About Gloucestershire Grammar Schools
Gloucestershire has seven grammar schools across Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud, forming the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium and all using the single Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test (a GL Assessment 11+). Your child sits the test once for all seven.
Each school runs its own admissions, so you register for the shared test directly with the schools/consortium (for 2027 entry the window is 18 May–26 June 2026) and also list your preferences on the Common Application Form by 31 October.
The test is sat on Saturday 12 September 2026, with results in mid-October and offers on National Offer Day (1 March). Note: the consortium’s test provider is due to change to Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) from September 2028 entry; for 2027 entry it remains GL Assessment.
Gloucestershire Grammar Schools
All seven Gloucestershire grammar schools use the same entrance test, with results shared across the consortium. Click any school for its detailed admission guide, catchment and key dates:
The seven schools share one test result but each handles its own admissions and oversubscription criteria. Pate’s and The Crypt are co-educational; Marling and Sir Thomas Rich’s are boys’ schools; Denmark Road, Ribston Hall and Stroud High are girls’ schools.
About the Gloucestershire Entrance Test
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test is the single 11+ used by all seven consortium schools. Currently provided by GL Assessment, it assesses English, Mathematics and reasoning (verbal and non-verbal).
Format: two multiple-choice papers of roughly 45–50 minutes each. Scores are standardised for age; the qualifying threshold varies year to year, and where schools are oversubscribed, qualifying children are ranked by score and each school’s criteria.
Your child sits the test once on Saturday 12 September 2026; test-centre details are sent by early September, and results are emailed in mid-October, before the 31 October application deadline.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Gloucestershire Grammar Schools
Gloucestershire runs a single consortium test: register your child for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test directly with the schools/consortium during the window (for 2027 entry, 18 May–26 June 2026). Your child sits the test once on Saturday 12 September 2026; results arrive in mid-October. You also list your preferred grammars on your home authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October, and offers are issued on National Offer Day (1 March). Each school then applies its own oversubscription criteria. The consortium’s test provider is due to move to Future Stories Community Enterprise from September 2028 entry; 2027 entry remains GL Assessment.
What the Gloucestershire Entrance Test Covers
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test assesses English, Mathematics and reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) across two multiple-choice papers. Practising realistic GL-style papers across these areas is the most effective preparation.
Gloucestershire Entrance Test Practice Papers for Gloucestershire Grammar Schools
Gloucestershire Grammar Schools uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
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How to Prepare for the Gloucestershire Entrance Test
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.
Gloucestershire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools are in Gloucestershire?
Seven, across Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud, all in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium and all using the same entrance test.
What does the test cover?
English, Mathematics and reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), in two multiple-choice papers of about 45–50 minutes each.
Do I sit a separate test for each school?
No — you sit the consortium entrance test once and the result is shared across all seven schools.
How do I register?
Register for the shared test directly with the schools/consortium. For 2027 entry the window is 18 May–26 June 2026. You also submit your local authority's Common Application Form.
When is the test and when are results?
The test day is Saturday 12 September 2026; results are emailed in mid-October, before the 31 October deadline.
How do I apply for a place?
List your chosen grammars on your local authority's Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are made on National Offer Day (1 March).
Is the test changing?
The consortium's provider is due to move to Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) from September 2028 entry. For 2027 entry (tested in September 2026) it remains GL Assessment.
Does qualifying guarantee a place?
No — each school applies its own oversubscription criteria, so qualifying children are ranked by score and those rules where schools are oversubscribed.