Grammar schools are state secondary schools in England and Northern Ireland which have a selective entrance procedure known as the 11 Plus. There are no grammar schools in Scotland or Wales. Grammar schools do not charge tuition fees but some have a boarding option and so do charge for accommodation and meals during term time. Grammar schools are seen as academically-focused due to their selection of around the top 25% of children based on academic achievement. Some grammar schools also offer places to talented musicians or artists.
Grammar schools are found in specific areas of England and Northern Ireland. In England, there are 164 grammar schools, with Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Surrey being well-known for having a large number. Smaller numbers are found in Greater London and the West Midlands. Northern Ireland has 69 grammar schools. The entrance test varies depending on the local authority in which the grammar school is situated.
The word ‘grammar’ originally refers to Latin grammar. Latin was brought to Britain by the Romans, and a form of Latin was spoken for some years after the Roman occupation. Following this, Latin became the written language of scholarship and religion, and was thought suitable for children (primarily boys) to study at school. Happily, both girls and boys now learn the same subjects, and whilst Latin remains a subject at some schools, all grammar schools teach in English.
Grammar schools have a complex history, not without controversy. In 1944, the Education Act split schools into three types: grammars, secondary moderns, and technical colleges. Each local authority was given the ability to determine the split of schools with their individual geographical area. Grammars were intended to cater for the top 20% of academically able children, with others attending secondary modern schools, or, if they wished to learn a trade, a technical college. Whilst grammars still exist, there are far fewer now than there were previously, and some feel they should be abolished altogether.
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