State vs Grammar vs Independent Schools: What UK Parents Need to Know

England has three main types of secondary school: state-funded comprehensives, selective grammar schools and fee-paying independent schools. Each has different admissions criteria, costs and outcomes. Understanding the differences helps parents make informed choices at age 11 and beyond.

The three types at a glance

School type | Who funds it | Selective at 11? | Typical cost | National coverage
State comprehensive | Government (DfE/LA) | No | Free | All areas
Grammar school | Government (DfE/LA) | Yes — 11-plus exam | Free | ~163 in selective areas
Independent | Fees (parents) | Usually — own exam | £15,000–£40,000+/year | Widespread

What is a state comprehensive school?

The vast majority of children in England — around 93% — attend state-funded schools, most of which are non-selective comprehensives. A comprehensive takes pupils of all abilities from its local catchment area, with admissions based on geography (proximity to the school) or, for faith schools, religious criteria. There are no entrance exams and no fees.

Within state schools there are further distinctions: community schools are run by the local authority; academies operate independently of the local authority but are still state-funded and must follow Ofsted inspection. Free schools are a subset of academy, set up by groups such as charities or universities. For most parents, the practical differences between these are small — all are free, all follow the national curriculum framework for KS3 and KS4, and all are inspected by Ofsted.

What is a grammar school?

Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools that select pupils by ability at age 10–11 using the 11-plus examination. There are currently around 163 grammar schools in England, concentrated in about 36 local authority areas — including Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire and parts of the West Midlands. Most of England has no grammar schools at all.

Gaining a grammar school place requires a high score in the 11-plus, which typically tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English. Many families hire tutors or use past papers to prepare children. The EEF's 2021 evidence review on grammar schools found that while grammar school pupils achieve higher GCSE grades on average, this largely reflects the prior attainment of pupils admitted, not a school effect — pupils who narrowly miss grammar entry do not perform significantly worse at GCSE than those who just get in. The benefit of grammar schools is contested in the research literature.

Grammar schools are free to attend once a place is offered, though the preparation cost (tutoring, practice papers) can be significant and tends to advantage families who can afford it.

What is an independent school?

Independent schools (sometimes called private schools or public schools) are fee-paying institutions that operate outside the state system. They are not required to follow the national curriculum but most choose to offer GCSEs and A-Levels aligned to the main exam boards. Many are academically selective; a few operate on an all-ability basis.

Fees vary widely: day school fees in 2025–26 average approximately £17,000 per year nationally, with boarding schools running significantly higher. London day schools commonly charge £25,000 to £35,000 per year. Independent schools typically offer smaller class sizes, more co-curricular activities and a wider range of sixth-form subject options than most state schools.

The Independent Schools Council, which represents around 1,400 schools, notes that around 30% of pupils at member schools receive some form of financial assistance. Bursaries — means-tested grants that can cover all or part of fees — are available at many independent schools, though competition for them is high.

What does the evidence say about outcomes?

Average GCSE results at independent and grammar schools are consistently higher than at state comprehensives. The EEF and others note, however, that this reflects differences in intake, not teaching quality. Pupils at independent schools tend to come from higher-income, more educated families — factors independently associated with higher attainment. When researchers control for prior attainment and socioeconomic background, the difference between school types narrows substantially.

This does not mean school type is irrelevant. Smaller class sizes, better-resourced libraries and a wider curriculum do provide genuine advantages. But the evidence does not support the conclusion that an independent or grammar school will automatically produce a significantly better outcome for a pupil who could equally well attend a well-supported comprehensive.

How should parents think about the decision?

The school type decision turns on several practical questions:

Geography: if you are not in a grammar school area, grammar is not an option. Check gov.uk/apply-grammar-school.

Finance: independent school fees are a major commitment. Bursary availability and means testing vary widely between schools — contact the school's bursar directly.

The child: some children thrive in highly selective, structured environments; others wilt. Visit schools before applying and take your child's view seriously.

Sixth-form trajectory: if A-Levels and university are the likely route, check which sixth forms accept transfers from local comprehensives — often all of them. The secondary school decision need not lock in the post-16 one.

Support provision: for pupils with SEND, check provision carefully. Independent schools are not required to follow the SEND Code of Practice in the same way state schools are.

Frequently asked questions

How many grammar schools are there in England?

As of 2025, there are approximately 163 grammar schools in England, located in about 36 local authority areas. Most of England has no grammar schools. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own educational systems and do not have the same grammar school structure.

Can I apply for a grammar school if we do not live nearby?

Grammar schools admit on the basis of the 11-plus exam result, but most give priority to pupils who live within a defined distance or in a specific local authority area. Some grammars have wider catchments. Check the individual school's admissions policy on their website or through the local authority, and apply before the autumn admissions deadline in Year 6.

Are independent schools worth the fees?

It depends on the child, the specific school and the alternatives available. The evidence does not show a large independent school effect on attainment beyond intake differences. However, smaller class sizes, more co-curricular options and higher sixth-form provision can be genuine advantages. Visit schools in person, ask about class sizes and teaching quality, and compare with the strongest state options in your area before deciding.

What is the difference between a grammar school and an independent school?

Grammar schools are state-funded, free to attend and select pupils via the 11-plus examination. Independent schools are privately funded, charge fees (£15,000–£40,000+ per year), and set their own admissions criteria. Both types tend to achieve high average GCSE and A-Level results, partly due to selective intakes.

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