How many grammar schools are there in the UK?

There are 163 grammar schools in England and approximately 69 in Northern Ireland, for a total of around 232. There are no grammar schools in Scotland or Wales. No new grammar schools can be created in England under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, though existing schools can expand or open "annexes".

Is the 11+ the same everywhere?

No. Different areas use different test providers (GL Assessment, CEM/Durham, or their own tests). The subjects tested, format (multiple choice vs written), timing, and scoring all vary by area. Some areas test in September, others in November. Always check your specific area’s requirements at least 18 months in advance.

Can my child sit the 11+ if we don’t live in the area?

Usually yes, but distance criteria often apply as a tiebreaker. Grammar schools that are oversubscribed typically prioritise by distance after qualifying score. Living far from a grammar school significantly reduces your chances even if your child scores well. Some consortiums restrict who can register.

How much does 11+ preparation cost?

It ranges from nothing to thousands of pounds. Free options: practice papers from libraries, online resources, Bond and CGP workbooks (£5–10 each). Private tutoring: £30–80/hour, typically 1–2 sessions per week for 6–12 months (£700–3,000 total). Intensive courses: £200–500. Many grammar school children pass with no tutoring at all.

Does tutoring actually help?

Research is mixed. The Sutton Trust found that tutoring can boost scores by 10–15 standardised points — potentially the difference between passing and failing. However, CEM tests were specifically designed to reduce the coaching advantage. A child who is tutored into a grammar school but isn’t naturally suited to the pace may struggle later. Familiarisation with the test format is valuable; cramming content less so.

What happens if my child doesn’t pass?

Nothing bad. The majority of children don’t attend grammar schools (85%+ in England, ~60% in NI). Many comprehensive and high schools achieve excellent results and Ofsted ratings. Not passing the 11+ does not determine your child’s future — it determines which school they attend at age 11. GCSEs and A-levels matter far more.

Can I appeal a grammar school rejection?

Yes. Grammar school appeals are heard by an independent appeal panel. You need to demonstrate either that the admissions process was flawed, or that the prejudice to your child from not being admitted outweighs the prejudice to the school from admitting an extra pupil. Grammar appeals are harder to win than non-selective appeals because the qualifying score is an objective measure. Success rate is typically around 10–15%.

Are grammar schools better than comprehensives?

On raw results, yes — but that’s selection bias. Grammar schools select the highest-achieving pupils at age 11. On Progress 8 (value-added), many grammars score around 0 (average). Some comprehensives significantly outperform grammars on progress measures. The IFS found that grammar schools benefit their pupils but may slightly harm outcomes for those in the wider area who don’t attend them.

Is the Transfer Test in Northern Ireland the same as the 11+?

It’s the replacement for the old 11+, which was officially abolished in 2008. The Transfer Test is run by two independent organisations (AQE and PPTC/GL), not the government. It serves the same purpose — selecting children for grammar schools at age 10–11 — but the government does not endorse, fund, or regulate it. Many regard it as the 11+ in all but name.

My child has SEND. Can they get extra time in the 11+?

Yes. Children with documented SEND can apply for access arrangements including extra time (typically 25%), a scribe, a reader, or a separate room. You need evidence from an educational psychologist or specialist teacher. Apply early — access arrangements must be confirmed before test day. The exact process varies by test provider.

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Parent Guide

Grammar School Entry & the 11+

163grammar schools across England and Northern Ireland, at least 4 different tests, and a preparation industry worth hundreds of millions. Here's what actually matters.

25–30 min readEngland & Northern IrelandUpdated April 2026

Key facts

There are 163 grammar schools in England and ~69 in Northern Ireland — none in Scotland or Wales
At least 4 different 11+ test formats exist (GL, CEM, AQE, PPTC) — the test your child sits depends on the region
No new grammar schools can be created in England under the 1998 Act, though existing ones can expand
Top grammars see 5:1 applicant-to-place ratios — preparation helps, but the step-up from primary curriculum is significant
An estimated 70% of Northern Ireland children take the Transfer Test, making it a near-universal experience there

232

Grammar schools in England & NI

5:1

Average applicants per place in top grammars

70%

Of NI children who take the Transfer Test

New grammars allowed in England since 1998

Not all 11+ tests are the same

GL, CEM, AQE, PPTC, ISEB — each tests different skills in different formats. Preparing for the wrong test wastes time and money.

Tutoring isn’t magic

It can boost scores by 10–15 points. But a tutored child who barely passes may struggle at grammar school. The test is supposed to predict suitability.

Not passing is not failing

85% of English children don’t attend grammar school. Many achieve identical or better GCSE results at comprehensive schools with strong value-added.

11+ Test Formats Explained

There is no single "11+". Different areas use different providers, subjects, and formats. Here are the main ones.

GL Assessment 11+

Most of England

The most widely used 11+ test in England. Multiple-choice format makes it more predictable and "coachable" than CEM.

Subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning — varies by area

Format: Multiple choice. Typically 2–4 papers in one morning. Standardised age-adjusted scores.

Timing: Usually September of Year 6. Registration deadline: May–June of Year 5.

Scoring: Standardised score with a mean of 100. Most grammars set thresholds of 111–121+.

CEM 11+ (Durham)

Parts of England

Designed to be harder to prepare for than GL. Questions jump between subjects within papers. Vocabulary-heavy — avid readers have an advantage.

Subjects: Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability, Numerical Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning — but not labelled by section

Format: Mixed format (multiple choice and some written). Papers are deliberately varied to reduce coaching advantage.

Timing: Usually September of Year 6. Registration: May–July of Year 5.

Scoring: Standardised score, age-adjusted. Each consortium/school sets its own threshold.

AQE (NI) — Common Entrance Assessment

Northern Ireland

Used by most NI grammar schools. The 3-paper format reduces the impact of a bad day. Tutoring industry is enormous — an estimated 70% of children receive some preparation.

Subjects: English and Mathematics

Format: 3 papers sat on 3 separate Saturdays in November. Mix of multiple choice and written answers.

Timing: November of P7 (Year 7 equivalent). Registration opens September.

Scoring: Standardised score (typically 100–140+ range). Each grammar school sets its own threshold annually.

GL Assessment (NI) — PPTC

Northern Ireland

Used by the Catholic grammar sector. The single-sitting format is quicker but higher-stakes than AQE’s 3-paper approach.

Subjects: English, Maths, and reasoning

Format: Single test, multiple choice. Sat in November of P7.

Timing: November of P7. Registration via primary school.

Scoring: Grades: A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D. Grammar schools typically require grade A or B1.

ISEB Common Pre-Test

England — selective independent schools

The standard pre-test for top independent schools (Westminster, Eton, Winchester, St Paul’s). Computer-adaptive — gets harder as the child answers correctly.

Subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning

Format: Computer-adaptive test taken at the child’s current school. Typically in Year 6 or 7 for 13+ entry.

Timing: Usually autumn of Year 6 (for 11+ entry) or Year 7 (for 13+ entry).

Scoring: Standardised scores sent to applied-for schools. Each school sets its own threshold.

Grammar Schools by Area

Grammar schools are concentrated in a handful of areas. Most of England has none at all.

Area	Schools	Test	Notes
Kent	32	GL and CEM (varies by school)	The largest grammar system in England. Schools set individual thresholds. Highly competitive.
Buckinghamshire	13	GL Assessment	Fully selective area — all secondary schools are either grammar or upper. ~35% of children pass.
Lincolnshire	15	GL Assessment	Widespread grammar system. Less competitive than the South East.
Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield	8	CEM (Durham)	King Edward’s Foundation schools. Heavily oversubscribed — typically 2,000+ applicants for 120 places.
Trafford (Greater Manchester)	7	GL Assessment	Most concentrated grammar area in the North West.
Wirral & Liverpool	5	CEM and GL (varies)	Mix of test providers. Cross-border applications common.
Essex (Chelmsford, Southend, Colchester)	8	GL Assessment (CSSE consortium)	Consortium test — one test for multiple schools.
Northern Ireland	69	AQE or GL/PPTC	The largest grammar system in the UK. ~40% of post-primary pupils attend grammar schools.
Other (scattered)	6	Varies	Isolated grammars in Devon, Dorset, Lancashire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, etc.

Kent

32 schools

Test: GL and CEM (varies by school)

The largest grammar system in England. Schools set individual thresholds. Highly competitive.

Buckinghamshire

13 schools

Test: GL Assessment

Fully selective area — all secondary schools are either grammar or upper. ~35% of children pass.

Lincolnshire

15 schools

Test: GL Assessment

Widespread grammar system. Less competitive than the South East.

Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield

8 schools

Test: CEM (Durham)

King Edward’s Foundation schools. Heavily oversubscribed — typically 2,000+ applicants for 120 places.

Trafford (Greater Manchester)

7 schools

Test: GL Assessment

Most concentrated grammar area in the North West.

Wirral & Liverpool

5 schools

Test: CEM and GL (varies)

Mix of test providers. Cross-border applications common.

Essex (Chelmsford, Southend, Colchester)

8 schools

Test: GL Assessment (CSSE consortium)

Consortium test — one test for multiple schools.

Northern Ireland

69 schools

Test: AQE or GL/PPTC

The largest grammar system in the UK. ~40% of post-primary pupils attend grammar schools.

Other (scattered)

6 schools

Test: Varies

Isolated grammars in Devon, Dorset, Lancashire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, etc.

Check grammar school admission chancesPro

Enter your postcode and see admission probability for grammar schools near you.

Preparation Timeline

A sensible, pressure-free timeline. Starting too early creates stress; starting too late creates panic. Neither helps.

Year 3–4 (age 7–9)

Build foundations

Focus on reading widely, strong maths fundamentals, and developing vocabulary. No formal test prep needed yet.

Year 4 summer (age 9)

Assess readiness

Consider a baseline assessment to see where your child stands. Decide whether the 11+ is realistic and desirable. Talk to their teacher.

Year 5 autumn (age 9–10)

Start structured preparation

Begin familiarisation with 11+ question types. Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning. 20–30 minutes, 3–4 times per week is plenty.

Year 5 spring (age 10)

Build exam technique

Timed practice papers. Focus on time management, answering strategy, and identifying weak areas. Register for the test (deadlines are typically May–July).

Year 5 summer (age 10)

Practice under conditions

Full mock papers under timed conditions. Address specific weak spots. Reduce intensity in the last 2 weeks before the test — rest matters.

Year 6 September (age 10–11)

Test day

Most 11+ tests happen in September. Stay calm. Have a backup plan — not passing is not failing. Results come in October–November.

October–March

Results and admissions

Results arrive October–November. National Offer Day is 1 March. If unsuccessful, you can appeal (most grammar appeals fail, but it’s worth trying if borderline).

What to Expect on Test Day

Practical details that help reduce anxiety for both parents and children.

Logistics

Tests are usually at the grammar school itself or a nearby venue
Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring photo ID and confirmation letter
Children sit in exam conditions — desks, silence, invigilators
Parents wait outside or in a designated area
Tests typically last 1–2 hours total (with breaks between papers)

For your child

A good breakfast and a good night’s sleep matter more than last-minute revision
Pencils, rubber, ruler — check what’s allowed (no calculators)
Water bottle usually permitted
If they don’t finish, that’s normal — most tests are designed so few children complete every question
Reassure them that one test does not define them

Results timeline

GL tests: results typically October–November
CEM tests: similar timeline, varies by consortium
AQE (NI): results in late January/early February
PPTC/GL (NI): results in late January
Appeals can be lodged within weeks of result — check exact deadlines

Access arrangements (SEND)

25% extra time is the most common accommodation
Readers, scribes, and separate rooms available
Must apply well in advance (3–6 months before test)
Needs evidence: Ed Psych report or specialist teacher assessment
Each test provider has its own access arrangements process

Northern Ireland: The Transfer Test

NI has the most widespread grammar system in the UK. Around 40% of post-primary pupils attend grammar schools.

Not government-run

The old 11+ was officially abolished in 2008. The Transfer Test is run by AQE and PPTC — independent organisations, not the government. The NI Department of Education does not endorse, regulate, or fund the tests. They continue because grammar schools choose to use them.

AQE (most grammar schools)

3 papers on 3 separate Saturdays in November
English and mathematics content
Mix of multiple choice and written answers
Standardised score (100–140+ range)
Best 2 of 3 papers counted
~6,500 children sit annually

GL/PPTC (mainly Catholic sector)

Single test paper in November
English, maths, and reasoning
Multiple choice format
Grades: A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D
A or B1 typically required for grammar
~5,000 children sit annually

Should my child sit both tests?

Some grammar schools accept only AQE, some only GL/PPTC, and some accept either. If your child wants to apply to schools in both groups, they'll need to sit both tests. The dates don't clash. Many parents choose to register for both as insurance.

Appeals & Waiting Lists

If your child narrowly missed the qualifying score, there are options — but success rates are low.

Admissions appeals

You have the right to appeal any school refusal. Grammar appeals are heard by an independent panel. You must show either (a) the admissions process was flawed, or (b) the prejudice to your child outweighs the prejudice to the school.

Reality check: Grammar appeal success rates are typically 10–15%. The qualifying score is an objective measure, making it hard to argue your case unless there were procedural errors or exceptional circumstances (e.g., illness on test day with medical evidence).

Waiting lists

Grammar schools must maintain waiting lists, ordered by qualifying score (not date of application). Movement happens when families decline places or move out of area. Some movement occurs in September and October. After 31 December, schools can close their waiting lists.

In-year admissions

If a grammar school has vacancies after Year 7, it must fill them. Some schools test in-year applicants. This is rare for oversubscribed schools but possible for grammars in less competitive areas.

What Does 11+ Preparation Cost?

From free to thousands of pounds. Here's a realistic breakdown.

Method	Cost	Notes
Free online resources & library books	Free	Practice papers available free from many councils and test providers
Workbooks (Bond, CGP, Letts)	£5–10 each	Subject-specific and practice paper packs. 8–12 books is typical.
Online practice platforms	£5–20/month	Adaptive practice, mock tests, progress tracking
Group tuition classes	£15–40/session	Weekly classes of 6–15 children. Common in grammar areas.
Private 1-to-1 tutor	£30–80/hour	1–2 sessions/week for 6–12 months = £700–3,000 total
Intensive holiday courses	£200–500/course	Week-long residential or day courses. Summer before Year 6.
Mock tests	£15–40 each	Timed tests in exam conditions. 3–5 mocks recommended.

Free resources & library books

Free

Workbooks (Bond, CGP)

£5–10 each

Online platforms

£5–20/month

Group tuition

£15–40/session

Private tutor

£30–80/hour

Holiday courses

£200–500

Mock tests

£15–40 each

Many children pass with minimal spending

An avid reader with strong maths and a few practice papers can pass the 11+ without private tutoring. The Sutton Trust estimates that tutoring adds 10–15 standardised points — significant but not decisive for naturally able children. Don't assume you must spend thousands.

Alternatives to Grammar School

Grammar school isn't the only path to academic success. Many alternatives offer equally strong outcomes.

Top-rated comprehensives

Many comprehensive schools with Progress 8 scores of +0.5 or higher are adding more value than grammars. They take all abilities and still achieve outstanding results.

Selective independent schools

Private schools with entrance exams (11+ or 13+). Academic rigour similar to grammars, plus extras like smaller classes and wider co-curricular. Fees apply (avg ~£16k/year day).

Faith schools

Some faith schools achieve results comparable to grammars, particularly Catholic schools with strong academic cultures. Admissions require church attendance evidence.

Setting & streaming

Many comprehensives set pupils by ability in core subjects. A bright child in top sets at a good comprehensive gets a very similar experience to grammar school.

Common Questions

Sources

This guide draws on the School Admissions Code (England), the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, GL Assessment and CEM published guidance, AQE and PPTC published information, the Sutton Trust research on tutoring and selection, the Institute for Fiscal Studies research on grammar schools, and the Department of Education Northern Ireland. This guide is for general information only. Admissions policies, inspection frameworks, and school structures change regularly — always verify current details with the relevant school, local authority, or official body. Last reviewed April 2026.

Compare grammar schools head-to-head

School Atlas Pro lets you compare outcomes, Progress 8, demographics, and 15 years of results trends across grammar and comprehensive schools side by side — so you can see beyond the name.

See Pro features Compare schools

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

Understanding School Performance Data

What Progress 8 means for grammar vs comprehensive

Every Type of UK School Explained

Where grammar schools fit in the bigger picture

Admissions Appeals Guide

Your rights if you want to challenge a decision

Moving Between UK Nations

What happens to grammar places when you move

Find grammar schools near you

Search by postcode, see inspection results, and compare grammar schools with top-rated comprehensives in your area.

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Parent Guide

Grammar School Entry & the 11+

163grammar schools across England and Northern Ireland, at least 4 different tests, and a preparation industry worth hundreds of millions. Here's what actually matters.

25–30 min readEngland & Northern IrelandUpdated April 2026

Key facts

There are 163 grammar schools in England and ~69 in Northern Ireland — none in Scotland or Wales
At least 4 different 11+ test formats exist (GL, CEM, AQE, PPTC) — the test your child sits depends on the region
No new grammar schools can be created in England under the 1998 Act, though existing ones can expand
Top grammars see 5:1 applicant-to-place ratios — preparation helps, but the step-up from primary curriculum is significant
An estimated 70% of Northern Ireland children take the Transfer Test, making it a near-universal experience there

232

Grammar schools in England & NI

5:1

Average applicants per place in top grammars

70%

Of NI children who take the Transfer Test

New grammars allowed in England since 1998

Not all 11+ tests are the same

GL, CEM, AQE, PPTC, ISEB — each tests different skills in different formats. Preparing for the wrong test wastes time and money.

Tutoring isn’t magic

It can boost scores by 10–15 points. But a tutored child who barely passes may struggle at grammar school. The test is supposed to predict suitability.

Not passing is not failing

85% of English children don’t attend grammar school. Many achieve identical or better GCSE results at comprehensive schools with strong value-added.

11+ Test Formats Explained

There is no single "11+". Different areas use different providers, subjects, and formats. Here are the main ones.

GL Assessment 11+

Most of England

The most widely used 11+ test in England. Multiple-choice format makes it more predictable and "coachable" than CEM.

Subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning — varies by area

Format: Multiple choice. Typically 2–4 papers in one morning. Standardised age-adjusted scores.

Timing: Usually September of Year 6. Registration deadline: May–June of Year 5.

Scoring: Standardised score with a mean of 100. Most grammars set thresholds of 111–121+.

CEM 11+ (Durham)

Parts of England

Designed to be harder to prepare for than GL. Questions jump between subjects within papers. Vocabulary-heavy — avid readers have an advantage.

Subjects: Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability, Numerical Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning — but not labelled by section

Format: Mixed format (multiple choice and some written). Papers are deliberately varied to reduce coaching advantage.

Timing: Usually September of Year 6. Registration: May–July of Year 5.

Scoring: Standardised score, age-adjusted. Each consortium/school sets its own threshold.

AQE (NI) — Common Entrance Assessment

Northern Ireland

Used by most NI grammar schools. The 3-paper format reduces the impact of a bad day. Tutoring industry is enormous — an estimated 70% of children receive some preparation.

Subjects: English and Mathematics

Format: 3 papers sat on 3 separate Saturdays in November. Mix of multiple choice and written answers.

Timing: November of P7 (Year 7 equivalent). Registration opens September.

Scoring: Standardised score (typically 100–140+ range). Each grammar school sets its own threshold annually.

GL Assessment (NI) — PPTC

Northern Ireland

Used by the Catholic grammar sector. The single-sitting format is quicker but higher-stakes than AQE’s 3-paper approach.

Subjects: English, Maths, and reasoning

Format: Single test, multiple choice. Sat in November of P7.

Timing: November of P7. Registration via primary school.

Scoring: Grades: A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D. Grammar schools typically require grade A or B1.

ISEB Common Pre-Test

England — selective independent schools

The standard pre-test for top independent schools (Westminster, Eton, Winchester, St Paul’s). Computer-adaptive — gets harder as the child answers correctly.

Subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning

Format: Computer-adaptive test taken at the child’s current school. Typically in Year 6 or 7 for 13+ entry.

Timing: Usually autumn of Year 6 (for 11+ entry) or Year 7 (for 13+ entry).

Scoring: Standardised scores sent to applied-for schools. Each school sets its own threshold.

Grammar Schools by Area

Grammar schools are concentrated in a handful of areas. Most of England has none at all.

Area	Schools	Test	Notes
Kent	32	GL and CEM (varies by school)	The largest grammar system in England. Schools set individual thresholds. Highly competitive.
Buckinghamshire	13	GL Assessment	Fully selective area — all secondary schools are either grammar or upper. ~35% of children pass.
Lincolnshire	15	GL Assessment	Widespread grammar system. Less competitive than the South East.
Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield	8	CEM (Durham)	King Edward’s Foundation schools. Heavily oversubscribed — typically 2,000+ applicants for 120 places.
Trafford (Greater Manchester)	7	GL Assessment	Most concentrated grammar area in the North West.
Wirral & Liverpool	5	CEM and GL (varies)	Mix of test providers. Cross-border applications common.
Essex (Chelmsford, Southend, Colchester)	8	GL Assessment (CSSE consortium)	Consortium test — one test for multiple schools.
Northern Ireland	69	AQE or GL/PPTC	The largest grammar system in the UK. ~40% of post-primary pupils attend grammar schools.
Other (scattered)	6	Varies	Isolated grammars in Devon, Dorset, Lancashire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, etc.

Kent

32 schools

Test: GL and CEM (varies by school)

The largest grammar system in England. Schools set individual thresholds. Highly competitive.

Buckinghamshire

13 schools

Test: GL Assessment

Fully selective area — all secondary schools are either grammar or upper. ~35% of children pass.

Lincolnshire

15 schools

Test: GL Assessment

Widespread grammar system. Less competitive than the South East.

Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield

8 schools

Test: CEM (Durham)

King Edward’s Foundation schools. Heavily oversubscribed — typically 2,000+ applicants for 120 places.

Trafford (Greater Manchester)

7 schools

Test: GL Assessment

Most concentrated grammar area in the North West.

Wirral & Liverpool

5 schools

Test: CEM and GL (varies)

Mix of test providers. Cross-border applications common.

Essex (Chelmsford, Southend, Colchester)

8 schools

Test: GL Assessment (CSSE consortium)

Consortium test — one test for multiple schools.

Northern Ireland

69 schools

Test: AQE or GL/PPTC

The largest grammar system in the UK. ~40% of post-primary pupils attend grammar schools.

Other (scattered)

6 schools

Test: Varies

Isolated grammars in Devon, Dorset, Lancashire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, etc.

Check grammar school admission chancesPro

Enter your postcode and see admission probability for grammar schools near you.

Preparation Timeline

A sensible, pressure-free timeline. Starting too early creates stress; starting too late creates panic. Neither helps.

Year 3–4 (age 7–9)

Build foundations

Focus on reading widely, strong maths fundamentals, and developing vocabulary. No formal test prep needed yet.

Year 4 summer (age 9)

Assess readiness

Consider a baseline assessment to see where your child stands. Decide whether the 11+ is realistic and desirable. Talk to their teacher.

Year 5 autumn (age 9–10)

Start structured preparation

Begin familiarisation with 11+ question types. Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning. 20–30 minutes, 3–4 times per week is plenty.

Year 5 spring (age 10)

Build exam technique

Timed practice papers. Focus on time management, answering strategy, and identifying weak areas. Register for the test (deadlines are typically May–July).

Year 5 summer (age 10)

Practice under conditions

Full mock papers under timed conditions. Address specific weak spots. Reduce intensity in the last 2 weeks before the test — rest matters.

Year 6 September (age 10–11)

Test day

Most 11+ tests happen in September. Stay calm. Have a backup plan — not passing is not failing. Results come in October–November.

October–March

Results and admissions

Results arrive October–November. National Offer Day is 1 March. If unsuccessful, you can appeal (most grammar appeals fail, but it’s worth trying if borderline).

What to Expect on Test Day

Practical details that help reduce anxiety for both parents and children.

Logistics

Tests are usually at the grammar school itself or a nearby venue
Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring photo ID and confirmation letter
Children sit in exam conditions — desks, silence, invigilators
Parents wait outside or in a designated area
Tests typically last 1–2 hours total (with breaks between papers)

For your child

A good breakfast and a good night’s sleep matter more than last-minute revision
Pencils, rubber, ruler — check what’s allowed (no calculators)
Water bottle usually permitted
If they don’t finish, that’s normal — most tests are designed so few children complete every question
Reassure them that one test does not define them

Results timeline

GL tests: results typically October–November
CEM tests: similar timeline, varies by consortium
AQE (NI): results in late January/early February
PPTC/GL (NI): results in late January
Appeals can be lodged within weeks of result — check exact deadlines

Access arrangements (SEND)

25% extra time is the most common accommodation
Readers, scribes, and separate rooms available
Must apply well in advance (3–6 months before test)
Needs evidence: Ed Psych report or specialist teacher assessment
Each test provider has its own access arrangements process

Northern Ireland: The Transfer Test

NI has the most widespread grammar system in the UK. Around 40% of post-primary pupils attend grammar schools.

Not government-run

AQE (most grammar schools)

3 papers on 3 separate Saturdays in November
English and mathematics content
Mix of multiple choice and written answers
Standardised score (100–140+ range)
Best 2 of 3 papers counted
~6,500 children sit annually

GL/PPTC (mainly Catholic sector)

Single test paper in November
English, maths, and reasoning
Multiple choice format
Grades: A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D
A or B1 typically required for grammar
~5,000 children sit annually

Should my child sit both tests?

Appeals & Waiting Lists

If your child narrowly missed the qualifying score, there are options — but success rates are low.

Admissions appeals

Waiting lists

In-year admissions

If a grammar school has vacancies after Year 7, it must fill them. Some schools test in-year applicants. This is rare for oversubscribed schools but possible for grammars in less competitive areas.

What Does 11+ Preparation Cost?

From free to thousands of pounds. Here's a realistic breakdown.

Method	Cost	Notes
Free online resources & library books	Free	Practice papers available free from many councils and test providers
Workbooks (Bond, CGP, Letts)	£5–10 each	Subject-specific and practice paper packs. 8–12 books is typical.
Online practice platforms	£5–20/month	Adaptive practice, mock tests, progress tracking
Group tuition classes	£15–40/session	Weekly classes of 6–15 children. Common in grammar areas.
Private 1-to-1 tutor	£30–80/hour	1–2 sessions/week for 6–12 months = £700–3,000 total
Intensive holiday courses	£200–500/course	Week-long residential or day courses. Summer before Year 6.
Mock tests	£15–40 each	Timed tests in exam conditions. 3–5 mocks recommended.

Free resources & library books

Free

Workbooks (Bond, CGP)

£5–10 each

Online platforms

£5–20/month

Group tuition

£15–40/session

Private tutor

£30–80/hour

Holiday courses

£200–500

Mock tests

£15–40 each

Many children pass with minimal spending

Alternatives to Grammar School

Grammar school isn't the only path to academic success. Many alternatives offer equally strong outcomes.

Top-rated comprehensives

Many comprehensive schools with Progress 8 scores of +0.5 or higher are adding more value than grammars. They take all abilities and still achieve outstanding results.

Selective independent schools

Private schools with entrance exams (11+ or 13+). Academic rigour similar to grammars, plus extras like smaller classes and wider co-curricular. Fees apply (avg ~£16k/year day).

Faith schools

Some faith schools achieve results comparable to grammars, particularly Catholic schools with strong academic cultures. Admissions require church attendance evidence.

Setting & streaming

Many comprehensives set pupils by ability in core subjects. A bright child in top sets at a good comprehensive gets a very similar experience to grammar school.

Common Questions

Sources

Compare grammar schools head-to-head

School Atlas Pro lets you compare outcomes, Progress 8, demographics, and 15 years of results trends across grammar and comprehensive schools side by side — so you can see beyond the name.

See Pro features Compare schools

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

Understanding School Performance Data

What Progress 8 means for grammar vs comprehensive

Every Type of UK School Explained

Where grammar schools fit in the bigger picture

Admissions Appeals Guide

Your rights if you want to challenge a decision

Moving Between UK Nations

What happens to grammar places when you move

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