About Wales Grammar Schools
Wales has no traditional state grammar schools. Welsh secondary education is fully comprehensive โ academic ability is not used for state-school admission. The few schools called 'grammars' in Welsh names today (e.g. 'Bangor Grammar Welsh') are comprehensive schools that retained their original Welsh names. Welsh families seeking selective state education typically access English borderlands (Shropshire, Cheshire). Selective independents in Wales include Christ College Brecon, Howell's School Llandaff, and Llandovery College.
History & Tradition
Wales had grammar schools historically โ but the country moved to fully comprehensive secondary education in the 1970s. Welsh schools that retain 'Grammar' in their name (typically referring to their Welsh-language origins) are not academically selective today. Selective independent education remains a feature, particularly in the south.
The Entry Test
Welsh selective independents use school-specific tests โ typically English, Maths, and Reasoning. There is no state 11+ in Wales. Some Welsh families enter their children in English 11+ exams (West Midlands Test, Lincolnshire) for selective state education across the border.
Wales 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Wales Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools โ drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Wales has no state grammar schools โ selective state education is unavailable in Wales.
- 2Welsh-language schools called 'Grammar' (e.g. 'Ysgol Ramadeg') in their original names are typically modern comprehensive schools โ the 'grammar' refers to historical foundation, not current selection.
- 3Christ College Brecon is one of Wales's most prestigious independent boarding schools โ admitting boys and girls from across the UK and internationally.
- 4Howell's School Llandaff (Cardiff) is a GDST school โ one of Wales's leading girls' independent schools.
- 5Llandovery College (Carmarthenshire) is a smaller co-educational independent โ known for strong rugby tradition.
- 6Welsh families seeking traditional grammar education at 11+ typically look to English border counties โ particularly Shropshire (Adams' Grammar Newport) or Gloucestershire.
- 7The Welsh Government has consistently rejected calls to reintroduce selective state education โ Welsh political consensus favours comprehensive provision.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christ College, Brecon | Mixed | โ | Independent | 37.9% | 67.8% |
Wales Grammar Schools โ Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do Wales grammar schools use?
Most Wales 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 Wales grammar schools distinctive?
Wales has no state grammar schools โ selective state education is unavailable in Wales.
What else should families know about the Wales 11+?
Welsh-language schools called 'Grammar' (e.g. 'Ysgol Ramadeg') in their original names are typically modern comprehensive schools โ the 'grammar' refers to historical foundation, not current selection.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: