About Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is a boys independent day school in Yorkshire & North. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #169 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 70.9%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) Admissions Criteria
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is a boys independent day school in Yorkshire & North. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Bradford Grammar School (BGS). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Bradford Grammar School (BGS)'s own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Bradford Grammar School (BGS).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Bradford Grammar School (BGS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Bradford Grammar School (BGS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Bradford Grammar School (BGS) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
Step 1 — Visit Bradford Grammar School in West Yorkshire
Visit Bradford Grammar School in West Yorkshire — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
Step 2 — Contact Admissions Manager Karen Hewitt on 01274 553702
Contact Admissions Manager Karen Hewitt on 01274 553702 or admissions@bradfordgrammar.com (Junior School: Sarah Lockett 01274 553713 / admissions.jnr@bradfordgrammar.com)
Step 3 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 4 — Year 7 Assisted Places Assessment: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Year 7 Assisted Places Assessment: Wednesday 26 November 2025 (closing date 17 November 2025)
Step 5 — Year 7 Entrance Exams: Week commencing 19 January 2026
Year 7 Entrance Exams: Week commencing 19 January 2026 (closing date 9 January 2026); Tuesday 17 March 2026 (closing date 6 March 2026)
Step 6 — Receive information confirming assessment dates
Receive information confirming assessment dates after relevant closing date for your year group
Step 7 — Assessment results mailed within two weeks of your
Assessment results mailed within two weeks of your child's visit
Step 8 — Closing date for Assisted Places Awards applications:
Closing date for Assisted Places Awards applications: Monday 23 February 2026
Independent Subjects Tested at Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Assisted Places Awards (Year 7 + Sixth Form Year 12). No financial assistance for Junior School or Year 6 to 7 progressions.
Outcome announced: Year 7 Assisted Places Assessment: Wed 26 November 2025 (closing 17 Nov 2025). Financial assistance for Year 12 Sixth Form entry. No financial assistance for Junior School or Junior School pupils moving Year 6 to 7, or entry to Years 8, 9, 10.
Additional notes: Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is an independent co-educational day school in Bradford, West Yorkshire (founded 1548). Times rank #169. Caters for Reception through Sixth Form.
Independent Practice Papers for Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Bradford Grammar School (BGS) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Bradford Grammar is academically selective and strong — one of the UK’s top ‘best value’ independent schools — with strong results at GCSE and A-Level.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: strong results (around 80–90% of pupils continue from Year 11 into the Sixth Form), with pupils progressing to a range of universities.
- Progression: pupils progress to a range of universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
Bradford Grammar School is an independent day school and does not operate a catchment area. As a selective day school, places are open to families from across Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire area, with entry by examination rather than where a family lives.
The school is on Keighley Road in Frizinghall, Bradford; entry runs from the Junior School (Clock House) through 11+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1548 and granted its charter by Charles II in 1662, Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is a selective co-educational independent day school (ages 4–18) in Frizinghall, Bradford, with the motto ‘Hoc Age’ (do this). A former direct-grant school that chose independence in 1975, it became fully co-educational in 1999 and combines a traditional grammar-school ethos with a forward-thinking outlook and a strong commitment to social mobility through means-tested bursaries and assisted places.
Co-curricular life is broad — spanning sport, music, drama (in a theatre part-funded by Old Bradfordian David Hockney), a Combined Cadet Force and more. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bradford Grammar School (BGS)
How do I get into Bradford Grammar School (BGS)?
To gain entry to Bradford Grammar School (BGS) Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Bradford Grammar School (BGS) use?
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Bradford Grammar School (BGS)?
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Bradford Grammar School (BGS)?
Yes. Bradford Grammar School (BGS) offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Bradford Grammar School (BGS)?
Most independent schools including Bradford Grammar School (BGS) accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Bradford Grammar School (BGS)?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Bradford Grammar School (BGS). No registration required.
When is the Bradford Grammar School (BGS) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is 9 January 2026 (Jan exam round); 6 March 2026 (March exam round) for 2026 entry. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Bradford Grammar School (BGS) 11+ results announced?
At Bradford Grammar School (BGS), 11+ assessment results are Within two weeks of your child's visit (mailed). The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.