Best Grammar Schools in Berkshire in 2026

There are six state grammar schools. Two are in Reading: Reading School (boys) and Kendrick School (girls). Four are in Slough, and they work together as the Slough Consortium: Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar School, St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School and Upton Court Grammar School. Reading School and Kendrick School are the most selective. 

Are you looking for the best grammar schools in Berkshire? In this guide, you will find the full list, how many there are, how each school selects pupils, and what to do next.

Are there grammar schools in Berkshire?

Yes, there are. Berkshire is one of the few places in England where you can still find state grammar schools. They are free to attend, and children get in by doing well in an entrance test, not by living close to the school or paying fees.

The grammar schools sit in two towns. Reading has two, and Slough has four. The rest of Berkshire, such as Newbury, Wokingham, Maidenhead and Bracknell, does not have its own grammar school. Many families in those areas travel to Reading or Slough, or look at schools just over the border.

One more thing to know. Berkshire is made up of six local council areas, and each runs its own school applications. That can feel confusing, so we explain the steps clearly later in this guide.

How many grammar schools are there in Berkshire?

There are six state grammar schools in Berkshire.

List of grammar schools in Berkshire

Here is the full list of grammar schools in Berkshire.

Grammar schools in Reading

Reading has two selective state grammar schools: Reading School for boys and Kendrick School for girls. They run their own tests, and you must register with each school separately before you apply.

Reading School

Reading School is a boys' grammar school with day places and boarding places. Here are the dates for September 2027 entry, from the school's own admissions page.

Reading School tests earlier than most schools. Its main test is in July, at the end of Year 5, not in the autumn of Year 6. 

Registering for the test is not the same as applying for a place. You must do both. The school's test is made with a company called FSCE. Guides to the test say it covers what children should know by the end of Year 5, plus how they think. Check the school's website for the familiarisation guides it publishes, so your child knows what to expect.

Kendrick School

Kendrick School is a selective girls' school with academy status, and it runs its own admission test. For September 2027 entry, the school's admissions policy says:

• The online registration for the test opened on 1 May 2026 and closed at midnight on Wednesday 1 July 2026.

• The admission tests take place in the autumn of 2026.

• A girl's date of birth would normally fall between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016.

• The admission number for Year 7 is 128 places.

Families must also apply through their home local council, even after registering for the test.

Grammar schools in Slough: The Slough Consortium

Slough has four grammar schools: Herschel, Langley, St Bernard's Catholic and Upton Court. They work together as the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools. This is good news for families, because your child sits only one test, no matter how many of the four schools you choose.

A score of 111 means your child is eligible to be considered. It does not guarantee a place, because each school also uses its own admissions rules to decide who gets offered a place.

Berkshire grammar schools key dates for 2027 Entry

If your child is in Year 6 now, these are the dates that matter for September 2027 entry. Most of the tests have already happened, so the next big step is your application.

Is your child in Year 5? Plan for 2028 entry

If your child is in Year 5 now, you are in a great position. Your child will apply for September 2028 entry. The dates for that year are not published yet, but past years show a pattern.

The summer before Year 6 is a great chance to build skills without school pressure. Our 11 plus intensive summer course brings the key topics together in a focused, friendly way, so children start Year 6 feeling ready.

How to apply to Berkshire grammar schools step by step

1. Visit the schools

Go to open days and evenings. Reading School usually holds its open day in the spring, and the Slough schools hold open evenings in the autumn.

2. Register for each entry test

Reading School and Kendrick School each have their own registration. The four Slough schools share one registration. Windows are short, so write the dates down.

3. Sit the test and get the result

Results usually arrive in October. You will see whether your child reached the qualifying score.

4. Apply through your home council by 31 October

List your schools in order of preference. Berkshire has six council areas, so apply to the one where you live.

5. Wait for National Offer Day

Offers are sent on 1 March 2027. Accept your place by the date in your offer letter.

How to prepare for Berkshire grammar school tests

Because Berkshire's tests are different from one school group to the next, the best plan is to build strong English, maths and reasoning skills, and then practise the style of each test. Here are five ideas.

1. Start with something free

Try our 11+ free practice papers to see which topics feel easy and which need more time. The Slough Consortium also offers its own free familiarisation materials, so use those too.

2. Practise the style of real questions

Our 11+ past papers help children get used to multiple-choice English, maths and reasoning questions. Reading School has its own special test, so no practice paper matches it exactly, but they build the same skills.

3. Get used to exam conditions

Our 11 plus mocks let children practise working to a timer in a quiet room, so test day feels familiar and calm.

4. Read every day

Reading builds vocabulary and comprehension for every type of test. Mix stories, poems, fact books and children's news.

5. Get friendly expert help

Our 11 plus tuition helps children understand each topic and practise at a gentle pace. It is open to families across the UK online, including in Berkshire. If you are close to us, you can also meet our 11 plus tutors in Birmingham.

Final thoughts

The best grammar schools in Berkshire are the six state grammar schools: Reading School, Kendrick School, Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar School, St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School and Upton Court Grammar School. There is no top 10, because six is all there are, and the best one is the one that fits your child.

Check each school's own dates, register on time and apply by 31 October. Most of all, keep your child happy and confident along the way. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we are always here to help you plan the next step.