Gloucestershire is home to some of the best grammar schools in the country, known for their academic excellence, historic roots and vibrant school communities. From academic and sporting excellence at Pates to an empowered all-girls education at Denmark Road High School, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re exploring your options or narrowing down your choices, understanding what each school offers and how the 11+ works is key to finding the best fit for your child.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed overview of all the grammar schools in Gloucestershire, as well as information on the 11 Plus format, pass marks, key deadlines and more.
How many grammar schools are there in Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire is a hotspot for grammar schools, boasting seven in total across Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud. Including the prestigious Pate’s Grammar, Sir Thomas Rich’s and The Crypt School, this is unusually high compared to many other counties in the UK—making Gloucestershire an excellent choice for families seeking a selective education.
Here are the seven Gloucestershire grammar schools:
- Pate’s Grammar School
- Denmark Road High School
- Ribston Hall High School
- Sir Thomas Rich’s School
- The Crypt School
- Marling School
- Stroud High School
Here’s a closer look at each school.
1. Pate’s Grammar School
- Location: Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, GL51 0HG
- Size: Approx. 1,250 pupils
- Pupils: Mixed, co-educational from 11-18
Pate’s Grammar School, founded in 1574, is one of the UK’s top academic institutions—blending centuries of tradition with a modern approach to education. Co-educational since 1986, the school has built a reputation for excellence, consistently ranking among the best for A Level and GCSE results.
Beyond academics, Pate’s is known for its inclusive culture and dynamic school life. The 2024 Ofsted report highlighted this, praising the school’s “exceptional array of opportunities for pupils to pursue interests and develop talents.” Alumni, affectionately known as “Patesians”, stay connected through a supportive network, reflecting the strong sense of belonging that defines the school.
What rank is Pate’s Grammar School?
Pate’s Grammar School is consistently ranked as one of the top grammar schools in the UK. In the 2025 edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide, it was named South West Secondary School of the Year for academic performance, a testament to its exceptional achievements. Nationally, it earned an impressive fifth place in the guide’s rankings.
How do I get into Pate’s Grammar School?
Admission to Pate’s is highly competitive and based on the Gloucestershire Grammar School Entrance Test. Registration for the test typically opens in May and closes in June, with the test held in September. Make sure to list Pate’s on your local authority application form if it’s one of your preferred schools.
2. Denmark Road High School
- Location: Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3JN
- Size: Approx. 970 pupils
- Pupils: Girls (11-16), mixed sixth form
With roots dating back to the 1880s, Denmark Road High School has a proud tradition of providing quality education for girls. The school has built a reputation for nurturing academic excellence alongside personal growth, and its all-girls environment until the sixth form is a hallmark of its commitment to empowering young women.
With the commitment to “Discover, Realise, Honour and Shape every day”, a key feature of Denmark Road High School is its emphasis on preparing students for the challenges of the modern world. Denmark Road also offers a mixed sixth form, which broadens students’ experiences and prepares them for the realities of higher education.
3. Ribston Hall High School
- Location: Ribston Hall, Stroud Road, Gloucester, GL1 5LE
- Size: Approx. 870 pupils
- Pupils: Girls (11-16), mixed sixth form
Ribston Hall High School, founded in 1921, is a renowned girls’ grammar school celebrated for its academic strengths, particularly in the sciences and humanities. The school’s reputation in science was bolstered by a cutting-edge science block in 2022 (funded by a £1.5 million grant), providing students with exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning.
Focusing on well-being and individual success, Ribston Hall ensures students have the tools to thrive. Beyond a challenging academic curriculum, Ribston offers a vibrant mix of activities, including sports, drama and music. Its inclusive mixed sixth-form provides a smooth transition into university and graduate careers.
4. Sir Thomas Rich’s School
- Location: Oakleaze, Gloucester GL2 0LF
- Size: Approx. 1,260 pupils
- Pupils: Boys (11-16), mixed sixth form
Sir Thomas Rich’s School, affectionately known as “Tommy Rich’s,” is one of Gloucestershire’s most distinguished grammar schools, celebrated for its academic achievements and dynamic extracurricular opportunities. Established in 1668 through the generous legacy of Sir Thomas Rich, the school started as an institution for 20 underprivileged boys and has since evolved into a vibrant centre of education and community.
Students are warmly welcomed into the close-knit “Richian” community, where a strong emphasis on pastoral care ensures every individual feels supported and valued. Guided by its enduring motto, “Garde Ta Foy” (Keep the Faith), the school combines centuries-old traditions with a progressive outlook, equipping students to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
What’s the largest school in Gloucestershire?
As well as being one of the highest-ranked grammar schools in the county (third in the Sunday Times South West rankings), Sir Thomas Rich’s is also the largest grammar school in Gloucestershire. With 1,260 pupils across secondary, the school accepts 150 Year 7 students each year.
For non-grammar schools, Balcarras School in Cheltenham is one of the largest—with 1,420 students.
5. The Crypt School
- Location: Podsmead Road, Gloucester, GL2 5AE
- Size: Approx. 1,100 pupils
- Pupils: Mixed, co-educational from 11-18
The Crypt School, established in 1539, is one of England’s oldest schools. It remains rooted in the founding vision of John and Joan Cooke: providing a grammar education to talented children, no matter their background. Today, it’s a thriving community of over 1,000 boys and girls from Gloucester and beyond, combining a rich history with a progressive outlook on education.
Known for its academic excellence, The Crypt also shines in its dedication to pastoral care, creating a supportive environment where students can truly thrive. With a strong emphasis on extracurricular opportunities, the school encourages its pupils to explore their passions, embrace challenges, and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
What rank is Crypt Grammar School in Gloucester?
The School Guide ranks The Crypt School as second-best school in Gloucester, only behind Sir Thomas Rich’s. This reflects its fantastic reputation for academic success and dedication to helping students achieve their best.
In March 2024, Ofsted rated The Crypt “outstanding” in every area. Inspectors noted that pupils “consistently live up to the school’s high expectations. The school’s motto, “Flourish Cryptians,” really sums it up—this is a place where students thrive in every way.
Is the Crypt School private in Gloucester?
No, The Crypt School is a state-funded grammar school. Despite its historic name, it remains accessible to families with no tuition fees required. Entry is based on academic ability, assessed through the 11+ exam, making it a selective but non-private option for students in Gloucester and beyond.
6. Marling School
- Location: Cainscross Road, Stroud, GL5 4HE
- Size: Approx. 1,180 pupils
- Pupils: Boys (11-16), mixed sixth form
Marling School is a respected boys’ grammar school known for its academic success and a strong sense of community. Guided by the motto Abeunt Studia in Mores—“Through study, we build character”—Marling has upheld its founding values since 1887.
The school aims to nurture independent, principled thinkers who take responsibility for their learning and engage thoughtfully with the world. Its alumni, affectionately called “Old Marlingtonians,” continue to embody these values, remaining an active and cherished part of the school community.
7. Stroud High School
- Location: Beards Lane, Stroud, GL5 4AX
- Size: Approx. 1,100 pupils
- Pupils: Girls (11-16), mixed sixth form
Stroud High School, founded in 1904, is one of the UK’s most inspiring and high-achieving girls’ grammar schools. Renowned for academic excellence and fostering personal growth, the school encourages students to make remarkable achievements part of their everyday experience.
Regularly ranked among the top schools in Gloucestershire, Stroud High boasts exceptional GCSE progress levels, making it the highest-performing state girls’ school in the South West. Its impressive performance at GCSE and A Level places it among the top fifty state schools nationwide.
If you’re exploring grammar schools further afield, don’t miss our guides to grammars in Birmingham, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire as well as the best grammars in London.
How many children take the 11+ in Gloucestershire?
Thousands of children sit the Gloucestershire Grammar School Entrance Test each year. In 2024, 3,130 students took the 11+ in Gloucestershire, up from 2,568 pupils in 2022.
These numbers reflect the county’s reputation for outstanding grammar schools. Indeed, the headmaster of The Crypt School (Nicholas Dyer) described the figures as “wonderful news” for widening access—showing the level of confidence in the county’s seven grammar schools.
What percentage of children get into grammar school?
In Gloucestershire, around 3,130 students sit the 11+ exam each year, all competing for just 1,050 grammar school places. This means about 33% of students secure a spot, making the process highly competitive.
Each grammar school usually takes in around 150 Year 7 students, though this can vary between schools. It’s a tough challenge for children, and it’s normal for families to feel a little nervous about the process. But with the right preparation—whether that’s practice papers, mock exams or extra tuition—your child can approach the 11+ with confidence.
Is Gloucestershire 11+ CEM or GL?
GL Assessment provides the Gloucestershire 11+. GL Assessment is one of the country’s leading exam providers, with free familiarisation materials and sample paper bundles available from their website.
But in short, the Gloucestershire 11+ exam consists of two papers, with multiple-choice questions on English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning. Each paper is 55 minutes long, with a break in between.
While the exact format is subject to change, you can expect:
- Paper 1: English and Verbal Reasoning – multiple choice and comprehension questions.
- Paper 2: Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning – mostly multiple choice.
What’s the pass mark for Gloucestershire Grammar Schools?
The pass mark for Gloucestershire grammar schools isn’t a fixed number—it varies each year depending on how students perform. Schools rank applicants based on their test scores, and only those who achieve a qualifying score, or the “pass mark,” are considered for a place.
As a rule of thumb, students reliably achieving 75-80% or more in mock tests should meet the qualifying score. For Pates (the most competitive of all the Gloucestershire grammars), 85% or more is a good benchmark to aim for.
It’s important to remember, though, that achieving a qualifying score doesn’t automatically guarantee a place. Factors like oversubscription, priority catchment areas and tie-break criteria all come into play.
What are the key dates for the Gloucestershire 11+?
While the exact dates for 2025 exams (and 2026 school entry) haven’t been confirmed yet, last year’s timeline gives a good idea of what to expect. These dates provide a helpful framework for planning ahead, but it’s always worth checking with schools closer to the time, as schedules vary.
- Online registration: Mid-May to mid-June 2025
- Online school application opens: Mid-September 2025
- 11 Plus exam day: Mid-September 2025
- Results released: Early to mid-October 2025
- Closing date for secondary applications: 31 October 2025
- National school offer day: 3 March 2026
For details about appeals, waiting lists or late tests, contact grammar schools directly. This is particularly vital if you’re homeschooling your child, to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
What’s the hardest grammar school to get into?
Pate’s Grammar School is often regarded as the most competitive grammar school in Gloucestershire. With around 3,000 students sitting the 11+ each year and only 150 places available, the odds are steep. Just 5% of 11+ candidates will secure a spot.
What makes Pate’s even more challenging is that it doesn’t have a catchment area. So students apply from across Gloucestershire and beyond, including Swindon, Bristol and even Oxford. This adds to the competition, as the school attracts high-performing students from a wide geographical area.
Unlike other grammar schools in the county, Pate’s also has a unique marking system that requires students to achieve a minimum score on both test papers, rather than an average across the two. Students are then ranked according to performance, with the “qualifying group” designated as the top 250 students. This makes the process even more rigorous, as it’s not enough to perform well overall—you need consistency.
Thinking about Gloucestershire Grammar Schools for your child?
Getting ready for the 11+ can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Achieve Learning, we provide expert tuition, mock exams and tailored guidance to help your child succeed. Contact us today and give your child the best chance of securing a place at their dream school.
