Grammar Schools Near Me: Full UK Guide (2026)
If you’re searching for grammar schools near me, you’re likely looking for the best education options for your child. Grammar schools in the UK are selective state schools that admit students based on academic ability, usually through the 11+ entrance exam. In this guide, we’ll help you find grammar schools in your area, explore the best grammar schools across the UK, and understand how the admissions process works in 2026 Complete UK secondary school admissions guide
Page Contents
What Are Grammar Schools in the UK?
Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools that select students based on academic ability. Admission is typically determined through the 11+ entrance exam, which pupils usually take in their final year of primary school (Year 6).
Unlike most state schools, grammar schools use this selective process to admit students who perform strongly in academic assessments. Because of this, often known for high academic standards and strong exam results.
There are currently around 163 grammar schools in England, mainly located in areas such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Lincolnshire. These schools offer a similar curriculum to other state schools but tend to focus heavily on academic achievement and university preparation.
Many parents consider grammar schools an attractive option because they provide high-quality education without private school fees. However, competition for places can be strong, which is why many families begin preparing for the 11+ exam well in advance.
What makes a school a grammar school
It is a state-funded secondary school that selects students based on academic ability, usually through the 11+ entrance exam. Unlike most comprehensive schools, grammar schools do not admit students purely based on catchment area or proximity; instead, pupils must pass the entrance assessment to gain a place.
Typically focus on strong academic performance and exam results, offering a curriculum designed to prepare students for further education and university pathways. Because admission is selective, competition for places can be high, and many students prepare for the 11+ exam in advance.
In England, there are around 160 grammar schools, mainly located in counties such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Lincolnshire. While they are state schools and therefore free to attend, their selective admissions process is what distinguishes them from other state-funded schools.
How grammar schools different from state schools
Grammar schools are a type of state school, but the key difference is that they are selective. This means students must pass an entrance exam, usually the 11+ exam, to gain admission.
Most other state schools in the UK are comprehensive schools, which admit students based on factors such as catchment area, location, or availability of places, rather than academic ability.
Because they select students through the 11+ exam, they often focus more heavily on academic performance and exam results. Many of them also have strong track records for GCSE and A-Level outcomes and a high number of students progressing to top universities.
Another difference is that competition for places can be very high, with many families preparing for the 11+ exam well in advance to improve their chances of admission
Why parents choose grammar schools
Many parents choose grammar schools because they offer high academic standards within the state education system. Since grammar schools select students based on academic ability through the 11+ entrance exam, they often have strong exam results and a reputation for academic achievement.
Another reason parents consider grammar schools is that they provide a similar level of academic focus to many private schools but without the tuition fees. This makes them an attractive option for families looking for high-quality education within the state system.
Grammar schools also tend to offer structured learning environments and strong preparation for GCSEs, A-Levels, and university entry. As a result, many students from grammar schools go on to attend top universities in the UK.
For many families, grammar schools represent an opportunity for their child to receive a highly academic education while remaining in the state school system.
Find the top grammar schools in the UK
How to Find Grammar Schools Near You (process not list)
How to search for grammar schools in your area
If you are looking for grammar schools near you, the first step is to check whether your local area has selective schools. They are not evenly distributed across England, and they are mainly located in counties such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Lincolnshire.
A useful starting point is the UK Government’s Find a School service, where you can search for secondary schools by postcode. This tool allows parents to view schools in their area and identify whether any of them are grammar schools.
Once you have identified nearby grammar schools, it is important to review each school’s admissions requirements and catchment area. Many grammar schools require students to sit the 11+ entrance exam, and some also give priority to applicants who live within certain geographic boundaries.
Parents should also check the school’s website for detailed information about application deadlines, exam dates, and admissions procedures. Because competition for places can be high, many families begin researching grammar schools one or two years before their child takes the 11+ exam.
Using local authority and government school search tools
One of the most reliable ways to find grammar schools nearby is by using official government and local authority school search tools. These platforms provide accurate information about schools, including location, admissions policies, and performance data.
Parents can start by using the UK Government’s Find a School service, which allows users to search for schools by postcode or area. This tool shows nearby secondary schools and provides links to each school’s website, Ofsted reports, and performance information.
In addition to national tools, many local authority websites also publish lists of grammar schools in their area. These websites often provide details about catchment areas, admissions criteria, and application deadlines, which are important when applying for a grammar school place.
Using these official sources helps parents identify which grammar schools are available locally and how to apply, making it easier to plan for the 11+ entrance exam and admissions process.
Understanding grammar school catchment areas
Grammar school catchment areas refer to the geographic zones that schools use when prioritising admissions. While students must usually pass the 11+ entrance exam to be eligible, many grammar schools also give priority to applicants who live within a defined local area.
These catchment areas vary between schools and local authorities. Some operate strict catchment boundaries, meaning students must live within a specific distance from the school to be considered for a place. Others may accept students from a wider area but still prioritise those who live closer.
Parents researching grammar schools should carefully review each school’s admissions policy, which explains how catchment areas are used during the selection process. Understanding these rules is important because passing the 11+ exam alone does not always guarantee admission if the school receives more qualified applicants than available places.
Because catchment areas can change from year to year, it is recommended that families check the most recent admissions guidance from the school or local authority before applying.
How to compare nearby grammar schools
When comparing grammar schools in your area, it is helpful to look at several key factors to understand which school may be the best fit for your child. Parents often begin by reviewing academic performance, including GCSE and A-Level results, as these can provide insight into the school’s overall academic standards.
Another important factor is the admissions process and 11+ requirements. Different schools may use slightly different entrance exams or scoring systems, and some may prioritise students within specific catchment areas. Understanding these requirements can help you assess your child’s chances of gaining a place.
Parents should also consider the school’s curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. Many grammar schools offer a strong academic programme alongside clubs, sports, and enrichment activities that support students’ wider development.
Finally, it is useful to review Ofsted reports, school facilities, and location. Visiting school websites or attending open days can provide valuable insight into the learning environment and help families make a more informed decision when comparing nearby schools.
List of Grammar Schools in the UK (By Region)
Grammar schools in London
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
- The Henrietta Barnett School
- Sutton Grammar School
- The Latymer School
- St Michael’s RC Grammar School, Finchley
- St Olave’s Grammar School (Orpington)
- Newstead Wood School (Orpington)
- The Tiffin Girls’ School (Kingston upon Thames)
- Tiffin School (Kingston upon Thames)
- Nonsuch High School for Girls (Cheam)
- Woodford County High School (Woodford Green)
- Ilford County High School (Ilford)
- Bexley Grammar School (Welling)
- Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (Sidcup)
- Townley Grammar School (Bexleyheath)
Grammar schools in Kent
- The Judd School (Tonbridge)
- Tonbridge Grammar School (Tonbridge)
- Dartford Grammar School (Dartford)
- Dartford Grammar School for Girls (Dartford)
- The Rochester Grammar School (Rochester)
- Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School(Rochester)
- Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School(Tunbridge Wells)
- The Skinners’ School (Tunbridge Wells)
- Invicta Grammar School (Maidstone)
Grammar schools in Buckinghamshire
- Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (Amersham)
- Dr Challoner’s High School (Little Chalfont)
- Chesham Grammar School (Chesham)
- The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
- John Hampden Grammar School (High Wycombe)
- Beaconsfield High School (Beaconsfield)
- Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School (Marlow)
- Royal Latin School (Buckingham)
- Aylesbury Grammar School (Aylesbury)
- Aylesbury High School (Aylesbury)
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (Aylesbury)
Grammar schools in Essex
- Colchester Royal Grammar School (Colchester)
- Colchester County High School for Girls (Colchester)
- King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford (Chelmsford)
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls (Chelmsford)
- Westcliff High School for Boys (Westcliff-on-Sea)
- Southend High School for Boys (Southend-on-Sea)
- Southend High School for Girls (Southend-on-Sea)
Grammar schools in Lincolnshire
- Bourne Grammar School (Bourne)
- Caistor Grammar School (Caistor)
- King Edward VI Academy (Spilsby)
- King Edward VI Grammar School (Louth)
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (Alford)
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (Horncastle)
- Queen Elizabeth’s High School (Gainsborough)
- Skegness Grammar School (Skegness)
- The King’s School (Grantham)
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Best Grammar Schools in the UK (Rankings)
Top grammar schools in the UK
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
- Wilson’s School
- St Olave’s Grammar School
- Colchester Royal Grammar School
- Pate’s Grammar School
Many parents also review grammar school league tables to compare academic performance, GCSE results, and A-Level outcomes across different schools in the UK.
Factors used to rank grammar schools
Grammar school rankings are usually based on academic performance and long-term educational outcomes. In this guide, schools were evaluated using publicly available data from recent GCSE and A-Level results, along with information about academic reputation and university progression.
A key factor is the percentage of students achieving top GCSE grades (9–7), which indicates strong academic foundations and consistent teaching quality. Many leading schools regularly achieve very high proportions of these top grades.
A-Level results are also an important indicator, as they show how well students perform in advanced subjects before progressing to university. High-performing grammar schools often record a large percentage of A and A* grades and regularly send students to competitive universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions.
Finally, long-term academic consistency is considered. Schools that maintain strong results over many years often appear frequently in national grammar school league tables, reflecting their reputation for academic excellence.
When to apply for grammar schools
Applications for grammar schools usually begin when children are in Year 5, when students register to take the 11+ entrance exam. Registration deadlines often fall between April and June, although exact dates can vary depending on the school or local authority.
The 11+ exam is typically taken at the start of Year 6, usually in September. After the exam results are released, parents must submit their secondary school preferences through the local authority application system, which usually closes at the end of October.
Offers for secondary school places, including grammar schools, are normally announced on National Offer Day in early March of Year 6. Because the process begins early, many families start researching and preparing for the 11+ exam one or two years in advance.
How to Get Into a Grammar School
Grammar school entrance requirements
Grammar schools select students based on academic ability, and admission usually requires pupils to pass the 11+ entrance exam. This exam is typically taken in Year 6, when students are around 10 or 11 years old.
The 11+ exam often tests subjects such as English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The exact format can vary depending on the school or local authority, but the aim is to assess a student’s academic potential.
In addition to passing the entrance exam, some grammar schools also consider catchment areas or priority zones, meaning students who live closer to the school may receive preference if places are limited.
Parents must also complete the local authority secondary school application process, usually by the end of October in Year 6, after their child has taken the 11+ exam. Because grammar schools are selective and places are limited, competition for admission can be high.
The 11+ exam is an entrance test used by many grammar schools in England to select students based on academic ability. Children usually take the exam in Year 6, when they are around 10 or 11 years old, before starting secondary school.
The test is designed to assess a student’s academic potential rather than what they have already learned in school. Most 11+ exams include sections such as English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning, although the exact format can vary depending on the school or local authority.
Students who achieve the required score may become eligible for a place at a grammar school. However, admission may also depend on factors such as catchment areas, school preferences, and the number of available places. Because grammar schools are selective, many families begin preparing for the 11+ exam well in advance.
Grammar school admissions process
The grammar school admissions process usually begins in Year 5, when parents register their child to sit the 11+ entrance exam. Registration deadlines vary depending on the school or local authority but typically fall between spring and early summer.
Students usually take the 11+ exam at the start of Year 6, often in September. The test assesses academic ability in areas such as English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
After receiving the exam results, parents must list their preferred secondary schools through the local authority application system, which normally closes at the end of October. Schools then review applications and allocate places based on exam results, admissions criteria, and sometimes catchment areas.
Final school offers are typically announced on National Offer Day in early March, when parents find out whether their child has been offered a place at a grammar school.
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Preparing for the 11+ Exam
When students take the 11+ exam
Students usually take the 11+ exam at the beginning of Year 6, when they are around 10 or 11 years old. The exam typically takes place in September, shortly after pupils start their final year of primary school.
Before taking the exam, parents must register their child during Year 5, as most grammar schools require early registration to secure a place in the testing process. Exact registration deadlines vary depending on the school or local authority.
Results from the 11+ exam are normally released later in the autumn, allowing parents to include grammar schools in their secondary school applications, which are usually submitted by the end of October in Year 6.
Subjects included in the 11+
The 11+ exam usually tests a student’s academic ability across several key subjects. While the exact format can vary depending on the school or local authority, most 11+ exams include a combination of English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
The English section typically assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary, and basic grammar skills. This part of the exam evaluates how well students understand written texts and interpret information.
The mathematics section focuses on problem-solving and numerical reasoning, often covering topics that students have already learned during primary school.
Many 11+ exams also include verbal reasoning, which tests a student’s ability to understand and work with language patterns, and non-verbal reasoning, which assesses logical thinking using shapes, patterns, and diagrams.
These subjects are designed to evaluate a student’s overall academic potential and reasoning ability, helping grammar schools select pupils who are well suited to a more academically focused learning environment.
Tips for preparing for grammar school exams
Preparing for grammar school exams often involves building strong skills in English, mathematics, and reasoning. One of the most effective ways to prepare is to start early, allowing students time to become familiar with the format and types of questions used in the 11+ exam.
Regular practice using 11+ practice papers can help students develop confidence and improve their problem-solving speed. This also helps identify areas where additional support may be needed.
It is also helpful to focus on core academic skills, such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, and mathematical reasoning. Consistent practice in these areas can strengthen the foundations needed for the exam.
Finally, maintaining a balanced preparation schedule is important. Short, regular study sessions combined with breaks can help students stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed as they prepare for the grammar school entrance process.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Grammar Schools
What are the best grammar schools in the UK?
Some of the best grammar schools in the UK include Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet; Wilson’s School; St Olave’s Grammar School; Colchester Royal Grammar School; and Pate’s Grammar School. These schools are known for their strong GCSE and A-Level results and consistently high positions in national grammar school league tables.
How do I find grammar schools near me?
You can find grammar schools nearby using the UK Government’s Find a School service or by checking your local authority website. These tools allow you to search by postcode and view nearby schools, along with their admissions policies and 11+ exam requirements.
Do all grammar schools require the 11+ exam?
Most require students to take the 11+ entrance exam as part of the admissions process. The exam is used to assess academic ability, although the exact format and scoring can vary between schools and local authorities.
How many grammar schools are there in the UK?
There are around 163 grammar schools in England. These schools are mainly located in counties such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Lincolnshire, where selective education systems are still in place.
Are grammar schools better than private schools?
Grammar schools and private schools both offer strong academic environments, but they differ in structure. Grammar schools are state-funded and select students through the 11+ exam, while private schools charge tuition fees and set their own admissions criteria. The best choice often depends on a child’s learning style, academic goals, and the opportunities offered by each school.
What score is needed to pass the 11+ exam?
The score required to pass the 11+ exam varies depending on the school or local authority. Many areas use a standardised score of around 121 as the pass mark, but admission also depends on factors such as the number of applicants, available places, and school catchment areas.
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