If you’re researching grammar schools, there’s a good chance you’ve also come across the 11 Plus, selective admissions, and debates about whether grammar schools are still relevant today.
Understanding the history of grammar schools isn’t just interesting—it helps explain why the admissions process works the way it does today in places like Bexley and Kent.
At Grammar School Pathway, we regularly speak to parents who ask questions like:
- Why do grammar schools still exist?
- Why do children sit the 11 Plus?
- Why is the Bexley and Kent selection test different from the St Olave’s and Newstead test?
What Is a Grammar School?
A grammar school is a state-funded secondary school that selects pupils based on academic ability, usually through the 11 Plus examination.
Unlike state comprehensive schools, grammar schools only admit pupils who meet their academic entry requirements.
Many grammar schools consistently achieve excellent GCSE and A Level results, making them highly sought after by families across England.
Families in south east London often target Beth’s, Bexley Grammar School, Chislehurst & Sidcup or Townley, which are all Bexley-based grammar schools. Some families opt for Kent-based grammar schools, such as Dartford Grammar School or Wilmington.
What are the origins of Grammar Schools?
Grammar schools are far older than most people realise.
The earliest grammar schools appeared during the Middle Ages, often founded by:
- churches
- monasteries
- charitable organisations
Originally, they focused almost entirely on teaching Latin grammar, which was essential for religion, law and higher education.
As education developed, grammar schools expanded their curriculum to include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Literature
- Modern Languages
Some of today’s most prestigious grammar schools have existed for hundreds of years.
Education Before the 1944 Education Act
Before the Second World War, access to secondary education depended heavily on where you lived and your family’s financial circumstances.
Many grammar schools charged fees, meaning that although scholarships existed, many academically able children simply never had the opportunity to attend.
Educational opportunities varied significantly between different parts of England.
The Butler Act Changed Everything
One of the biggest turning points in British education came with the Education Act 1944, often called the Butler Act.
The Act introduced free secondary education for all children and reorganised schools into what became known as the Tripartite System.
Children would attend one of three types of school:
- Grammar schools
- Secondary modern schools
- Technical schools
To decide which school was most suitable, pupils usually sat an assessment at around age 10 or 11.
That assessment became known as the 11 Plus.
Why Was the 11 Plus Introduced?
The original aim of the 11 Plus wasn’t simply to test what children had learned at primary school.
Instead, it attempted to identify academic potential.
Depending on the local authority, children were tested in:
- English
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Creative Writing
Many of these subjects are still assessed today, although the exact format varies between different grammar school areas.
The Rise of Grammar Schools
During the 1950s and early 1960s, grammar schools became one of the most respected parts of the education system.
For many families, passing the 11 Plus opened opportunities that had previously been out of reach.
Many pupils from working-class backgrounds went on to university and professional careers thanks to grammar school education.
Supporters continue to point to this period as evidence that grammar schools can promote social mobility.
Why Did So Many Grammar Schools Disappear?
By the 1960s, concerns about academic selection were growing.
Critics argued that:
- children were being judged too young
- one examination couldn’t determine future potential
- pupils who narrowly missed the pass mark often had fewer opportunities
- educational standards varied between grammar and secondary modern schools
These concerns led many Local Education Authorities to introduce comprehensive schools, which educate children of all abilities without academic selection.
As a result, hundreds of grammar schools either closed or became comprehensive schools.
Why Do Grammar Schools Still Exist?
Although many grammar schools disappeared, some areas voted to retain selective education.
Today there are around 160 state-funded grammar schools in England, with most concentrated in counties including:
How Does the 11 Plus Work Today?
Unlike the original national system, today’s 11 Plus is not a single universal exam.
Each grammar school or consortium sets its own admissions process.
For example:
- The Bexley Selection Test is not the same as the Kent Test (although they are similar).
- Some schools include creative writing.
- Others place greater emphasis on reasoning.
- Different schools use different assessment providers/ exam boards.
Admissions are also governed by the School Admissions Code, meaning examination performance is only one part of the admissions process (albeit the most important part).
Oversubscription criteria may include:
- catchment area
- looked-after children
- siblings
- pupil premium priority
Overall, there are strict criteria for admission.
Grammar Schools in Bexley
For many families using Grammar School Pathway, Bexley grammar schools are the main goal.
Competition is high each year, so it’s important to understand not only the 11 Plus exam itself, but also:
- admissions criteria
- school preferences
- catchment areas
- application deadlines
- how standardised scores work
Many parents are surprised to learn that passing the Bexley Selection Test does not automatically guarantee a grammar school place.
What This Means for Parents Today
Understanding the history helps explain why the system can seem complicated.
Today’s grammar school admissions have evolved over decades, with different counties developing their own approaches.
For parents in Bexley, Kent and surrounding areas, success usually comes from:
- understanding the admissions process early
- preparing consistently rather than cramming
- using realistic mock exams
- developing strong English, Maths, VR and NVR skills over time
- becoming familiar with the specific format used by your target schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the 11 Plus?
Children usually sit the examination during Year 6 when they are around 10 or 11 years old.
Are grammar schools free?
Yes. Grammar schools are state-funded schools and do not charge tuition fees.
Does every area have grammar schools?
No. Many parts of England have none at all. Areas including Bexley, Kent and Medway continue to operate selective grammar school systems.
Is the 11 Plus the same everywhere?
No. Every grammar school area has its own assessment arrangements, which is why preparation should always be tailored to the schools your child is applying to.
Can tutoring improve the chances of passing the 11 Plus?
Yes, generally speaking. Many families choose to use an 11 plus tuition centre to build confidence, improve subject knowledge sit mock exams and become familiar with exam techniques.
Self-tutoring is also an option for some parents.
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