroom
Grammar SchoolsParent guide

The complete guide to UK grammar schools.

Selective state schools admit pupils on academic ability, tested by the 11+. Find them, decode how entry works in your area, and plan a realistic application — without the hard sell.

163
grammar schools
35
local authorities
11+
entry exam, Year 6

Start here

Start with the question that fits you

Three entry points — pick the one that matches where you are in the journey.

Teenager studying with books at home
The decision

Is a grammar school right for us?

Understand what selective education means, how grammar outcomes compare, and whether it suits your child.

Read the guide
Desk with maps, laptop and planning notes
The map

Where are the grammars near me?

Browse every grammar school by local authority, with the 11+ system used in each area.

Browse by area
Child focused on writing during a test
The timeline

How do we apply?

The full timeline, key deadlines, how to rank preferences, and what to do if it doesn't work out.

See the process

Grammar schools aren’t just high-achieving state schools — they sit outside the normal admissions path.

That is why we built a dedicated section: the rules, timing, and trade-offs deserve a guide of their own — not a footnote on the general schools map.

The brief

Why a section just for grammar schools?

Whether you’re weighing grammar against other options or only starting to find out, this section exists because the rules, timing, and trade-offs deserve their own clear guide.

Maps, compass and notes laid out for route planning
Different areas, different exam systems — the challenge is knowing where to look.
Student writing at a desk during study
01

A different admissions system

Entry depends on the 11+ — not catchment alone. Registration deadlines, exam formats, and preference rules vary sharply by local authority, and the timeline starts in Year 5.

Student revising for an exam with books and notes
02

Strong academic outcomes

Grammar schools consistently rank among England’s highest-performing state schools on GCSE and A-Level — often comparable to leading independents. We help you weigh that against whether selective education suits your child.

Students walking through a bright school corridor
03

State-funded access

Unlike independents charging £15,000–£25,000+ a year, grammars are free at the point of use. Preparation and travel can still add up — we help you plan realistically, not oversell the path.

Hands arranging books and planners on a desk
04

One place to understand it all

Areas, exam systems, timelines, and school profiles — brought together so you can explore at your own pace, compare options, and apply with a clear picture of how entry works.

Deep dive

GL Assessment, CSSE, own tests — what’s the difference?

How the 11+ exam systems work, what standardised scores mean, and where to find practice materials.

Compare the exams

Further reading

Grammar school reading

Longer guides from our Resources library — the same content, one place to bookmark.

Editor’s pick

The Complete Guide to Grammar Schools

Everything you need to know about grammar schools in England: admissions, the 11+ exam, and how to prepare your child.

12 min readRead

A note on what this is. We help you make decisions about grammar schools — which to choose, how entry works, how to plan. We don’t sell tutoring, run a question bank, or rank schools for advertising. Exam arrangements change year to year, so always confirm details with the official local authority or consortium before you rely on them.