State grammar schools - the ideal alternative to expensive independent education?

Results are good; grammar schools regularly top state school league tables with results not too far adrift of those in the independent sector... but considering their selectiveness and middle class bias, some do not perform as well as many, less selective, independent schools.

Entry to top performing state grammar schools is more competitive than ever and forward planning is essential. You will need to think about revision, tuition, a back-up plan, even moving house....

Why Grammar Schools are more popular than ever

It's not just parents from the state sector who are flexing their muscles, much of the increase is attributed to the credit-crunch and escalating fees at independent schools. With this in mind, not only do you need to start your search for the ideal school as early as possible but you need to add a tutor to your shopping basket too. 'A little extra-help'  is now de rigueur even for the brightest spark; not just in the 3R's but in VR and NVR too!

What's in a name?

A cautionary note: state grammar schools are free to those who pass muster at selection but some former state grammar schools are now independent. They have retained 'grammar' in their school name but they are fee-paying and academically selective just like other high-flying independents.  Examples are Bristol Grammar and Manchester Grammar. So do check that any 'grammar school' of interest is indeed a state grammar school, if that's what you want.

Why choose a state grammar school education?

• Mostly full of eager, bright (mainly middle-class) children whose parents will push to ensure their youngster prospers.
• Foster a good work ethic.
• Some offer boarding (for a small additional fee).
• Results are good; grammar schools regularly top state school league tables with results not too far adrift of the best in the independent sector.
• Usually offer a range of extra-curricular activities and events.
• No school on Saturdays.
• Experienced at securing Oxbridge and Russell Group university places.
• Increasingly popular and socially acceptable.
• Their existence gets some politicians hot under the collar and propels education debate into the headlines!

Why not?

• The extra tuition, generally required to get through the eleven plus exams, can prove an expensive gamble, though usually, educationally, worthwhile.
• Many are full of middle class parents pushing to ensure their off-spring prosper, rather than representative of the population and society.
• Large classes, 30 or so the norm in younger years.
• Often have less money spent on them, by local authorities, than other state schools.
• Bound by the constraints of The National Curriculum.
• Considering their selectiveness and middle class bias, some don’t perform as well as many less selective independent schools.
• No Satu...