Grammar Schools in Hertfordshire: Nearby Schools and 11+ Guide
If you’re searching for grammar schools in Hertfordshire, it’s important to understand how selective school admissions work in the area. Hertfordshire has no state grammar schools within the county itself, although several grammar schools are accessible from parts of Hertfordshire, including schools in Buckinghamshire and north London.
Some local schools also have “Grammar School” in their name without being academically selective grammar schools. This guide covers nearby schools, 11+ entrance exams, admissions requirements and preparation tips to help you find the right options for your child.
For a head start with preparation, explore our 11+ English revision guide and 11+ practice questions.
Page Contents
Are There Grammar Schools in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire does not have state grammar schools within its county boundaries. However, families living in towns such as Watford, Rickmansworth, Borehamwood and St Albans may wish to explore selective schools in neighbouring areas.
One common source of confusion is Watford Grammar School for Boys and Watford Grammar School for Girls. Despite their names, these schools are not traditional academically selective grammar schools. Their admissions arrangements use different criteria, so parents should check each school’s current policy rather than assume that passing an 11+ exam is required.
You can check school types and admission arrangements through Hertfordshire County Council’s school admissions guidance.
Parents considering selective education can also explore the Grammar School 11+ Booster Course for structured online preparation.
Grammar Schools Near Hertfordshire
The most suitable school will depend on where your family lives, whether you’re looking for a boys’, girls’ or co-educational school, and each school’s admissions requirements.
1. Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire has 13 state grammar schools that use the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test for Year 7 entry. Depending on your location, schools in the county may be worth considering.
| Grammar school | Location | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Challoner’s Grammar School | Amersham | Boys |
| Dr Challoner’s High School | Little Chalfont | Girls |
| Chesham Grammar School | Chesham | Co-educational |
| Beaconsfield High School | Beaconsfield | Girls |
| The Royal Grammar School | High Wycombe | Boys |
| Wycombe High School | High Wycombe | Girls |
These are examples rather than a complete list. Other Buckinghamshire grammar schools may also be suitable, depending on your location and travel options.
Children living outside Buckinghamshire can apply, but they must follow the relevant registration and admissions procedures. Passing the entrance test does not guarantee a place; each school’s admission rules determine how qualified applicants are prioritised.
Read the official Buckinghamshire 11+ admissions guidance before registering.
To help your child become familiar with exam-style tasks, use our 11+ practice questions as part of a structured revision plan.
2. Grammar Schools in and Around Barnet
Families in southern Hertfordshire may also consider selective schools in Barnet and nearby north London. Check each school’s eligibility rules, entrance-test requirements and travel arrangements before applying.
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
Queen Elizabeth’s School is a selective boys’ grammar school admitting pupils into Year 7. Applicants must follow the school’s entrance-test registration process and meet its admissions requirements.
The Henrietta Barnett School
The Henrietta Barnett School is a selective girls’ school in north London. Its Year 7 admissions process involves entrance testing in multiple stages. Check the school’s published arrangements for the current subjects, test format and registration deadlines.
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School is another selective girls’ school in north London. Families should check its current entrance-test requirements and Catholic admissions criteria before applying.
Although these schools may be practical options for some Hertfordshire families, travel distance, school eligibility and individual admissions policies should all be considered.
Parents can use our 11+ English past papers guide to learn how to approach past papers and other practice resources during preparation.
How Does the 11+ Exam Work?
The 11+ is used by selective schools to assess whether pupils are suitable for entry into Year 7. The exact format varies between schools and local authorities, so preparation should be based on the schools your child intends to apply to.
Depending on the test, pupils may be assessed in:
- English: comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and language skills.
- Mathematics: arithmetic, number skills, calculations and problem-solving.
- Verbal reasoning: identifying patterns and relationships between words.
- Non-verbal reasoning: recognising visual patterns, shapes and sequences.
Not every school tests all these areas, and some use different entrance-test formats. Check the official admissions information for each school before choosing practice materials.
For English preparation, our 11+ English grammar guide explains key grammar concepts, while our 11+ vocabulary flashcards help children practise word meanings, synonyms and antonyms.
You can also explore 11+ English past papers and 11+ practice questions to build familiarity with different question types.
When Should Your Child Start Preparing for the 11+?
Many families begin preparation during Year 4 or Year 5, allowing time to strengthen core skills before the entrance exam in Year 6.
A structured preparation plan should include:
Build strong foundations
Make sure your child is confident with key maths concepts, reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling before moving on to more challenging questions.
Our 11+ English revision guide can help you identify important areas to practise, while our 11+ English grammar guide provides explanations and examples of key rules.
Practise exam-style questions
Introduce timed practice gradually. This helps children become familiar with different question types while learning to manage their time and avoid careless mistakes.
Start with our 11+ practice questions and choose materials that reflect the format of your child’s target schools.
Review mistakes
Go through incorrect answers together to identify gaps in understanding. Focus on learning the method rather than simply memorising answers.
For English, use 11+ vocabulary flashcards to revisit unfamiliar words and strengthen understanding over time.
Take practice tests
As the exam approaches, use suitable practice tests to assess progress, build familiarity with timed conditions and identify areas that need further work.
Our guide to 11+ English past papers explains how past papers can fit into a broader preparation plan.
Develop creative writing skills
Some entrance exams include written English tasks or assess related language skills. Where relevant to your target schools, encourage your child to practise planning stories, using descriptive language and organising their writing.
Explore our guides to 11+ creative writing techniques and 11+ creative writing model answers for examples and practical advice.
How to Choose the Right Grammar School
Before deciding which schools to target, consider these factors:
- Admissions requirements: Check the entrance test, registration deadline and oversubscription criteria.
- Location and travel: Work out the daily journey and whether it is realistic for your child.
- School environment: Consider teaching, extracurricular activities, pastoral support and your child’s individual needs.
- Catchment and priority rules: Some schools prioritise applicants according to distance, score or other published criteria.
- Preparation requirements: Identify which subjects and question types your child needs to practise.
- Alternative schools: Include suitable non-selective schools in your planning rather than relying entirely on selective-school offers.
Most importantly, remember that qualifying for a grammar school does not necessarily guarantee an offer. Review the admissions rules for every school on your shortlist and include suitable alternatives on your secondary school application.
For another example of how entrance requirements and school-specific admissions work, read our Manchester Grammar School admissions guide.
Prepare for the 11+ with Think Academy
Preparing for the 11+ is about more than completing practice papers. Children benefit from strengthening core knowledge, learning how to approach unfamiliar questions and building confidence under timed conditions.
Think Academy offers structured online learning designed to help children develop their maths skills and prepare for competitive entrance exams.
Start with our 11+ practice questions to help your child become familiar with exam-style tasks, or explore the Grammar School 11+ Booster Course for structured online preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any grammar schools in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire has no state grammar schools within the county itself. However, families may consider selective schools in neighbouring areas, including Buckinghamshire and north London.
Is Watford Grammar School a selective grammar school?
Despite its name, Watford Grammar School for Boys is officially listed as non-selective. Parents should check the current admissions arrangements for both Watford Grammar schools rather than assume they require a traditional grammar school 11+ pass.
Can my child attend a grammar school outside Hertfordshire?
Yes. Families can apply to schools outside their home local authority, subject to the school’s registration process and admissions policy. Passing an entrance test does not guarantee a place.
When should my child start 11+ preparation?
Many families start during Year 4 or Year 5. Beginning early gives children time to strengthen English and maths skills, practise exam-style questions and address areas of difficulty. Our 11+ English revision resources and 11+ practice questions can help structure this preparation.
Does every grammar school use the same 11+ exam?
No. Test content, format, registration procedures and qualifying requirements vary by school and area. Always check the latest official admissions guidance for your chosen schools.
How can I help my child prepare for the 11+?
Start by identifying the requirements of your target schools, then build a manageable revision routine covering the relevant subjects. Use practice questions, review mistakes and introduce timed tests gradually. Resources such as 11+ English grammar, vocabulary flashcards and English past papers can support different parts of preparation.
