Yorkshire Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Selective State Grammar Schools | Yorkshire | Mixed Gender and Single-Sex Options | Ages 11–18
📚 Overview & History of Grammar Schools in Yorkshire
Unlike counties like Kent or Lincolnshire, Yorkshire has a small number of grammar schools, as most areas adopted the comprehensive school system in the 1970s. However, a few selective grammar schools remain, primarily in North Yorkshire and Calderdale, offering state-funded, academically selective education.
These grammar schools have centuries-old histories, many tracing their foundations back to the 16th and 17th centuries. They combine traditional academic values with modern teaching and consistently rank among the top state schools in the region.
🏫 List of State-Funded Grammar Schools in Yorkshire
🔹 North Yorkshire
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Ripon Grammar School – Co-educational boarding & day school
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Ermysted’s Grammar School – Boys only (Skipton)
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Skipton Girls’ High School – Girls only
🔹 West Yorkshire (Calderdale)
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The Crossley Heath School – Co-educational (Halifax)
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North Halifax Grammar School (NHGS) – Co-educational
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure
| School | Pupils | Gender | Sixth Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ripon Grammar School | ~860 | Co-educational | Yes (~300) |
| Ermysted’s Grammar School | ~850 | Boys | Yes |
| Skipton Girls’ High School | ~850 | Girls | Yes |
| Crossley Heath School | ~1,200 | Co-educational | Yes |
| North Halifax Grammar School | ~1,200 | Co-educational | Yes |
🎓 Academic Reputation
Yorkshire grammar schools are among the top-performing state schools nationally and regionally.
✅ Strengths:
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High academic results at GCSE and A-Level
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Emphasis on traditional academic disciplines (Sciences, Maths, Languages, Humanities)
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Strong progression to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities
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National recognition in STEM, languages, arts, and public speaking
📊 Sample Academic Outcomes:
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GCSEs: 80–95% Grades 9–7 (A/A*)
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A-Levels: 60–75% A*–B grades
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Schools frequently appear in:
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Sunday Times Parent Power League Tables
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Ofsted “Outstanding” categories
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How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Yorkshire Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire 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.
Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Featured in The Times Top 100 state secondary schools
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Winners and finalists in:
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UK Maths Challenge
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Science Olympiads
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Debating competitions & Model UN
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Ripon Grammar is also a state boarding school, consistently ranked among the UK’s top state boarding options
11 Plus (11+) Exam Information for Yorkshire Grammar Schools
Application Form (CAF) closing date: October
Exam date: September
Exam board type: GL Assessment
Pass mark: Aim for 80%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.
Results date: October
Allocations date: March
✏️ Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(Varies slightly by school and area)
🧪 Entrance Exam Format
Each grammar school uses its own 11+ admission test, usually based on GL Assessment or similar styles (with papers in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning).
Some schools may use a CEM-style test or bespoke exam depending on the region.
📋 Typical Admissions Criteria
To gain a place in Year 7, candidates must:
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Register for the 11+ entrance test (usually by June or July of Year 5/6)
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Sit the entrance exam in September of Year 6
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Achieve a qualifying score, set by each school
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Apply via the Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October of Year 6
If a school is oversubscribed, places are usually awarded based on:
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Test score ranking
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Looked-after child status
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Pupil Premium / Free School Meals eligibility
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Siblings at the school
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Proximity to the school
🗓️ Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 11+ Registration Opens | May |
| Registration Closes | June/July |
| Entrance Test Day | September |
| Results Issued | October |
| CAF Deadline | 31 October |
| National Offer Day | 1 March |
📍 How to Apply – Per School Overview
🔹 Ripon Grammar School
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GL-style tests in English & Maths
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State boarding available
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Apply via North Yorkshire Council
🔗 www.ripongrammar.co.uk
🔹 Ermysted’s Grammar School (Skipton)
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Boys only
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GL Assessment (English, Verbal Reasoning, Maths)
🔗 www.ermysteds.uk
🔹 Skipton Girls’ High School
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Girls only
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GL Assessment-style entrance exam
🔗 www.sghs.org.uk
🔹 North Halifax Grammar School (NHGS)
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Co-educational
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Joint Calderdale Test (with Crossley Heath)
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Subjects: Verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths
🔗 www.nhgs.co.uk
🔹 The Crossley Heath School
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Co-educational
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Joint 11+ exam with NHGS
🔗 www.crossleyheath.org.uk
💷 Fees
All Yorkshire grammar schools listed are state-funded – there are no tuition fees.
However, Ripon Grammar School’s boarding places charge fees for accommodation and care (not tuition).
