_Getting into a grammar school: Best places to relocate to get into a top UK grammar school
Relocating to be near a grammar school
We've taken some of the hard work out of researching top grammar schools in the country alongside where you'll need to consider moving to if your child stands a chance of getting in to one.
If you're thinking of uprooting home - whether renting or buying - in order to be near a good grammar school in the UK, this is only the beginning of the journey to being offered a place at these sought after centres of academic excellence.
In fact, the journey will start long before your child sits their 11 plus exams their with some parents relocating while their child is still in the early years of primary school. Be prepared from some serious elbow grease, steely determination and monetary academic investment in order for your child to achieve the top marks that necessitate entry.
Grammar school catchment areas
The majority of grammar schools give preference to those living in a defined catchment area, or within reasonable commuting distance of the school.
Some schools will offer 'out of catchment' places – which means your address is not taken into account when applying for the school. Most parents will however consider a relocation in order to be within walking distance, a short drive or speedy public transport journey away.
Grammar schools are known for their academic excellence, quality teaching, first rate facilities and emphasis on a strong all-round education for children between the ages of 11-18.
As such, there is fierce competition to gain entry, places are limited and are reserved for the academically brightest of children that must prove their ability via an entrance exam, often displaying exceptional aptitude throughout primary school years.
These schools are effectively non fee-paying 'selective state schools' that make up 1% of all the UK's state schools. Entry criteria are based on a child's 11 plus entrance exam results, with many parents turning to private tuition in order to give their children the best chance of winning a place.
Many grammar schools have strong connections to the UK’s top universities and can provide support in preparing pupils to apply.
Of course, the information presented below should only supplement your own research - each school is as unique as your child and you are encouraged to visit on open days to get a 'feel' for the school and whether it is right for your child.
How we can help
Sadly, we can't guarantee your child a place at your grammar school of choice, but we can help with everything in between - such as relocating, finding your family a place to call home, whether renting or buying, or some friendly advice if you'd like to know more about an area you are considering moving to.
Boys (with some schools mixed at sixth form level)
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys:
Location: Birmingham B14 7QJ
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Sir William Borlase's Grammar School:
Location: Buckinghamshire SL7 2BR
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Torquay Boys' Grammar School
Location: Torquay TQ2 7EL
St Olave's Grammar School
Location: Orpington BR6 9SH
Tiffin School
Location: Kingston KT2 6RL
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
Location: Barnet EN5 4DQ
Maidstone Grammar School
Location: Maidstone ME15 7BT
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
Location: Birmingham B21 9ET
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St Olaves Boys
Location: Orpington BR6 9SH
King Edward VI Grammar School
Location: Chelmsford CM1 3SX
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Mixed
Cranbrook school
Location: Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JD
Burnham Grammar School
Location: Slough SL1 7HG
Herschel Grammar School Slough
Location: Slough SL1 3BW
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
Location: Aylesbury HP21 8PE
The Crypt School
Location: Gloucester GL2 5AE
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St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School
Location: Gloucester SL3 7AF
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King Edward VI Five Ways School
Location: Birmingham B32 4BT
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Pate's Grammar School
Location: Cheltenham GL51 0HG
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Girls (with some schools mixed at sixth form level)
Beaconsfield High School
Location: Beaconsfield HP9 1RR
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Denmark Road High School for Girls
Location: Gloucester GL1 3JN
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Nonsuch High School for Girls
Location: Cheam, Surrey SM3 8AB
Weald of Kent
Location: Tonbridge TN9 2JP
Stratford Girls' Grammar School
Location: Stratford CV37 9HA
Fort Pitt Grammar School
Location: Chatham ME4 6TJ
Ribston Hall High School
Location: Gloucester GL1 5LE
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Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Location: Sutton Coldfield B73 5PT
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Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Location: Maidstone ME16 0SF
Invicta Grammar School
Location: Maidstone ME14 5DS
Southend High School for Girls
Location: Southend-on-Sea SS2 4UZ
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King Edward VI Handsworth School
Location: Birmingham B21 9AR
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Tonbridge Grammar School
Location: Tonbridge TN9 2JR
Wycombe High School
Location: High Wycombe HP11 1TB
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Torquay Girls' Grammar School
Location: Torquay TQ2 7DY
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
Location: Tunbridge Wells TN4 9UJ
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Newstead Wood School
Location: Orpington BR6 9SA
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
Location: Birmingham B14 7QJ
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The Henrietta Barnett School
Location: Barnet, London NW11 7BN
Kendrick School
Location: Reading RG1 5BN
The Tiffin Girls' School
Location: Kingston KT2 5PL
Chatham Grammar School for Girls
Location: Chatham ME5 7EH
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