Bury Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School Name: Bury Grammar School
Type: Independent, selective day school
Location: Tenterden Street, Bury, Greater Manchester
Founded: 1570
Age Range: 3-18 years
Principal: Jo Anderson
Current Enrolment: Approximately 1,355 students
Entry Points: Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Sixth Form

About Bury Grammar School

With over 450 years of educational heritage, Bury Grammar School has established itself as one of Greater Manchester's most respected independent institutions. Founded in 1570, the school combines traditional values with modern educational excellence, creating an environment where academic achievement and personal development flourish together.

The school's ethos centres on nurturing individual talents within a supportive community framework. Students benefit from small class sizes, enabling personalised attention and the opportunity to excel across diverse subjects. The school's commitment to holistic education ensures that pupils develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally, preparing them thoroughly for future challenges.

Located in the heart of Bury, the school serves families across Greater Manchester who value educational excellence and character development. The institution's strong pastoral care system ensures that each child receives the support needed to reach their full potential, whilst the extensive co-curricular programme allows students to explore interests beyond the classroom.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Bury Grammar School publishes day fees of £5,772 per term for 2026/27, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on 17 December 2026 (deadline for Year 7 application forms, entry September 2027). The assessment takes place on 21 January 2027 (11+ Entrance Exam, held in school); interviews 30 January 2027. Three papers, English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning, sat in school, with successful candidates invited to an interview day. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Bury Grammar School

Bury Grammar School employs a comprehensive 11+ assessment designed to identify pupils who will thrive in their academically rigorous environment. The examination typically takes place in January for September entry, allowing families sufficient time to plan their educational journey.

The assessment comprises four key components:

• English Language and Literature: Comprehension exercises testing reading skills, vocabulary understanding, and written expression through creative and analytical writing tasks
• Mathematics: Problem-solving questions covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mathematical reasoning appropriate for Year 6 level
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic-based questions assessing language comprehension, analytical thinking, and the ability to identify patterns in written information
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Visual puzzles and spatial awareness tests evaluating logical thinking without reliance on language skills

The school places particular emphasis on a child's potential rather than solely current attainment, recognising that some pupils may flourish given the right educational environment. Candidates are assessed holistically, considering their overall academic profile and suitability for the school's demanding yet supportive atmosphere.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Bury Grammar School follows a structured timeline:

Step 1 - Registration (September-November):
Complete the online application form via the school website, providing academic reports and personal statements. Early registration is recommended as places are limited.

Step 2 - Entrance Examination (January):
Candidates sit the 11+ assessment on the designated examination day. The school provides detailed guidance on preparation and expectations beforehand.

Step 3 - Interview Process (February):
Successful candidates attend an informal interview with senior staff to discuss interests, aspirations, and suitability for the school community.

Step 4 - Offers and Acceptance (March):
The school issues conditional offers based on examination performance and interview outcomes. Families have approximately two weeks to accept places and confirm their commitment.

Registration deadlines typically fall in November, though families should verify current dates through the admissions office. The school encourages campus visits during open days to help families understand the educational environment and community ethos.

Preparing for the Bury Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Bury Grammar School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.