Grammar schools are a type of school in England, Wales and some other countries that provide secondary education for children aged 11 to 18 years old. The name comes from the Latin word “grammatica”, which means learning or book knowledge. Grammar schools were originally established to teach classical languages such as Greek and Latin, but now they offer a broad curriculum including sciences, humanities, arts, and sports.
In England, grammar schools are selective institutions that admit students based on their academic performance in an entrance examination called the 11-plus test. Students who pass this test can attend a grammar school for free, while those who do not pass must attend a local comprehensive school where they pay tuition fees.
Grammar schools have been criticized for being elitist and exacerbating social inequality by providing better education to some students at the expense of others. However, many people still view grammar schools as prestigious institutions that offer high-quality education and provide a pathway to success in life.