What Are Grammar Schools Really About?

Grammar schools often feel like a mystery until you’re in the thick of 11+ prep. So, what exactly are they, and how do they work? Here’s a quick guide to help you make sense of it all.

What Is a Grammar School?

Grammar schools are selective state secondary schools. That means they’re free to attend but only accept students who pass an entrance test – usually the 11+ exam. Beware, some private schools have ‘grammar’ in their title, but they are fee-paying schools. State grammar schools tend to focus strongly on academic subjects and are often praised for their high standards and strong exam results.
While they date back hundreds of years, today’s grammar schools largely owe their shape to the 1944 Education Act. They were created to give academically able children a free, high-quality education. Over time, many were phased out in favour of comprehensive schools, but around 163 remain. They’re concentrated in certain areas – such as Kent, Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire – and more than 100,000 children sit the 11+ each year for just 5% of secondary places nationwide.

Is It All About the 11+?

Pretty much. Entry into grammar school depends on doing well in the 11+ exam – but it’s not one single paper. Each area sets its own version. Some test English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Others focus more heavily on certain subjects, and some are unique, like Reading School.
Here’s a rough idea of what’s covered:
• English – comprehension, punctuation, grammar, spelling and vocabulary
• Maths – word problems, reasoning and multi-step questions
• Verbal Reasoning – patterns and relationships between words, letters and numbers
• Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning – identifying patterns, rotations, sequences and codes using shapes or figures
Some papers are multiple choice. Some papers are multiple answer. Others are not. Some schools mark papers themselves. Others use standardised scores. This is why it’s essential to verify exactly what’s required in your area and tailor your preparation accordingly.

Getting Ready – What Helps?

If your child is sitting the 11+, it’s best to:
• Start early – little and often beats cramming
• Practise broadly – cover all subjects that might appear
• Use good-quality materials – there’s a lot of poor practice content online
• Build vocabulary daily – it makes a huge difference to English and reasoning
• Include some timed work – just a little, once your child is ready

Our Vocabulary Novels – The Cadwaladr Chronicles and The Cadwaladr Quests – are written specifically to support 11+ skills. They introduce complex vocabulary, flag inference-style comprehension questions, and explain SPaG and literary devices in context using short, friendly notes we call Knowledge Nuggets.

Catchment – Does It Matter?

Yes – often more than people realise. Many grammar schools set clear catchment zones. If you live outside them, even a perfect score might not be enough.
Take Reading School, for example. Boys must live in the designated catchment to be considered for a place – even if they score highly. And Kendrick, the girls’ school, is even stricter. So always read the admissions policy. Don’t rely on Facebook groups or forums. This step alone can save your child from heartbreak.
That said, not all grammar schools use catchments. Some are fully open to applicants regardless of postcode – but competition is usually fiercer. And if your child gets in, be sure the commute is manageable. A long journey, five days a week, for seven years, is no small thing.

Sibling Priority

Some grammar schools give priority to siblings of current students, but not all do. Always double-check the school’s admissions policy. Even where sibling priority exists, children usually still need to pass the 11+ to be eligible.

How Do You Apply?

Applications are typically made through your local council – usually via their online portal. You’ll also need to register separately for the 11+ exam, which normally happens around June or July before your child starts Year 6.

The process typically works like this:

1. Research – check each school’s admissions policy and entry requirements
2. Register – sign up for the 11+ (this is often a separate process from the school application)
3. Prepare – support your child with practice and revision
4. Sit the test – usually in early autumn of Year 6 (some schools have two rounds of testing)
5. Receive results – Results are often sent in October
6. Apply to schools – List your preferences via your local council portal by the national deadline (usually end of October)
7. Receive your offer – School offers are sent out on 1st March

Can You Appeal?

If your child doesn’t get a place, you can appeal – but success isn’t guaranteed. Grammar school appeals are usually only successful in specific circumstances (such as a problem on test day or a significant personal issue that affected performance).

What If a Grammar School Isn’t Right for Your Child?

Grammar schools are just one option. Other good alternatives include –

• Comprehensive schools – non-selective, state-funded, and open to all local children
• Private schools – fee-paying, with their own admissions policies
• Specialist schools – focusing on areas like music, sport, languages or STEM subjects
• Academies and free schools – state-funded but independent from local authority control
The best school is the one that suits your child’s strengths, personality and needs. Grammar schools can be fantastic – but they’re not the only path to success.

Final Thought

Grammar schools can offer a focused, academically rich education – but getting in isn’t always straightforward. Do your homework. Know your catchment. Know the test. And most of all, know your child.
If you’re looking for a gentle, structured way to support 11+ reading, vocabulary and comprehension, explore our Vocabulary Novels. With built-in SPaG and comprehension notes, they’re designed to build confidence – one story at a time.