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Grammar school vs independent school entrance tests

Updated 2026-11-04

Grammar schools and independent schools both often select pupils at 11, but the way they assess children can be quite different. Understanding those differences helps you prepare sensibly, especially if your child is applying to both kinds of school.

Two different kinds of school

Grammar schools are state-funded selective schools, found in some parts of England and in Northern Ireland. They do not charge fees, and they admit pupils mainly on the basis of an entrance test, usually followed by admission rules such as distance or catchment for children who reach the required standard.

Independent schools are fee-paying and set their own admissions policies. Many assess children at 11, though some also take pupils at other ages. Because each independent school decides for itself, the range of assessments is wide, and the process often involves more than one stage.

How grammar school tests usually work

In many areas, grammar school places are decided by a test shared across several schools, often organised by the council or a consortium. Some grammar schools set their own tests instead. Either way, the test is usually sat in one sitting or over a short period, often in September of Year 6, though a few areas now test earlier.

The details vary a great deal by area, so check your council's and schools' pages for the subjects, format and dates.

School-set papers at independent schools

Many independent schools set their own English and maths papers. These tend to need written answers rather than multiple choice. English papers commonly include reading comprehension, where children explain their answers in full sentences, and a piece of creative or descriptive writing. Maths papers may include multi-step problems where showing working earns credit.

Because each school writes its own papers, length, style and difficulty differ. Some schools publish sample papers or describe their assessment on their website, and these are well worth reading. Some also add a reasoning test.

Online pre-tests

A growing number of independent schools use an online test as a first round, sometimes called a pre-test. These are usually taken on a computer, either at the child's current school or at the senior school, and often cover English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning in timed sections.

Online tests are typically multiple choice and may be adaptive, meaning the questions become harder or easier depending on earlier answers. Children cannot usually go back and change answers in the same way they can on paper. Familiarity with answering on screen, reading carefully before clicking and keeping an eye on the clock can help children feel at ease. Some groups of schools share one online first-stage assessment.

Interviews and other activities

Many independent schools invite children to an interview, a group activity or a taster day, either for all applicants or for those who do well in the written stages. Schools generally use these to get to know a child: their interests, how they think and how they might fit into the school community.

Interviews for this age are usually friendly conversations rather than interrogations. Children might be asked about a book they enjoyed, a hobby or how they would approach a puzzle. The best preparation is a child who reads, has things they are genuinely interested in and is comfortable chatting with an adult. Rehearsed answers tend to sound stilted, so gentle practice is better than scripts.

Schools may also ask for a reference from the child's current school.

Timings and applications

Grammar school tests are linked to the state admissions process, so you usually register with the council or school in spring or summer of Year 5, and then list schools on your council's secondary school application. Independent schools run their own timetables, often with registration in the autumn of Year 6, assessments in the late autumn or winter, and offers early in the following year. Some independent schools have earlier deadlines, so check each school's page carefully.

If you are applying to both kinds of school, keep a single calendar of registration deadlines, test dates and application deadlines. They do not line up neatly, and it is easy to miss one.

Preparing for both

There is a lot of overlap. Strong reading, a wide vocabulary, secure arithmetic and careful problem solving help in every kind of assessment. The differences are mostly in format: practise multiple-choice answer sheets for a typical grammar school test, written answers and extended writing for school-set papers, and answering on screen for online tests.

Match practice to the specific tests your child will sit, and do not try to cover every possible format at once. A calm, steady approach works better than doubling the workload.

Questions parents ask

Are independent school tests harder than grammar school tests?

Not necessarily. They are different in style, often with more written answers, interviews and several stages, so the preparation needed is different rather than simply harder.

Do grammar schools interview children?

Interviews are not normally part of grammar school entry, which is usually based on the test and the school's admission rules. Check each school's own policy.

Can my child apply to both a grammar school and an independent school?

Yes, many families do. Keep track of each school's registration and test dates, as the timetables are separate.

Want to see what a paper set out like your child's test looks like? Every pack and handbook has a free sample. Find your test area or try the free flash cards.

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