Gloucestershire

11+ in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire has a well-established set of grammar schools across Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud, with Pate’s Grammar among the strongest co-ed grammars nationally. Most use GL-style testing.

Exam board

GL Assessment (county grammars including Pate’s)

Competition

The county has multiple grammar options, though Pate’s and the Crypt/Ribston-style schools are competitive.

Deadlines

The Gloucestershire/Stroud and Cheltenham tests run in the autumn of Year 6; registration generally closes over the preceding summer.

Parent guide

  • Different Gloucestershire grammars may use slightly different tests — confirm which applies to your child.
  • GL preparation across all four areas covers the county’s requirements well.
  • Some schools have aptitude or catchment criteria alongside the test.

Grammar schools in Gloucestershire

Top tips for Gloucestershire

  • Check whether you need to register for more than one test in the county.
  • Use full timed GL papers in the months before the test.

FAQs

Is Pate’s Grammar hard to get into?+

Yes — Pate’s is one of the top co-educational grammars in the country and is heavily oversubscribed, so a high standardised score is needed.

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