Ermysted's Grammar School in Skipton has announced it will introduce a new entrance test from next September.
The first pupils to sit the new test will be those currently in Year 5 at primary school who are hoping to join the school for Year 7 in September 2027.
The test will draw only on English and mathematics content from the Key Stage 2 national curriculum up to the end of Year 5 and will prioritise the application of knowledge and problem solving.
The school says the change will make its admissions process fairer and more accessible to children from all backgrounds. Familiarisation materials will be provided free of charge on the school’s website, but the test content will change annually and no past papers will be published. These measures are intended to reduce the advantage of intensive tutoring and to ease anxiety for local families.
Ermysted's expects the revised approach to identify resilient thinkers who can apply classroom learning to new situations. The assessment will cover reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar, numeracy, fractions, measures and geometry, and will test clear mathematical reasoning without the use of calculators. The assessment will not include any non-verbal reasoning.
Families are encouraged to support their sons to read widely and deeply, practise the fluency of their mathematics and problem-solving through real life examples, engage in imaginative and critical thinking discussions at home, and enjoy a wide range of learning in primary school.
Headteacher Michael Evans said:
“We have chosen this new test because it reflects what all children learn at primary school and rewards clear thinking, curiosity and resilience. If parents ask how best to prepare their child, we would say ensure their son attends primary school every day.
“The change ensures we assess potential, not preparation, and opens up opportunities to a wider range of pupils.”
Stuart Clarkson, Chair of Governors at Ermysted’s, added:
“We have thought carefully about this change and believe the new test will better assess the knowledge and potential of 10 and 11 year olds, without disadvantaging those pupils who have not had any tutoring to prepare them. By testing solely on the primary school curriculum this creates a level playing field for all pupils interested in a grammar school education.”
Registration for the September 2026 entrance test for entry to Ermysted’s in September 2027 will open in April 2026.
Information about the admissions process, test arrangements and candidate support are available on the school website at www.ermysteds.uk.
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