About Bristol Grammar School (BGS)
Bristol Grammar School is an independent co-educational day school — not a state grammar school. Entry to Year 7 is via BGS's own entrance examinations held on two Saturdays in January. There is a £50 registration fee. Means-tested bursaries and scholarships are available.
Bristol Grammar School (BGS) provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 69.6%. A-Level A*–B: 77.7%.
About Admission to Bristol Grammar School
Despite its historic name, Bristol Grammar School (BGS) is a selective independent (fee‑paying) co‑educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, on University Road in Bristol. Founded in 1532, it is one of the top‑performing independent schools in the South West. Entry is by the school’s own entrance assessment and you apply directly to the school — there is no GL Assessment, no local‑authority Common Application Form and no National Offers Day.
The main senior entry point is 11+ (Year 7), where applicants sit the school’s own papers in English (a multiple‑choice comprehension and a creative‑writing paper) and Mathematics (problem‑solving) in January of Year 6; sample papers are sent in advance. There are also entry points into the Junior School (from age 4) and at Sixth Form (16+). The school runs a means‑tested bursary scheme so that income need not be a barrier.
This guide explains how entry works, the key steps and dates, results and school life. Always confirm the latest details on the school’s official admissions pages before applying.
Bristol Grammar School Admissions Guide (11+ Entry)
How Bristol Grammar Selects Pupils
Entry is selective by the school’s own assessment. There is no exam‑board qualifying mark and no statutory oversubscription criteria; some applicants may be invited to a second‑stage assessment.
- ✓11+ (Year 7): a multiple‑choice English comprehension paper, a creative‑writing paper, and a problem‑solving Mathematics paper.
- ✓Assessments are held in January of Year 6; sample papers are sent to all applicants beforehand.
- ✓Entry is also possible into the Junior School (from age 4) and at Sixth Form (16+).
- ✓Means‑tested bursaries are available; bursary applications must be submitted ahead of the assessment.
Key Dates & How It Works
| 📌 Open mornings & taster days | Autumn term of Year 6 |
| 📌 Registration | Ahead of the January assessment |
| 📌 11+ assessment | January of Year 6 |
| 📌 Outcome | Offers follow assessment |
How to Apply to Bristol Grammar School
Step 1 — Register & visit
Register your child with the admissions team and visit at an open morning or taster day; bursary applications go in ahead of the assessment.
Step 2 — Assessment
For 11+, your child sits the English and Maths papers in January (sample papers are sent in advance); some may be invited to a second stage.
Step 3 — Offer & acceptance
Offers follow the assessment, with bursary outcomes confirmed alongside.
What the 11+ Assessment Covers
The comprehension and maths papers are multiple‑choice and test core skills and problem‑solving; the writing paper rewards imagination, organisation and clear, accurate sentences.
11+ Practice Papers (English & Maths)
Bristol Grammar sets its own 11+ papers in English and Maths. These practice papers build exactly those core skills — 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 Bristol 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 Bristol Grammar School (GCSE & A‑Level Results)
Bristol Grammar School is consistently one of the top‑performing independent schools in the South West.
| 📈 GCSE 2022 — grades 9–7 | 79.1% (37.1% at grade 9) |
| 🎓 A‑Level 2022 — A*–B | 84.6% (64.5% A*–A) |
| 🎓 Progression | strong record to leading universities |
(Figures are the school’s published results and vary year to year; see the school’s website for the latest.)
Pastoral Care & Co‑curricular Life
BGS pairs a stimulating curriculum with an ethos of care and support, offering far‑reaching opportunities for pupils to develop skills, knowledge and values.
Enrichment
A dedicated Enrichment programme spans activities such as dance and food & nutrition, library sessions and the Learning, Friendship and Adventure (LFA) programme at the school’s Failand grounds.
Access & bursaries
A means‑tested bursary scheme helps make a BGS education accessible, reflecting the school’s belief that income should not be a barrier to a child’s success.
Bristol Grammar School Admissions — FAQ
How do I apply to Bristol Grammar School?
You apply directly to the school — there is no Local Authority Common Application Form. Register with the admissions team ahead of the January assessment; entry points include the Junior School (from age 4), 11+ and Sixth Form (16+).
Is Bristol Grammar a state grammar school? Does it use the GL Assessment?
No — despite the historic name, BGS is an independent (fee‑paying) school with its own entrance assessment. There is no GL Assessment, CAF or National Offers Day.
Is it co‑educational, and what ages does it take?
Yes — it is a co‑educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, from Reception through Sixth Form.
What does the 11+ assessment involve?
A multiple‑choice English comprehension paper, a creative‑writing paper and a problem‑solving Mathematics paper, taken in January of Year 6. Some applicants may be invited to a second‑stage assessment.
How good are the results?
Results are strong: in 2022, about 79% of GCSE grades were 9–7 (with 37% at grade 9), and around 85% of A‑Level grades were A*–B, placing BGS among the top‑performing independent schools in the South West.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — BGS runs a means‑tested bursary scheme so that family income need not be a barrier; applications must be submitted ahead of the entrance assessment.
When are the assessments held?
Senior (11+) assessments are held in January of Year 6, with sample papers sent to applicants beforehand. Junior School assessments are typically in November and January.