About Suffolk Grammar Schools
Suffolk hosts 6 selective schools — primarily fee-paying independents like Ipswich School, Royal Hospital School, Felixstowe College Sixth Form, and St Joseph's College. Suffolk has no state grammar schools — the county is fully comprehensive at the state level. Independent schools in Suffolk often have strong music and arts programmes alongside academic selection.
History & Tradition
Ipswich School (founded 1399) is one of England's oldest independent schools. Royal Hospital School Holbrook (1712) was founded for the orphans of seamen. St Joseph's College Ipswich was founded in 1937. Suffolk abolished state grammars in 1974 — moving to fully comprehensive education.
The Entry Test
Suffolk independents use school-specific entrance exams or the ISEB Pre-Test. Most assess English, Maths, Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus interview.
Suffolk 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Suffolk Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Suffolk has no state grammar schools — all selective education in the county is fee-paying independent.
- 2Ipswich School (founded 1399) is one of England's 10 oldest still-operating schools — co-educational since 1996.
- 3Royal Hospital School Holbrook (1712) was founded specifically for the orphans of British seamen — today admitting boys and girls from a wide range of backgrounds.
- 4Suffolk families seeking traditional grammar education at 11+ typically apply to neighbouring Lincolnshire or Cambridgeshire grammars — though both involve significant travel.
- 5Felixstowe College Sixth Form is a selective state sixth-form college — admitting Year 12+ pupils on academic merit.
- 6St Joseph's College Ipswich is a Catholic-character independent — admitting pupils of all faiths but maintaining a Catholic ethos.
- 7Suffolk's comprehensive secondary system is large and well-developed — many comprehensive schools have selective sixth forms even where Year 7 admission is non-selective.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framlingham College | Boys | — | Independent | — | 40% | |
| Ipswich High School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Ipswich School | Mixed | — | Independent | 59.5% | 82.1% | |
| Royal Hospital School | Mixed | — | Independent | 56.3% | 68.6% | |
| St Joseph's College, Ipswich | Boys | — | Independent | 32.5% | 68.3% | |
| Woodbridge School | Boys | — | Independent | 59.7% | 72.2% |
Suffolk Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do Suffolk grammar schools use?
Most Suffolk 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 Suffolk grammar schools distinctive?
Suffolk has no state grammar schools — all selective education in the county is fee-paying independent.
What else should families know about the Suffolk 11+?
Ipswich School (founded 1399) is one of England's 10 oldest still-operating schools — co-educational since 1996.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: