11+ grammar school facts & stats (UK)
These are UK-wide data points you can cite when explaining why 11+ preparation feels competitive. Each stat below links to the source.
Grammar schools in England
The Department for Education states there are 163 grammar schools in England.
Private tutoring is common
The Sutton Trust reports 29% of secondary school students in England and Wales have had private tutoring at some point.
It also reports a large regional difference: 45% in London vs 27% in the rest of England.
Selective secondary applications (DfE tables)
The Department for Education publishes official tables for selective secondary applications and offers (by year and area).
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics – Selective applications/offers (table permalink)
Sources
- DfE Schools Bill factsheet (May 2022)Includes the “163 grammar schools in England” statistic.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/628bab5f8fa8f556203eb4ae/Grammar_Schools_-_Schools_Bill_Factsheet.pdf
- The Sutton Trust – Private Tutoring 2026Tutoring prevalence and regional differences (London vs rest of England).https://www.suttontrust.com/our-research/private-tutoring-2026/
- DfE Explore Education Statistics – Selective applications/offers (table permalink)Official statistics tables for selective secondary applications and offers.https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/974f6375-597c-4e30-6850-08de1ade192d