Ermysted's Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective boys' grammar school (ages 11-18)
• Location: Gargrave Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1PL
• Headteacher: Mr Michael Evans
• Pupils: 825 students
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (September 2022)
• Founded: Circa 1492 (over 500 years of educational heritage)
• Weekly Enrichment: 59 different activities available

About Ermysted's Grammar School

Ermysted's Grammar School represents one of England's most historic educational institutions, having provided exceptional education to boys in Skipton and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales for over five centuries. This voluntary aided grammar school combines its rich heritage with modern educational excellence, creating an environment where academic rigour meets comprehensive personal development.

The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects its commitment to delivering inspirational education across all areas. With 825 pupils, Ermysted's maintains an intimate learning environment where each boy receives personalised attention whilst benefiting from the extensive facilities and opportunities typically associated with larger institutions.

What distinguishes Ermysted's is its unique position within the picturesque market town of Skipton, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. This setting provides boys with access to outstanding outdoor education programmes, including fell walking, climbing, and environmental studies that complement the rigorous academic curriculum. The school's 59 weekly enrichment activities ensure every pupil can explore interests beyond the classroom, from debate society to scientific research projects.

The school's ethos centres on developing confident, articulate young men who understand their responsibilities to society. This is reflected in the strong tradition of public service amongst alumni and the school's active engagement with the local community through charitable initiatives and partnerships.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Ermysted's Grammar School operates a selective admissions policy through the 11+ examination, designed to identify boys who will thrive in an academically challenging environment. The assessment process evaluates not merely current attainment but potential for growth within the school's distinctive educational framework.

The entrance examination comprises four core components:

• Mathematics: Testing numerical reasoning, problem-solving capabilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Assessing comprehension skills, vocabulary knowledge, and written expression
• Verbal Reasoning: Evaluating logical thinking, pattern recognition, and language-based problem solving
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Testing spatial awareness, abstract thinking, and visual pattern analysis

The examination is typically held in September for the following year's entry, allowing families adequate preparation time. Results are communicated directly to parents, with successful candidates receiving conditional offers subject to maintaining academic standards through Year 6.

Given Ermysted's historic significance and potential future developments regarding co-education, competition for places remains exceptionally strong. The school seeks boys who demonstrate not only academic ability but also the curiosity and determination that characterise the school's educational philosophy.

How to Apply

The application process for Ermysted's Grammar School requires careful coordination between the school's entrance examination and North Yorkshire County Council's standard admissions procedure:

Step 1: Register for the Entrance Examination
Contact the school directly to register your son for the 11+ entrance examination. Registration typically opens in the spring term for the following year's entry, with clear deadlines communicated through the school website.

Step 2: Complete the Entrance Examination
Ensure your son attends the scheduled examination date in September. The school provides detailed guidance on what to expect and how to prepare effectively.

Step 3: Submit Local Authority Application
Complete your application through North Yorkshire County Council's admissions system, listing Ermysted's Grammar School as one of your preferred options. This must be submitted by the national deadline of 31st October.

Step 4: Await Results and Offers
Examination results are communicated in late October, with formal offers made through the local authority system in March. Successful candidates receive detailed information about transition arrangements and summer term preparation activities.

Parents should note that as a voluntary aided school, Ermysted's manages its own admissions criteria whilst working within the local authority framework. Early engagement with the school's admissions team ensures families understand all requirements and deadlines.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in grammar school preparation makes us the ideal partner for families aspiring to secure a place at Ermysted's Grammar School. Our consultants understand the specific requirements and competitive nature of this historic institution.

Our tailored preparation programmes address each component of Ermysted's entrance examination through targeted tuition and practice materials. We focus particularly on developing the reasoning skills and mathematical concepts that characterise the school's assessment approach, ensuring your son approaches the examination with confidence and thorough preparation.

Beyond academic preparation, we provide strategic guidance on the application timeline and process, helping families navigate both the school's entrance examination and local authority procedures. Our experience with North Yorkshire's admissions system ensures no critical deadlines are missed.

We also offer specialised interview preparation should your son progress to this stage, developing the communication skills and personal confidence that Ermysted's values in its pupils. Our mock examination sessions replicate the actual testing conditions, reducing anxiety and maximising performance on the day.

Most importantly, we help families understand whether Ermysted's Grammar School aligns with their son's academic potential and personal interests. Our educational consultants provide honest assessments of prospects whilst identifying alternative pathways that might better suit individual circumstances, ensuring every family makes informed decisions about their educational journey.