About Yorkshire & North Grammar Schools
Yorkshire & North hosts 13 selective schools across North Yorkshire (Ermysted's, Ripon, Skipton Girls', Pocklington), West Yorkshire (Crossley Heath, North Halifax, Heckmondwike), and South Yorkshire selective independents. Ripon Grammar is one of the UK's most prestigious state grammars — consistently in the Sunday Times Top 50. Ermysted's Grammar (Skipton) has been educating boys since 1492. Crossley Heath and North Halifax Grammar coordinate as twin partially-selective schools in Halifax.
History & Tradition
Yorkshire's grammar tradition dates to 1492 (Ermysted's Grammar Skipton) — one of the oldest in the UK. Ripon Grammar (founded 1555) is similarly ancient. North Halifax Grammar dates from 1894. After most Yorkshire LAs abolished selection in the 1960s-70s, a small number of grammars survived — typically through campaigning by local parents and political support.
The Entry Test
Yorkshire grammars use diverse tests: Ripon Grammar, Ermysted's, Skipton Girls' each set their own test in September. Crossley Heath + North Halifax use a shared test (Halifax 11+). Heckmondwike Grammar sets its own test. Pocklington School (East Yorkshire) is independent.
Yorkshire & North 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Yorkshire & North Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Ermysted's Grammar School (Skipton) was founded in 1492 — making it one of the 10 oldest schools in England still operating in its original purpose.
- 2Ripon Grammar ranks #71 in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 — Yorkshire's top-ranked grammar. It's known for strong Sciences and a wide cross-county catchment drawing pupils from across Yorkshire.
- 3Crossley Heath and North Halifax Grammar in Halifax use a shared application process — children sit the same test on the same Saturday in September.
- 4Heckmondwike Grammar (Kirklees) is unusual — a Year 7 grammar but with a Year 9 entry pathway too, creating two entry routes for selective families.
- 5Pocklington School (East Yorkshire) is an independent boarding school — offering both day and full-boarding places. Annual fees ~£17,000 day, ~£35,000 boarding.
- 6Yorkshire has no fully-selective LA — all grammars are 'island' selectives in otherwise comprehensive boroughs. This limits the geographic spread of selective state education.
- 7Skipton Girls' High and Ermysted's Boys' (both in Skipton) share some 6th form options — though Year 7-11 are strictly single-sex with separate registration and tests.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #71 | Ripon Grammar School#71 | Mixed | 180 | GL Assessment | 59.6% | 81.7% |
| #90 | Heckmondwike Grammar School (HGS)#90 | Mixed | 180 | GL Assessment | 83.5% | 64.6% |
| Ackworth School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Bootham School | Mixed | — | Independent | 59% | 71% | |
| Bradford Grammar School (BGS) | Boys | 130 | Independent | 70.9% | 82.9% | |
| Ermysted's Grammar School | Boys | 120 | GL Assessment | 65% | 65% | |
| Harrogate Ladies' College | Girls | — | CEM | 45.8% | 61.1% | |
| Hymers College | Mixed | — | CEM Select | 68.2% | 76.2% | |
| Pocklington School | Mixed | — | Independent | 54.5% | 53.4% | |
| Silcoates School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Skipton Girls' High School | Girls | 120 | GL Assessment | 65% | 65% | |
| Yorkshire Grammar Schools | Mixed | — | GL Assessment | 80-95% | 60-75% |
Yorkshire & North Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top-ranked grammar schools in Yorkshire & North?
In the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power tables, the highest-ranked Yorkshire & North grammar schools include Ripon Grammar School, Heckmondwike Grammar School (HGS). Full rankings plus GCSE and A-Level results for every school are in the table above.
What 11+ exam do Yorkshire & North grammar schools use?
Most Yorkshire & North 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 Yorkshire & North grammar schools distinctive?
Ermysted's Grammar School (Skipton) was founded in 1492 — making it one of the 10 oldest schools in England still operating in its original purpose.
What else should families know about the Yorkshire & North 11+?
Ripon Grammar ranks #71 in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 — Yorkshire's top-ranked grammar. It's known for strong Sciences and a wide cross-county catchment drawing pupils from across Yorkshire.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: