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Gloucestershire Grammar Schools | 11+

11+

GL Assessment

Gloucestershire Grammar Schools | 11+

Age:11+

Table of Content

Gloucestershire Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Gloucestershire is home to seven fully selective grammar schools, all state-funded and admitting students based on performance in the 11+ entrance examination. These schools have a reputation for academic excellence, strong university destinations, and enrichment opportunities that rival top independent schools.

They are located mainly in Gloucester, Stroud, and Cheltenham, and are known for consistently high rankings in national league tables.


🏫 List of Gloucestershire Grammar Schools

📍 Cheltenham

  1. Pate’s Grammar School
  2. Sir Thomas Rich’s School
  3. Denmark Road High School (formerly High School for Girls)

📍 Gloucester

  1. The Crypt School
  2. Ribston Hall High School

📍 Stroud

  1. Marling School
  2. Stroud High School

🔍 Individual School Overviews


1. Pate’s Grammar School (Cheltenham)

  • Type: Co-educational
  • Founded: 1574
  • Pupil Numbers: ~1,100
  • Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation & Awards:

  • Regularly ranked among the top 10 state schools in the UK
  • Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year (2011)
  • Exceptional GCSE and A-Level results:
    • ~90% of A-Levels are A*-B
    • ~95% GCSE grades 7–9
  • High Oxbridge and Russell Group success
  • Known for academic stretch, music, and drama

2. Sir Thomas Rich’s School (Gloucester)

  • Type: Boys’ Grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
  • Founded: 1666
  • Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
  • Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation & Awards:

  • Exceptional record in STEM subjects and sports
  • High GCSE & A-Level results
  • Strong track record for Medicine, Engineering, and Oxbridge
  • Multiple sports accolades and Duke of Edinburgh success

3. Denmark Road High School (Gloucester)

  • Type: Girls’ Grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
  • Founded: 1883
  • Pupil Numbers: ~900
  • Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation & Awards:

  • One of the top-performing girls’ grammar schools in the South West
  • Strong focus on wellbeing, leadership, and inclusivity
  • High academic results, especially in Sciences, Languages, and Humanities

4. The Crypt School (Gloucester)

  • Type: Co-educational Grammar
  • Founded: 1539
  • Pupil Numbers: ~1,050
  • Ofsted: Good (with Outstanding elements)

Reputation & Awards:

  • One of the oldest schools in England
  • Strong performance at GCSE and A-Level
  • Growing co-ed Sixth Form and inclusive ethos
  • Success in sports, CCF (Combined Cadet Force), and music

5. Ribston Hall High School (Gloucester)

  • Type: Girls’ Grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
  • Founded: 1921
  • Pupil Numbers: ~800
  • Ofsted: Good

Reputation & Awards:

  • High academic standards, particularly in English, Art, and Languages
  • Excellent pastoral care and enrichment
  • Strong Sixth Form leadership programmes

6. Marling School (Stroud)

  • Type: Boys’ Grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
  • Founded: 1887
  • Pupil Numbers: ~1,050
  • Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation & Awards:

  • Highly regarded for STEM, Engineering, and Design Technology
  • Excellent exam results and progression to top universities
  • Shares some Sixth Form provision with nearby Stroud High School
  • Award-winning extracurricular and outdoor education programmes

7. Stroud High School (Stroud)

  • Type: Girls’ Grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
  • Founded: 1904
  • Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
  • Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation & Awards:

  • Outstanding results at both GCSE and A-Level
  • Strong tradition in creative arts, science, and global citizenship
  • Named one of the Top 50 UK state schools for university access
  • Active involvement in international projects and sustainability

🎓 Academic Reputation Across Gloucestershire Grammar Schools

School Name GCSE Grades 7–9 (%) A-Level A*-B (%) University Success
Pate’s Grammar ~95% ~90% High Oxbridge & Russell
Sir Thomas Rich’s ~85% ~80% STEM & Medicine
Denmark Road ~80%+ ~75%+ Humanities & Sciences
The Crypt School ~80% ~70–75% Mixed pathways, inclusive
Ribston Hall ~75% ~70% Languages & Creative Arts
Marling School ~85% ~75–80% Engineering & Science
Stroud High ~85–90% ~80% High Russell Group entry

🏆 Common Awards & Enrichment Highlights

  • UKMT Maths Challenge, Science Olympiads, and Engineering awards
  • High participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Strong presence in Performing Arts, Music, and Drama
  • Debating and public speaking teams regularly win regional competitions
  • Eco Schools, Young Enterprise, Model United Nations (MUN)
  • Oxbridge preparation programmes and university application mentoring

🧠 11+ Entrance Testing (Gloucestershire Grammar Schools)

  • Admissions are coordinated through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium
  • The 11+ exam is typically taken in September of Year 6
  • Administered by GL Assessment
  • Subjects tested:
    • Verbal Reasoning
    • Non-verbal Reasoning
    • Mathematics

Highly competitive – with many schools receiving 4–6 applicants per place.

The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools offer a high-performing, academically rigorous, and inclusive education, consistently producing outstanding exam results and top university progression. With a rich heritage, modern teaching practices, and wide-ranging extracurricular options, these schools are among the most desirable selective schools in the UK.

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam

Admission to Year 7 at Gloucestershire Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.

To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.


How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed

1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format

ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.

By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.


2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan

A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.


3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.


4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques

Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.

📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.


5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day

Confidence is crucial for success in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
Providing motivation through measurable improvement.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.


Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Preparation?

GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
Used successfully by thousands of students every year.


How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers

1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.

📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.

Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.

By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Gloucestershire Grammar Schools.

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀

Gloucestershire Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

There are seven selective grammar schools in Gloucestershire, and admission to Year 7 is based on performance in a shared 11+ Entrance Test. All schools use the same test, and applications are managed through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium.


🏫 Gloucestershire Grammar Schools (2025 Entry)

School Name Gender Location
Pate’s Grammar School Co-educational Cheltenham
Sir Thomas Rich’s School Boys (co-ed Sixth Form) Gloucester
Ribston Hall High School Girls (co-ed Sixth Form) Gloucester
The Crypt School Co-educational Gloucester
Denmark Road High School (DRHS) Girls (co-ed Sixth Form) Gloucester
Stroud High School Girls Stroud
Marling School Boys Stroud

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

All schools assess students using the Gloucestershire 11+ Entrance Test, and places are awarded in rank order of performance, subject to each school’s admissions policy.

1. 11+ Entrance Test

  • Two papers produced by GL Assessment:
    • Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning
    • Paper 2: Non-Verbal Reasoning & Numerical Reasoning
  • Both papers are multiple choice
  • Test date: Usually mid to late September

2. Oversubscription Criteria (varies slightly by school)

If more candidates meet the qualifying score than there are places, schools prioritise:

  • Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
  • Pupil Premium/FSM candidates
  • Children living within the school’s priority or catchment area
  • Siblings (some schools)
  • Test score ranking
  • Distance from school (used as a tie-breaker)

✳️ Pate’s Grammar School is often the most competitive, typically requiring very high scores.


📝 How to Apply for Gloucestershire Grammar Schools

1. Register for the 11+ Test

2. Sit the 11+ Test

  • Date: September 
  • Your child will sit the test at one of the grammar schools

3. Receive Test Results

  • Results are released in October, before the school application deadline
  • You’ll receive a standardised score and rank

4. Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)

  • Apply via your local authority
  • Deadline: 31st October 
  • List your preferred grammar schools

5. National Offer Day

  • Offers made on 1st March

ℹ️ Useful Links

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Not sure what resources you need for a Grammar School? Type in the name of the Grammar School below to find specific 11 Plus resources for that school including Practice Test Papers, Online Bootcamps, Live Tutor Classes and Mock Exams.

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