England

Is a grammar school right for my child?

Questions to think about beyond results tables.

• Results reflect the intake. Grammar schools select by ability, so their GCSE results are high. Compare grammar schools with each other. Progress 8, which measures progress from age 11, has not been published for recent years.
• The journey. Many grammar schools draw from a wide area. Consider a long daily journey and how your child will see friends.
• The pace. Ask how the school supports children who find the pace hard, and children with particular interests.
• The alternatives. Look at your local non-selective schools too: many have strong results and specialist provision.
• Preparation. Lots of families prepare for the test, but ask your child’s primary school for an honest view of whether a selective school suits them.

Sources

• Key stage 4 performance (Department for Education)

Reviewed 1 November 2026 by UK School Map (editorial guidance). Rules change every year: check the current admission arrangements with your council and the school.