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 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 content more effectively and reach a higher level of understanding. Additionally, the emphasis on academia and discipline in grammar schools tends to attract a high standard of teaching, with staff members who are highly qualified and experts in their field. By achieving higher grades at GCSE, as well as the fact that many grammar schools have established connections, many grammar school students have an increased likelihood of attending a top university.

It may also be the case that grammar schools offer greater social mobility by providing not only the education, but also the connections and opportunities needed for a child to progress.

Entry to a top grammar school is likely to put a child in a classroom of well-connected peers, possibly providing them with life-long connections.

In addition, many grammar schools have now converted to academy status, giving them more control over teaching and the curriculum. This may enable students to take some GCSEs early in Year 9 or 10, allowing them to either take on extra subjects in their final years and attain more GCSEs, or to focus more attention on achieving high grades in other subjects. Academy status may also mean that schools are able to provide a wider range of subjects, with many grammar schools encouraging students to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately at GCSE level, or encouraging pupils to study one or more modern foreign languages.

MEGAN PAYNE Assistant Editor

TORQUaY GIRLS’ grammar school OPEN evenings

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School have been educating bright students from Devon for over one hundred years now.

The outcomes for young people who come to the school and sixth form are excellent; our academic results place us as one of the top schools nationally for both attainment and progress. Ofsted rate us as outstanding in all categories and our students go on to top universities, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

We believe that students here are ‘history makers’ of the future, and the curriculum enables them to develop their character skills and self-esteem, alongside their academic success.

Our extra-curricular opportunities, including trips and clubs, help develop the character skills in our students. These skills include leadership, aiming high, staying positive, creativity, problem solving, speaking, listening and teamwork. We want our young people to have lots of fun and experiences during their time at TGGS and our curriculum is designed with that in mind.

This is a very special and unique place in which to learn; students here can achieve anything they desire.

We look forward to meeting you at one of our Open Evenings!

OPEN evenings

TORQUaY GIRLS’ grammar school

JOIN US at one of our open evenings

TUESDAY 10TH october 2023 tuesday 25 june 2024

6.30pm - 8.30PM

WELCOME SPEECH FOLLOWED BY GUIDED TOURS

- no booking required -