About Hampshire Grammar Schools
Hampshire is mostly comprehensive at the state level, with 6 selective schools — primarily prestigious independents including Winchester College, St Swithun's School, Twyford School, Pilgrim's Pre-Prep, and Peter Symonds College (a state sixth-form). Winchester College (founded 1382) is among the world's oldest and most prestigious independent boys' schools.
History & Tradition
Winchester College (founded 1382 by William of Wykeham) is one of the 6 'Great Public Schools' of England — alongside Eton, Harrow, Westminster, Rugby and Shrewsbury. St Swithun's was founded in 1884 as a girls' diocesan school. Hampshire abolished state grammars in 1972.
The Entry Test
Hampshire independents use varying tests. Winchester College uses Winchester College Entrance Examination (very selective). St Swithun's uses a school-specific test. Most also use ISEB Pre-Test in Year 6 with school-specific follow-up at 11+ or 13+.
Hampshire 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Hampshire Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Winchester College (founded 1382) is one of the world's oldest still-operating schools — and is famous for its 'College Notion' (its own internal vocabulary) and rigorous classical curriculum.
- 2Winchester College's Entrance Examination is one of the most selective in the UK — typically requiring 65%+ in extremely difficult papers.
- 3St Swithun's School (Winchester, girls') has consistently appeared in the Sunday Times Top Schools league — particularly strong in Sciences and Languages.
- 4Hampshire abolished state grammars in 1972 — selective state education exists only in the form of sixth-form colleges (Peter Symonds, Brockenhurst).
- 5Peter Symonds College (Winchester) is a state sixth-form college — selectively admitting around 1,200 pupils for A-Levels each year. Often called 'Hampshire's grammar sixth-form'.
- 6Hampshire families seeking traditional grammar education at 11+ typically apply to neighbouring Buckinghamshire or Berkshire grammars — a longer commute.
- 7Winchester College and St Swithun's both offer means-tested bursaries up to 100% — making prestigious independent education accessible to academically strong families with modest incomes.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Edward VI School (KES) Southampton | Boys | — | GL Assessment | 73% | 83.8% | |
| Portsmouth High School | Girls | — | Independent | — | — | |
| St. Mary's Calne | Girls | — | CEM Select | 71.4% | 82.9% | |
| St. Mary's College, Crosby | Boys | — | Independent | — | — | |
| St. Mary's School Ascot | Girls | — | Independent | 94.1% | 84.7% | |
| The Portsmouth Grammar School | Mixed | — | Independent | 62.8% | 85.9% |
Hampshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do Hampshire grammar schools use?
Most Hampshire grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Hampshire grammar schools distinctive?
Winchester College (founded 1382) is one of the world's oldest still-operating schools — and is famous for its 'College Notion' (its own internal vocabulary) and rigorous classical curriculum.
What else should families know about the Hampshire 11+?
Winchester College's Entrance Examination is one of the most selective in the UK — typically requiring 65%+ in extremely difficult papers.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: