Grammar school admissions
What is the grammar school 11+ test?
In many areas with grammar schools, the 11+ is a really big deal. Schools attract thousands of candidates and have to hold multiple sittings of the examination. Some schools even set two separate stages of assessment such is the need thin out the vast numbers of applicants.
Nearly all grammar schools have their main intake at 11+ but there are a few schools that test for entry at 13+ and many re-open their books at 16+. Entry is possible at other times if places are available and the child meets the academic criteria. However, grammar schools do not have to take pupils that fail to make the grade, even if they are not full.
The term '11+' is also commonly used to describe the assessment sat by candidates for private schools at the same age. The tests for grammars and private schools can have a lot in common.
You will need to apply through your local authority’s common application form (see Secondary school admissions). Depending on the grammar school, it may be necessary to complete and return a supplementary application form as well, and return it directly to the school itself.
When is the 11+ test?
Grammar schools now have to run at least the first round of tests (that's right, some schools now have a round two) in time to give initial results before other state school application deadlines, so parents know whether or not to include the grammar school on their list. This means that many have a registration deadline in the summer term of year 5 and run tests in September.
What does the 11+ involve
Tests usually include some or all of maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. However, the exact entry requirements and competition for places vary — and they can change year on year — so do check with the school to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Some schools, or the consortium they are in, will publish practice papers which you can download from their website.
Will my child be interviewed as well as taking a test?
Unlike private schools, state schools are not permitted to interview prospective pupils or their parents (state boarding schools may interview to ascertain fitness to board) at the 11+ entry point. It all comes down to performance in the tests.
Grammar school catchment areas
Some grammar schools have prescribed geographical areas (also called priority admissions areas or other similar terms) from which applicants are prioritised. You can usually download a map from the school or local authority that shows the catchment boundary although sometimes the catchment area is simply given as a list of postcodes. Applicants from outside the catchment area may have a chance of getting a place but this varies with each school. Some grammar schools have no catchment area and admit purely on a child's score in the 11+ entrance exam while others use academic assessment AND distance from the school as factors in allocating places. The best piece of advice is for parents to study the school's admissions policy (particularly the oversubscription criteria) and if you have any questions, get in touch with the school.
Do all children take the 11+?
It’s up to you to decide if you want to apply to a grammar school for your child and if it would suit them academically. In some local authorities that have grammar schools (eg Buckinghamshire), if your child goes to a local authority primary school, they’ll be automatically registered for the 11+ test — although it’s not compulsory for them to sit it. In other areas, you will need to make your own arrangements to sit the test. With some schools and local authorities, registering for the 11+ is an entirely separate process to applying for the school itself. Note that where the test is organised by a consortium of schools (eg Slough) a single registration for the assessment is required but elsewhere you will need to enter your child for a separate test for each school. It is fair to assume that when it comes to grammar school admissions, there are no blanket rules so make sure to check school websites to understand each entrance procedure.
What are my child's chances?
Some grammar schools select purely by the highest score, others by proximity to the school. There are grammar schools which reserve a percentage of places for children from low-income backgrounds and others favour children of a certain religion or with particular talents in music or sport. All this means is that passing the 11+ does not always guarantee you a place at a grammar school. But if you don't apply, you'll never find out. Contact the school or look on their website to find out the admissions criteria.
