Grammar schools are state-funded schools that select children based on academic ability, usually through the 11+ test. If you’re considering this route for your child, understanding the application process early can make a big difference. Grammar school applications for 2025 might seem overwhelming at first, but they don’t have to be. With the right information and a clear plan, you can navigate each step much more easily.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know as a parent: how grammar school entry works, key application dates, what to expect from the 11+ exam and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re just starting to explore options or already preparing to apply, this step-by-step overview will help keep you on track.
Dates and Timeline for Grammar School Application 2025
Staying on top of dates is the most important part of the grammar school application. Missing one can mean losing your child’s chance to sit the test or be considered for a place.
- Registration period – Most schools open applications in spring or early summer 2025. Check your local authority’s website for exact dates.
- Exam dates – The 11+ tests are usually held in September. Some areas may spread them across two weekends.
- Results release – Scores are typically sent out in October. This gives you time to make informed choices on your child’s application form.
- CAF submission deadline – The Common Application Form must be completed and submitted by 31 October 2025. This is a national deadline and late submissions are not accepted. you apply through your council, guided by GOV.UK‘s secondary page.
- Offer day – School place offers are sent out on 1 March 2026. If your child does not receive a grammar school place, you can go on waiting lists or appeal the decision.
Mark these dates on your calendar early. Having reminders in place will help you avoid last-minute stress.
Grammar School Application Process
Applying for a grammar school place involves a few clear steps. Knowing them in order helps you stay organised.
1. Registering for the 11 Plus
Most grammar schools require you to register your child for the entrance test directly with the school or local authority. Registration usually opens in spring or summer and deadlines vary, so always double-check locally.
2. Completing the Local Authority Form
After the test, you’ll need to fill in the Common Application Form (CAF). This form is completed online through your local council and must include all the schools you want to apply for, not just grammar schools.
3. Ranking Preferences Wisely
On the CAF, you must rank schools in order of preference. Always put your true first choice at the top. Local authorities will only offer one place, so the order matters. If you list only ambitious choices and your child doesn’t qualify, you could miss out on other good schools nearby.
4. Documents You May Need
Some applications require extra documents, such as proof of address, a birth certificate or evidence for special circumstances (like medical needs or sibling priority). Have these ready before the deadlines to avoid delays.
By following these steps in order, you’ll make sure your child’s application is valid and considered fairly.
The 11 Plus Exam: What to Expect in 2025
The 11+ exam is the primary gateway to entry into grammar school. Knowing what it involves helps you and your child prepare better.
Subjects Tested
Most grammar schools test four main areas: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Some schools focus only on maths and English, while others include all four. Always check your chosen school’s website for the exact format.
Test Providers (GL, CEM and Regional Differences)
The two main providers are GL Assessment (familiarisation resources) and CEM (parent information). GL exams are often split into timed papers by subject, while CEM papers usually mix question types in one test. Different regions and even different schools may choose one over the other, so it’s important to confirm which provider your child’s school uses.
| Feature | GL Assessment | CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) |
| Format | Separate papers by subject | Mixed papers combining different subjects |
| Subjects tested | English, maths, verbal & non-verbal | English, maths, verbal & non-verbal (often integrated) |
| Style | Multiple-choice, subject-focused | Varied question types, often less predictable |
| Timing | Strictly timed sections per paper | Longer mixed papers with timed parts |
| Preparation | Many past papers available | Fewer official past papers, more practice packs |
How are Scores Standardised?
Raw marks are converted into standardised scores. This means your child’s age is taken into account, so younger pupils in the year aren’t disadvantaged. The standardised score is what determines whether they meet the qualifying mark for a grammar school place.
How to Support Your Child
Preparing for the 11+ doesn’t need to be stressful. Most families start in Year 5 to build skills gradually. Use short, regular practise with past papers and trusted resources. Keep sessions focused and stop before fatigue sets in. Choose a tutor, small group, or home study based on your child’s needs. There’s no single right option. Practise some tasks under timed conditions to build calm confidence. Before the test, aim for good sleep, a simple breakfast and clear instructions. Remind your child it’s one exam, not a measure of their worth.
What Happens After the 11+ Exam?
Once the 11+ is over, the waiting begins. Results are usually sent out in October, giving parents time to finalise school choices before the application deadline.
The results letter or email will explain whether your child has met the qualifying score. Each grammar school or region sets its own cut-off, which can change year to year depending on the number of applicants and their scores. Meeting the qualifying mark doesn’t guarantee a place; it just makes your child eligible.
If more children qualify than there are spaces, schools apply oversubscription criteria. These often include living within a set catchment area, having a sibling already at the school, or living closest to the school gates. Understanding how results, scores and extra criteria work will help you prepare for the next step: waiting lists, offers and appeals.
Grammar School Application: Offers, Appeals and Waiting Lists
Once you’ve received the results and understood how qualifying scores and oversubscription rules work, the next stage is finding out which school your child has been offered. This is where the offers, appeals, and waiting lists part of the Grammar School Application 2025 process begin.
Offer Day Process
School place offers are sent out on 1 March 2026. You’ll receive your child’s offer by email or letter from your local authority. If your child qualifies for more than one school, the highest-ranked school on your CAF where they meet the criteria will be offered.
Appeal Options and Evidence
If your child doesn’t get a place at your preferred grammar school, you have the right to appeal. Appeals are handled by an independent panel and you’ll need to provide strong evidence. This could include recent school reports, examples of high academic performance, or proof of special circumstances that affected the test.
If you’re not successful on offer day, don’t give up hope. Grammar schools keep waiting lists and places often open up as families accept other offers. Movement is common in the spring and summer, so staying on the list can still result in a place.
Knowing the process for offers, appeals and waiting lists helps you stay prepared and make informed choices for your child’s future.
Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid
Even the most organised families can slip up during the grammar school application process. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch for:
- Missing deadlines – Registration and CAF submission dates are strict. Once they pass, late applications are rarely accepted.
- Submitting forms incorrectly – Leaving sections blank or ranking schools in the wrong order can affect your child’s chances. Always double-check before submitting.
- Ignoring local rules – Each area has its own process. Overlooking catchment areas, test providers, or oversubscription criteria can waste valuable choices.
- Listing unrealistic choices only – Choosing only the most competitive schools may leave your child without a place. Balance ambitious options with realistic backups.
Conclusion
Applying to grammar schools in 2025 can feel a bit confusing, but clear steps make it manageable. Stay organised, track every deadline and double-check forms. Prepare your child steadily for the 11+ with short, regular practise. Remember, a qualifying score doesn’t always guarantee a place; know the rules on oversubscription, offers, appeals and waiting lists.
If your child needs extra support, consider online 11 Plus tutoring. It fits busy schedules and provides targeted practise. Ready to get started? Check your local authority’s timeline today, set your reminders and plan your child’s Grammar School Application 2025.
FAQs
How do you get into grammar schools?
Most places are offered by score on the 11+ (or a local entrance test). You register for the test, your child sits it, and scores are age-standardised. If they meet the qualifying mark, a place is offered according to the school’s oversubscription rules (catchment, distance, siblings). You then list schools on the Common Application Form by 31 October.
What are the disadvantages of grammar schools?
Grammar schools can feel high-pressure. If you live outside the catchment area, the commute may be longer. Entry often drives heavy tutoring, which won’t suit every child. If your child narrowly misses the mark, a strong mixed-ability school nearby might be a better fit. Some parents also find the social mix less varied than in local comprehensives.
What is the number one grammar school in the UK?
It changes year to year and depends on the measure you use (GCSE/A-level results, progress, destinations, Ofsted). League tables differ across sources. Check recent DfE performance tables or reputable rankings (e.g. Parent Power) for the latest picture and choose the best fit for your child, not just the top headline.
Is a grammar school fee paying?
No. Grammar schools are state-funded, so there are no tuition fees. You may still pay for uniforms, trips, lunches and optional extras. Independent selective schools are different; they do charge fees.
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