ECM GRAMMAR SCHOOLS FOCUS
What are grammar schools? A comprehensive guide to what they are, how to apply and their benefits Grammar schools have existed as early as the sixth century, and were founded as schools attached to cathedrals or monasteries to teach Latin - the language of the church. Since then, the concept of grammar schools has expanded to what they are understood to be today: state-funded, academicallyoriented, selective schools. Crucially, grammar schools are selective based on academic ability. “Grammar schools are defined by their pursuit of academic excellence, traditional teaching methods and ethos of strict discipline,” said Bob McCartney, chair of the National Grammar Schools Association. “Students are selected based on their academic potential, to identify those who are most suitable for this type of education.” In order to assess pupils’ academic abilities and suitability for grammar school, prospective students must sit the 11+ exam in Year 6. The 11+ consists of four sections: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English. The majority of grammar schools now determine their own admissions policies, deciding independently what tests to set and how to weight
the different elements of the test. Currently, the 1998 Education Act bans any new grammar schools being opened in England, increasing the competition for places in the existing schools. Grammar schools have typically been considered the ‘best’ type of state education, and there are indeed many advantages of attending a grammar school. One benefit is that grammar schools remove the ‘postcode lottery’ element of
“Grammar schools are defined by their pursuit of academic excellence, traditional teaching methods and ethos of strict discipline... Students are selected based on their academic potential, to identify those who are most suitable for this type of education.” Bob McCartney, chair of the National Grammar Schools Association.
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relying on catchment areas to gain secondary school places, instead allowing students to gain their places based on individual merit. Grammar schools also typically offer a high standard of education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and discipline, opening up independent-style education to those who may not be able to afford to pay private school fees. This is said to increase diversity and social mobility as pupils progress based on their ability and hard work, rather than by what educational opportunities they can afford. Generally, students who attend grammar schools achieve higher examination results. Due to the selective nature of the schools, all pupils generally enter at the same ability, and so teachers are able to work through
