Grammar schools in Aberdeenshire
There are no grammar schools in Aberdeenshire.
Grammar schools are state secondaries that select by ability, usually through an 11+ test. Only 46 of the 226 local authorities in the UK still have any — Aberdeenshire is one of the majority that does not, so local state secondaries admit without a selective test.
The nearest is Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith, about 183.5 miles away in Westmorland and Furness. Most grammar schools accept out-of-area applicants, though distance is often a tie-breaker when a school is oversubscribed.
Nearest grammar schools to Aberdeenshire
Straight-line distance from the centre of Aberdeenshire — not a travel time.
| School | Area | Distance | Intake | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith | Penrith | 183.5 miles | Mixed | Good |
| Larne Grammar School | LARNE | 216.2 miles | — | — |
| Ripon Grammar School | Ripon | 220.9 miles | Mixed | Good |
| Carrickfergus Grammar School | CARRICKFERGUS | 222.7 miles | — | — |
| Dalriada School | BALLYMONEY | 222.8 miles | — | — |
| Dominican College | PORTSTEWART | 223.0 miles | — | — |
Published admissions priorities
These are extracts from school-specific arrangements for the entry years shown, in priority order. They are not the full policy or a prediction of an offer. Check the linked arrangement for test eligibility, deadlines and all remaining priorities.
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith — 2026 entry
- Looked After/Previously Looked After Children (incl. state care outside England) (published source)
- Current Family Association: sibling attending the school at time of admission (published source)
- Up to 10 places (2 per form group, PAN 160): Pupil Premium/Service Premium students (published source)
Ripon Grammar School — 2026 entry
- Looked After/Previously Looked After Children who met the required standard (published source)
- Children with exceptional medical or social need (professional evidence required) (published source)
- Children of Ripon Grammar School staff (published source)
Schools in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire has 169 open schools. Browse all Aberdeenshire schools with Ofsted ratings, catchment areas and admission criteria, or see them on the map.
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT