Overview
Welcome to our complete guide to Grammar Schools in the UK. If you are a student in Hong Kong or living overseas and considering a move to the UK, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Whether your family is relocating under the BN(O) visa route or through work, you’ll find practical insights here to help you understand how grammar schools work, who can apply, and what the journey looks like for international students.
Table of Contents
The basics: What is a grammar school?
A grammar school in the UK is a state secondary school that selects its students based on academic ability. Admission is usually determined by performance in the 11+ entrance exam, taken in the final year of primary school. Grammar schools are publicly funded, so tuition is free, but they are different from comprehensive schools because entry is competitive and selective.
Grammar schools are well known for their strong academic focus, consistently high exam results, and strong progression rates to leading universities. In some cases, grammar schools also operate as state boarding schools, where the education remains free but families pay boarding fees. This combination of rigorous academics and accessibility makes grammar schools a popular option for families seeking high-quality education without the cost of private schooling.
Why grammar schools matter for Hong Kong families?
Grammar schools matter for Hong Kong families because they combine academic excellence with affordability. For those relocating under the BN(O) visa or work visas, grammar schools provide selective, high-performing education that is free to attend, offering an alternative to expensive independent schools. They are also well known for producing strong outcomes at GCSE and A-Level, with many students progressing to top universities. For families seeking both stability and opportunity, grammar schools represent a highly attractive choice.
Key reasons grammar schools appeal to Hong Kong families:
- Free tuition – high academic standards without private school fees.
- University pathways – strong track record of offers from Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
- Selective environment – academically driven peer group that motivates achievement.
- Accessibility – open to BN(O) visa holders and dependants of UK work visas.
- Balance of academics and growth – alongside strong teaching, schools offer extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and enrichment opportunities.
Can Hong Kong students apply?
Hong Kong students can apply to grammar schools in the UK, but it depends on their visa status and residency. Grammar schools are state-funded, so they are only open to children who are legally resident in the UK.
Families who move under the BN(O) visa route or as dependants of work visas are eligible to apply for places at grammar schools, provided they live within the UK and meet local admission rules such as catchment areas and entrance testing. Children on short-term visitor visas, however, are not permitted to enrol in state schools.
Key points for Hong Kong families:
- BN(O) visa route – Children are entitled to attend state schools, including grammar schools.
- Work visa dependants – Also eligible for state school places if living in the UK.
- Residency requirement – Families must have a UK address to be considered in admissions.
- Visitor visas – Do not allow enrolment in state-funded schools.
Admissions Process And Key Dates
Getting into a grammar school is highly competitive and follows a set timeline. Admissions are managed by local authorities and the schools themselves, with the key factor being success in the 11+ entrance exam. Here are some key tips for securing your admission at a grammar school:
Step 1: Research and choose areas
- Grammar schools are concentrated in specific regions such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Trafford, and parts of London.
- Each region and school may have different rules on catchment and testing.
Step 2: Register for the 11+ exam (Year 5)
- Registration usually opens in late spring and closes by early July of Year 5.
- Parents must register with the relevant grammar school consortium or local authority.
Step 3: Take the 11+ exam (Year 6, September)
- Tests typically cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Some regions run their own exam boards (GL Assessment, CEM, or in-house tests).
Step 4: Apply for a school place (by 31 October of Year 6)
- Applications are submitted to the local council where you live.
- Parents rank grammar schools (and other choices) in order of preference.
Step 5: Receive results and offers
- 11+ results are released in mid-October.
- School place offers are sent out nationally on 1 March (Year 6).
Step 6: Consider in-year and later entry
- If moving mid-cycle, some grammar schools allow in-year entry tests if spaces are available.
- For Sixth Form (Year 12), entry is based on GCSE/IGCSE results or equivalent academic grades.
Fees and Costs
One of the biggest advantages of grammar schools is that they are state-funded. This means there are no tuition fees for students, unlike private schools. Families only need to cover everyday expenses and optional activities.
What’s free:
- Tuition and standard teaching
- Access to school facilities (libraries, labs, sports grounds)
- Most extracurricular clubs run by the school
What families may need to pay for:
- Uniform and sports kit – costs vary depending on the school’s requirements
- Meals – lunches are usually paid unless eligible for free school meals
- School trips and activities – day trips, overseas trips, or special programmes may carry extra charges
- Learning resources – stationery, revision guides, and optional study materials
- Exams – public exam fees (GCSE, A-Level) are normally covered, but remark requests or resits may cost extra
State boarding grammar schools:
- Education is still free, but families must pay boarding fees to cover accommodation and meals.
- Fees vary by school but are significantly lower than private boarding schools, since tuition is funded by the government.
Top Grammar Schools In The UK
Our league table below shows the Top Grammar Schools in the UK based on 2024 A Level Results:
| Rank | A levels (A*/A) | School | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 81 | The Henrietta Barnett School | NW11 7BN |
| 2 | 77 | Wilson's School | SM6 9JW |
| 3 | 74 | St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School | BR6 9SH |
| 4= | 72 | Pate's Grammar School | GL51 0HG |
| 4= | 72 | The Tiffin Girls' School | KT2 5PL |
| 6 | 71 | Reading School | RG1 5LW |
| 7 | 70 | Tiffin School | KT2 6RL |
| 8 | 69.4 | King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | CM1 3SX |
| 9 | 68 | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | WA14 2NL |
| 10= | 67 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | B14 7QJ |
| 10= | 67 | The Latymer School | N9 9TN |
| 12 | 65 | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | WA14 2RS |
| 13 | 64.5 | Colyton Grammar School | EX24 6HN |
| 14= | 62 | Stratford Girls' Grammar School | CV37 9HA |
| 14= | 62 | Wallington County Grammar School | SM6 7PH |
| 16= | 60 | St Michael's Catholic Grammar School | N12 7NJ |
| 16= | 60 | The Blue Coat School | L15 9EE |
| 18 | 59.5 | Dr Challoner's Grammar School | HP6 5HA |
| 19 | 58.3 | Langley Grammar School | SL3 7QS |
| 20= | 57 | King Edward VI Five Ways School | B32 4BT |
| 20= | 57 | Newstead Wood School | BR6 9SA |
| 22 | 56.2 | Westcliff High School for Boys Academy | SS0 0BP |
| 23 | 55.1 | Loreto Grammar School | WA14 4AH |
| 24 | 54 | Chesham Grammar School | HP5 1BA |
| 25= | 53 | Caistor Grammar School | LN7 6QJ |
| 25= | 53 | Sale Grammar School | M33 3NH |
| 27 | 50 | Sir Thomas Rich's School | GL2 0LF |
| 28 | 49 | Newport Girls' High School Academy | TF10 7HL |
| 29 | 48.4 | Nonsuch High School for Girls | SM3 8AB |
| 30= | 48 | Sir William Borlase's Grammar School | SL7 2BR |
| 30= | 48 | Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School | TN4 9UJ |
| 32= | 47 | Haberdashers' Adams | TF10 7BD |
| 32= | 47 | Stretford Grammar School | M32 8JB |
| 34= | 45 | Colchester County High School for Girls | CO3 3US |
| 34= | 45 | Lancaster Girls' Grammar School | LA1 1SF |
| 34= | 45 | Wolverhampton Girls' High School | WV6 0BY |
| 34= | 45 | Wycombe High School | HP11 1TB |
| 38 | 43.1 | Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School | ME1 3EL |
| 39 | 43 | Ripon Grammar School | HG4 2DG |
| 40= | 42 | Bournemouth School | BH8 9PY |
| 40= | 42 | Wirral Grammar School for Girls | CH63 3AF |
| 42= | 41 | Alcester Grammar School | B49 5ED |
| 42= | 41 | Stroud High School | GL5 4HF |
| 44 | 40.1 | Lancaster Royal Grammar School | LA1 3EF |
| 45= | 40 | Aylesbury High School | HP21 7SX |
| 45= | 40 | Burnham Grammar School | SL1 7HG |
| 45= | 40 | Saint Ambrose College | WA15 0HE |
| 45= | 40 | Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School | HP21 8PE |
| 45= | 40 | Southend High School for Girls | SS2 4UZ |
| 50= | 39 | Queen Mary's Grammar School | WS1 2PG |
| 50= | 39 | Queen Mary's High School | WS4 2AE |
| 52 | 38 | Calday Grange Grammar School | CH48 8GG |
| 53 | 37 | Marling School | GL5 4HE |
| 54 | 36.4 | Cranbrook School | TN17 3JD |
| 55= | 35 | Aylesbury Grammar School | HP21 7RP |
| 55= | 35 | Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School | BB4 7BJ |
| 55= | 35 | Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School | NG31 9AU |
| 58= | 34 | St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School | SL3 7AF |
| 58= | 34 | The Crypt School | GL2 5AE |
| 60= | 32 | Bourne Grammar School | PE10 9JE |
| 60= | 32 | King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys | B21 9ET |
| 60= | 32 | King Edward VI Handsworth School | B21 9AR |
| 63 | 31.5 | Clitheroe Royal Grammar School | BB7 2DJ |
| 64 | 31.4 | Weald of Kent Grammar School | TN9 2JP |
| 65= | 30 | Beaconsfield High School | HP9 1RR |
| 65= | 30 | Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School | CT11 7PS |
| 65= | 30 | Wirral Grammar School for Boys | CH63 3AQ |
| 68 | 28 | The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough | DN21 2ST |
| 69 | 25 | Rugby High School | CV22 7RE |
| 70 | 21 | Maidstone Grammar School | ME15 7BT |
Checklist for Families Moving from Hong Kong
To secure a place at a grammar school, Hong Kong families need to plan carefully. Use this checklist to stay on track:
Before Moving
- Decide whether you will relocate under the BN(O) visa route or a work visa.
- Research grammar school regions (Kent, Buckinghamshire, Sutton, Trafford, etc.).
- Check registration deadlines for the 11+ exam in your target area.
- Gather academic records from Hong Kong schools (reports, transcripts, certificates).
- Familiarise your child with 11+ subjects (English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning).
After Arriving in the UK
- Secure a UK residential address: needed for school applications and catchment priority.
- Register your child with the local GP (doctor) and ensure immunisations are up to date.
- Submit the 11+ registration (if still within the deadline).
- Apply for school places through the local council by 31 October of Year 6.
- Keep evidence of address (rental contract, utility bills) ready for verification.
Ongoing Preparation
- Encourage your child to sit practice papers and join familiarisation sessions.
- Explore extracurricular activities to support well-rounded development.
- Consider backup options (comprehensive schools or independent schools) in case grammar admission is unsuccessful.
- Track all key dates: test registration, exam day, results release, and school application deadlines.
Quick FAQs
1: Can children on the BN(O) visa attend grammar schools?
Yes. Children under the BN(O) visa route can attend state schools in the UK, including grammar schools, as long as they live in the UK and meet local admissions requirements such as residency and passing the 11+ exam.
2: Do grammar schools charge tuition fees?
No. Grammar schools are state-funded, so tuition is free. Families only need to cover costs such as uniforms, meals, trips, and optional extras. For state boarding grammar schools, education is free but boarding fees apply.
3: How do students apply to grammar schools?
Admission is usually through the 11+ exam taken in Year 6. Parents must register their child for the test in Year 5, apply to the local council by 31 October of Year 6, and wait for offers released in March. Some schools also accept in-year transfers or external applicants at Sixth Form level.
Get Personalised Advice On Studying In The UK
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