Ripon Grammar School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Ripon Grammar School (RGS) is a selective co-educational grammar school for students aged 11 to 18, located in Ripon, North Yorkshire. It is one of the highest-achieving state schools in the UK, known for its academic excellence, strong STEM focus, and outstanding extracurricular programs. It is also one of the few remaining state boarding schools in the country.
1. History & Background
- Founded in 1555, Ripon Grammar School is one of the oldest schools in England, with origins dating back to the medieval period.
- The school was re-established by royal charter under Queen Mary I, continuing its tradition of providing high-quality education for gifted students.
- Historically, RGS was a boys-only school, but in 1962 it became fully co-educational, welcoming both boys and girls.
- The school operates as a state-funded grammar school, meaning tuition is free, but boarding is available for a fee, making it one of the last state boarding schools in the UK.
- In 2012, RGS converted to academy status, granting it greater autonomy over curriculum, governance, and finances.
2. Pupil Numbers
- Total student population: Approximately 900 pupils, from Years 7 to 13.
- Lower School (Years 7–11) – Around 650 students.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13) – Around 250 students.
- Boarding students: Around 100 boarders, who live on-site in purpose-built boarding houses.
- Highly selective admissions process – Entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the North Yorkshire 11+ entrance exam, while Sixth Form places require strong GCSE results.
3. Academic Reputation & Results
Ripon Grammar School is one of the highest-performing state schools in England, with a reputation for academic excellence, university success, and leadership development.
📈 Exam Performance & National Rankings
- A-Level Results :
- Over 85% of grades were A–B*.
- Many students secure places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, and Imperial College London.
- GCSE Results:
- *Over 90% of grades were 9–7 (A–A equivalent)**.
- Regularly ranked among the top 20 state schools in England for academic performance.
- Recognised as a leader in STEM subjects, with students excelling in maths, science, and computing competitions.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, with high praise for teaching quality, student progress, and leadership development.
- Top-performing state boarding school in England.
- STEM Excellence – RGS students regularly participate in UK Maths Challenges, Science Olympiads, and engineering competitions.
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme – Many students achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
- Sporting Achievements, with teams competing at county and national levels in rugby, athletics, netball, and cross-country running.
- Strong Music & Performing Arts Tradition, with choirs, orchestras, and theatre productions gaining national recognition.
- Success in Debating & Public Speaking, including achievements in Model United Nations (MUN) and National Essay Competitions.
Ripon Grammar School is one of the UK’s most prestigious and high-achieving state grammar schools, offering exceptional academic results, strong university placements, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. With its rich history, modern facilities, and unique boarding opportunities, RGS provides an outstanding learning environment for ambitious students.
🏫 Ripon Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Ripon Grammar School
Type: Selective State Grammar School (Co-educational, Ages 11–18) with Boarding
📍 Address:
Ripon Grammar School
Clotherholme Road
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 2DG
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1765 602647
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.ripongrammar.co.uk
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @ripongrammar
-
Facebook: Ripon Grammar School
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Ripon Grammar School 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Ripon Grammar School 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 Ripon Grammar School 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 Ripon Grammar School 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 Ripon Grammar School 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.
Ripon Grammar School 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 Ripon Grammar School.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Ripon Grammar School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Ripon Grammar School is a selective co-educational grammar school, located in Ripon, North Yorkshire. It is known for its academic excellence, outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, and strong extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama. Ripon Grammar School is one of the few state boarding schools in the UK, offering both day and boarding places.
Admission to Year 7 at Ripon Grammar School is based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam and follows the North Yorkshire Grammar Schools admissions process.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To secure a place at Ripon Grammar School for Year 7, students must meet the following criteria:
1. 11+ Entrance Examination
All applicants must sit the Ripon Grammar School 11+ Exam, which assesses:
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Tests logic, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Assesses pattern recognition and spatial awareness.
📌 Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, and numerical reasoning.
✔ The test is provided by GL Assessment, used by all North Yorkshire grammar schools.
✔ The exam is standardised to ensure fairness across different age groups.
✔ Only students who achieve the qualifying score will be considered for admission.
2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more students pass the 11+ test than the number of available places, the following priority order is applied:
1️⃣ Looked After or Previously Looked After Children (children in foster care or adopted from care).
2️⃣ Students eligible for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium (who meet the required academic standard).
3️⃣ Students who achieve the highest 11+ scores.
4️⃣ Proximity to the school (measured in a straight line from home to school).
📌 There is no formal catchment area, but distance from the school may be used as a tie-breaker.
How to Apply for Year 7 Admission
Since Ripon Grammar School is part of the North Yorkshire Grammar Schools Consortium, applications follow a centralised process through the school’s admissions system and the local authority (North Yorkshire County Council).
Step 1: Register for the 11+ Exam
📅 Registration Opens: May (Year 5)
- Parents must complete the 11+ registration form via the Ripon Grammar School website.
- A confirmation email will be sent with test details.
Step 2: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)
- Ripon Grammar School holds Open Evenings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
- These events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet staff and students, and learn about the curriculum.
Step 3: Sit the 11+ Entrance Exam
📅 Exam Date: September (Year 6)
- The test is conducted at Ripon Grammar School or a designated test centre.
- Results are standardised to ensure fairness.
Step 4: Receive 11+ Results
📅 Mid-October (Year 6)
- Parents receive their child’s 11+ results before submitting the school preference form.
Step 5: Submit Secondary School Preference Form
📅 Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
- Parents must list Ripon Grammar School as their preferred school on the North Yorkshire County Council Secondary School Admissions Form.
Step 6: National Offer Day – Receive Admission Decision
📅 March 1st (Year 6)
- Parents are informed whether their child has secured a place at Ripon Grammar School.
- If successful, parents must accept the offer to confirm their child’s place.
Step 7: Transition & Induction
📅 Summer Term (before September start)
- Induction Days are held to help students settle in.
Boarding Places at Ripon Grammar School
Ripon Grammar School offers boarding places for students across the UK. The boarding admissions process follows similar steps, with additional requirements for boarding suitability.
📌 Boarding Fees – While tuition is free, parents must pay for boarding accommodation.
📌 Boarding applications must be submitted separately via the school’s boarding admissions team.
Key Dates to Remember
📌 11+ Registration Opens: May (Year 5)
📌 11+ Exam Date: September (Year 6)
📌 11+ Results Sent: Mid-October (Year 6)
📌 Secondary School Application Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: March 1st (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry
(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the Ripon Grammar School website or North Yorkshire County Council Admissions Office for updates.)
Scholarships & Bursaries
Ripon Grammar School does not offer academic scholarships, but means-tested bursaries may be available for families requiring financial support.
✔ Bursaries: Available for families who need financial assistance with school-related expenses.
📌 Bursary applications must be submitted alongside the main application.
Final Tips for a Successful Application
✔ Prepare for the 11+ exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and problem-solving practice – Strong reasoning skills are essential for the test.
✔ Practice exam techniques – Focus on time management and accuracy under timed conditions.
✔ Attend Open Events – Get familiar with the school environment and ethos.
✔ Check eligibility for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium – This can help if the school uses it as a selection criterion.
Admission to Ripon Grammar School Year 7 is highly competitive, but with early preparation and strong academic performance, your child can maximise their chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit:
🔗 Ripon Grammar School Website
🔗 North Yorkshire County Council Admissions



