Grammar schools have long been a hallmark of academic excellence in England and date back centuries. These institutions admit pupils based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam, offering an education that is often rivalled by independent schooling.
While the system is no longer widespread and has largely been phased out in most counties in the UK, the areas that have retained grammar schools still attract a considerable demand. Gloucestershire in particular boasts seven selective schools, making it among the strongest authorities in the country for grammar school provision.
Securing a place usually requires achieving well above the baseline mark, with many advising pupils to aim for around 75% or higher in practice papers and closer to 85% for the most oversubscribed schools. Registration for the shared GL Assessment 11+ exam typically opens in mid-May and closes in mid-June, with the test itself held in mid-September. Scores are released in the autumn and formal secondary school place allocations follow the next March. However, passing the test alone is not enough; families must also submit their common application form (CAF) by the national deadline of 31 October.
In this guide, we reveal the seven grammar schools the county has to offer.
Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham
Founded in 1574, Pate’s is perhaps the highest achieving grammar school in Gloucestershire. Now in its 450th year, the school proudly celebrates its heritage while continuing to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The school serves approximately 1,000 pupils aged 11 to 18. It has been judged Outstanding by Ofsted, and was named State Secondary School of the Year by The Sunday Times in both 2012 and 2020. The Class of 2025 celebrated exceptional A Level results, with over one third of all grades awarded at A*. Across the cohort of 259 students, 93% of results were graded A*–B, including 76% at A*–A and 36.7% at A*.
Although consistently ranked as one of the highest-performing schools nationally at A Level and GCSE, Pate’s Grammar School places equal value on its inclusive culture and actively encourages students to participate fully in all aspects of school life.
Entrance is extremely competitive, with around 1,900 candidates competing for just 150 places. High performance in the exam, alongside a strong application, is essential for acceptance at Pate’s.
Denmark Road High School
A girls’ grammar up to Year 11, accepting boys only into its mixed sixth form, Denmark Road is the top-ranked all-girls secondary school in the area. With around 880 pupils, the shared goal is ‘Nothing less than positive progress and wellbeing for all’ and is committed to helping each individual discover who they are and realise health and happiness through education.
Students are encouraged to be brave, embrace challenges and shape the future for themselves, others and the planet. By investing in the development of students and staff, Denmark Road cultivates confident and compassionate individuals who are successfully equipped to continue into higher education.
Sir Thomas Rich’s School
Rating: Good
Known affectionately as ‘Tommies’, Sir Thomas Rich has an established history dating back to the 17th century. Primarily for boys in the lower years, it becomes mixed in Sixth Form and educates approximately 1,260 pupils and is dedicated to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Richians value knowledge and lifelong learning, with success measured not only by academic and extracurricular achievements, but by strength of character and kindness, teamwork, communication, respect and pride that sit at the heart of ‘The Tommy’s Way’.
While embracing educational innovation, the School also celebrates its heritage and traditions, from blue blazers and assemblies to House competitions that are all underscored by the school motto Garde Ta Foy, which translates to ‘Keep the Faith’.
The Crypt School
Founded in 1539, The Crypt transitioned from a boys’ school to a fully coeducational intake by 2018. It now educates both boys and girls from age 11 and is the only fully mixed selective school in Gloucester.
The school aims to place the child at the centre of all it does, earning a reputation as an environment where every student can thrive. Learning is at the heart of school life, with students supported and inspired to achieve academic excellence before progressing to university, apprenticeships or employment with the resilience and understanding their education requires.
Stroud High School
Stroud High School is redefining what it means to be a 21st-century grammar school. It is a place where students flourish in a culture that transforms the exceptional into the everyday. Success is driven by hard work and a genuine passion for learning.
The school community is founded on strong relationships, respect for individuality, inclusivity and a sense of fun, valuing how people treat one another as highly as what they achieve. Consistently among the highest-performing schools at GCSE and A Level, Stroud High ranks year after year in the Sunday Times Parent Power top 50 state schools nationally. Its students progress to leading universities in the UK and overseas, as well as prestigious art, performing arts and higher apprenticeship pathways.
Ribston Hall High School
A girls’ grammar with a mixed Sixth Form, Ribston Hall serves approximately 870 pupils and promotes a community of creative thinkers, high achievers and future leaders. By believing that happiness fuels ambition, the school provides an environment where students can explore their interests and pursue their passions through a wide range of opportunities, with all disciplines equally valued.
Exceptional pastoral care sits at the heart of Ribston Hall and staff are dedicated to nurturing each student, creating a safe and supportive space where everyone is encouraged to grow in confidence, challenge themselves and exceed expectations. This attitude aims to equip young people with the skills, resilience and ambition to thrive in the 21st century.
The Marling School
Marling School is founded on academic excellence, respect, perseverance and a genuine passion for learning. The school helps students and staff to thrive in a setting that provides challenge and support, enabling them to engage with new ideas, think deeply, take risks and aspire.
Guided by the traditional motto Abeunt Studia in Mores - ‘Let us go forward through study to character’ – Marling is committed to developing independent thinkers who take responsibility for their learning and behaviour, uphold principles of freedom and equality and contribute to society as reflective and principled individuals.
Gloucestershire’s grammar schools constitute one of the strongest clusters of selective state education in England, providing a breadth of educational opportunity and an outstanding alternative to independent schooling. Research from The Times shows that properties in catchment areas of grammar schools in Gloucestershire command a premium, typically around £258,000 higher than in comparable areas, which reflects this strong and sustained demand.
