Ermysted’s Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 124
Ofsted Rating: Good
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.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Ermysted’s Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Ermysted’s Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Ermysted’s Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Ermysted’s Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Ermysted’s Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Ermysted’s Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
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 SchoolGargrave Road
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 1PL
Contact Information
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
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:
-
Looked-after and previously looked-after children
-
Children eligible for Pupil Premium
-
Applicants living within the designated priority area, ranked by test score
-
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!
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.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
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
Registration Closes
Entrance Exam
Results Published
CAF Application Deadline
National Offer Day
Ermysted’s Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Ermysted’s Grammar School, the following stages must be completed:`
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 PolicyRegister 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 WebsiteCommon 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.