Ermysted’s Grammar School

Ermysted’s Grammar School

Ermysted’s Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

Considering Ermysted’s Grammar School for your child? This 2026 admissions guide provides all the essential information you need. From understanding the school’s application process to tips for supporting your child’s 11 Plus exam preparation, we've got you covered.

At a Glance

Assessment: GL Assessment

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Boys Only

Places per year: 124

Ofsted Rating: Good

Introduction to

Ermysted’s Grammar School

Ermysted’s Grammar School is a selective boys' grammar school in Skipton, North Yorkshire, with a rich history dating back to 1492. As one of the country’s oldest schools, it boasts a strong academic tradition and a supportive ethos, focusing on well-rounded education.

Known for its academic excellence, Ermysted’s Grammar School consistently achieves excellent results in both GCSE and A-level exams. Students are also encouraged to engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including music, sport, and drama, which support their personal and academic growth.

Entry into Year 7 is based on the selective 11 Plus entrance exam. There are no tuition fees, and all places are awarded purely on exam performance.

Ermysted's Grammar School Key Information

It is important to be aware of all the key events happening throughout the admissions process. 11 Plus Hero provides regular updates on contacts, school statistics and important developments at Ermysted’s Grammar School through information provided by the school, local tutoring agencies and governmental sources. 

School Address

Full Address:

Ermysted's Grammar School
Gargrave Road
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 1PL

Contact Information

Admissions Email admissions@ermysteds.uk
Admission Phone Number 01756 792186

Parking in the school

The school has its own car park on Gargrave Road, but this is often busy on open evenings and reserved for staff on exam days.

Additional parking off site

There is limited free parking all the way up Gargrave Road.

Coach Street car park is located a short walk away: Coach Street, BD23 1LE. Mon-Sun, up to 9 hours (£5.50).

Ermysted’s Grammar School Ofsted Report

Good

Based on the inspection date:

28 and 29 September 2022

View Report
The quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Personal development Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth-form provision Outstanding

Quick Summary

Overall rating: Good, with Outstanding for behaviour, attitudes, personal development, and leadership.

Academic strength: Pupils are highly motivated, achieving strong results in subjects like mathematics, history, and sciences, with positive outcomes across all subject areas.

Teaching and curriculum: The curriculum is ambitious and broad, though in some lessons, teachers should ensure that new knowledge is fully understood before moving on.

Behaviour and culture: Exceptional behaviour, with pupils displaying courtesy, respect, and a strong sense of pride in their school. The school fosters a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is highly effective, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, staff well-being, and safeguarding practices that are rigorous and well-developed.

Ermysted's Grammar Exam Format

Admission to Year 7 at Ermysted’s Grammar School is based on performance in the 11 Plus exam, administered by GL Assessment.

Ermysted's Grammar Exam Format: Overview

Paper One

Verbal Reasoning: The first test assesses skills in word-based logic, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Paper Two

Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning: The second test focuses on visual patterns, problem-solving, and logical reasoning using shapes and images.

Ermysted's Grammar School - 11 Plus Assessment Criteria

English Maths Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning Additional

Pass Mark

A child must achieve the ‘required standard’. Ermysted’s defines this as “the score achieved by the 140th candidate when the scores of all candidates in the main Entrance Test cohort are placed in descending rank order” (EGS, 2022).

Catchment Area

Priority is given to applicants who have passed the selection test and live closest to the school. The marks achieved each year help to determine the catchment area, so the exact locations may change depending on the scores achieved by those living in close proximity to the school.

From previous years, locations that have consistently been within the catchment area for Ermysted’s include: Beamsley, Bradley, Burnsall, Carleton, Cracoe, Crosshills, Embsay, Gargrave, Grassington, Kettlewell, Kirkby-in-Malhamdale, Skipton, Sutton-in-Craven, Thornton-in-Craven and Threshfield.

Additional Eligibility

To qualify for admission, students must meet the academic standard in the 11 Plus exam, but the final decision is also based on oversubscription criteria. If more pupils meet the required standard than there are available places, priority will be given in the following order:

  1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children

  2. Children eligible for Pupil Premium

  3. Applicants living within the designated priority area, ranked by test score

  4. Other applicants, ranked by test score

Ermysted’s Grammar School has a catchment area, with priority given to applicants living within this boundary who meet the academic standard. For more details, click here to view Ermysted’s full admissions policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Ermysted’s Grammar School

Supporting your child through the HBS admissions process can have a big impact on their confidence and performance. Make sure you make the most of the resources we provide below, including useful tips, exam papers, featured tuition agencies, and more!

SVG

Start Early

Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.

SVG

Use Exam Papers

Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.

SVG

Target Weak Areas

Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.

SVG

Encourage Daily Reading

A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.

SVG

Make Use of Online Resources

Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.

SVG

Best Chance of Success

Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.

COMING SOON

11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area

We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Ermysted’s Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.

Key Events for Admission to Ermysted's Grammar School

11 Plus Hero has recorded all the dates and deadlines you need to know for admission to Ermysted’s Grammar School. 

Registration Opens

22nd April 2025
Date passed

Registration Closes

1st September 2025
Date passed

Entrance Exam

27th September 2025
Date passed

Results Published

October 2025
Date passed

CAF Application Deadline

Friday 31st October 2025
Date passed

National Offer Day

Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply

Ermysted’s Grammar School Application Process

To apply for a Year 7 place at Ermysted’s Grammar School, the following stages must be completed:`

1

Admissions Policy 2026

Make sure you read the Ermysted’s Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.

View Admissions Policy
2

Register for the entrance test

Registration for the Ermysted’s Grammar School entrance exam opens on the school website in spring 2025. The online form must be submitted before the deadline, usually in June.

Visit School Website
3

Common Application Form (CAF)

The Common Application Form must be submitted through your local authority by 31 October 2025. Remember to include Ermysted’s Grammar School as one of your listed preferences.

Ermysted’s Grammar School FAQs

You must register for the entrance exam via the school’s website in spring (registration opens 22 April 2025, closes 1 September). Then submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority by 31 October.

The exam is run by GL Assessment and comprises two multiple-choice papers: a verbal reasoning paper and a non-verbal reasoning paper. Each lasts about 50 minutes and is age-standardised.

Entry is very competitive. About 124 places are available each year. Offers go to the highest scorers, with oversubscription criteria applied when more candidates meet the standard than there are spaces.

Yes. There is a designated catchment or priority area. Applicants who live within that area and meet the academic standard are prioritised when allocating places under the oversubscription rules.

Schools Nearby

9 schools found within 25 miles of Skipton


Ermysted's Grammar School

Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
0.3 Miles Away View School

Ermysted's Grammar School

Gargrave Rd, Skipton
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
0.3 Miles Away High Competition Very-high Competition View School

Skipton Girls' High School

Skipton Girls' High School, Skipton
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
0.5 Miles Away View School

North Halifax Grammar School

North Halifax Grammar School, Halifax
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
15.3 Miles Away High Competition View School

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Clitheroe
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
15.9 Miles Away View School

The Crossley Heath School

The Crossley Heath School, Halifax
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
18.2 Miles Away View School

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Rossendale
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
20.9 Miles Away View School

Heckmondwike Grammar School

Heckmondwike Grammar School, Heckmondwike
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
22.6 Miles Away View School

Ripon Grammar School

Ripon Grammar School, Ripon
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school, Boarding
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
22.9 Miles Away View School