Are there grammar schools in Ards and North Down?

Yes, there are 4 grammar schools in Ards and North Down. These are selective schools that require passing an entrance exam (usually the 11-plus) for admission.

What is the 11-plus exam?

The 11-plus is an entrance exam taken by children in Year 5 or early Year 6 to gain entry to grammar schools. It typically tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English, and mathematics. Each school or area may use different test providers.

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Data refreshed 14 Apr 2026

Grammar Schools in Ards and North Down

Ards and North Down has 4 selective grammar schools where admission is based on the 11-plus or equivalent entrance exam. Grammar schools are state-funded and free to attend. Use our interactive map to find selective schools near you.

Ards and North Down has 4 grammar schools offering selective entry at 11+.

How these rankings workShow

Schools are sorted by their most recent ETI inspection grade (Outstanding first, then Good, then lower grades). Within each grade, schools are ordered by pupil numbers as a tiebreaker.

This ranking does not directly factor in exam results, parent satisfaction, or admissions difficulty. For exam-based comparisons, use our league tables. For individual school details, visit each school's profile page.

Data sources: ETI inspection reports, and official school census data. Updated regularly from government publications.

Rankings reflect publicly available government data and do not constitute a recommendation. The right school depends on your child's individual needs.

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