Grammar school

A grammar school is a type of school but exactly what kind of school varies in different English-speaking countries.

Origins

The original intent of these schools was to educate the young in the grammar of one or two European languages. In the British case that meant Latin and sometimes Greek in addition; and in the American case, that of English.

United States

In the United States, the term has often been used as a synonym for elementary school, although this usage is now at least somewhat in decline.

Australia

In Australia, "grammar schools" are generally independent schools.

United Kingdom

Grammar schools are selective, typically taking the top 25% of those from the local catchment area. Following the Education Act 1944 the Tripartite System was established. This placed the grammar school as the place of education for the academically gifted (as determined by the 11 plus exam). The system became controversial in the post-war years. Critics condemned it as being elitist and defenders claimed that grammar schools allow pupils to obtain a good education through merit rather than through family income. In the mid-1960s the then Labour Government tried to restrict or abolish grammar schools by requiring local authorities to introduce comprehensive schools.

The 11 plus exam has since been abolished in most parts of the UK (in favour of other equally controversial methods of "academic selection") but it remains in Northern Ireland and some counties such as Kent, Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire despite so far unsuccessful attempts by campaigners to have it abolished there too.

Some grammar schools in the United Kingdom date back to earlier than the 16th century.

See also

*Debates on the grammar school
* Secondary education
* Grammar schools in the United Kingdom
* Education in the United Kingdom
* UK topics
* Queen Mary's Grammar School