For many families, an independent school makes a sensible backup, and the reason is practical: 11+ preparation overlaps heavily with independent school entrance exams. The same maths, English and reasoning skills are tested, so preparing once can open both the grammar and the private route at the same time. The main things to weigh are the fees, each school's own entrance test, and the timing, since independents run their own admissions on their own dates.
- Independent schools can be a sensible backup to the 11+.
- The preparation overlaps, so the same skills open both doors.
- Weigh the fees, plus any bursaries or scholarships.
- Each independent runs its own entrance test on its own dates.
Private school as a backup
Lining up an independent school alongside grammar applications gives your child more than one route to a place. If a grammar offer does not come through, a private place can be a strong alternative.
It is one of the calmer options to weigh in our wider guide to what happens if your child does not pass, because it can be set up in advance rather than scrambled for afterwards.
Why the prep overlaps
The big advantage is efficiency. Independent school entrance exams draw on the same core skills as the 11+, so a child preparing for grammar school is already building much of what private schools assess.
That means the work you are doing on the 11+ subjects largely does double duty. You may need to add a school-specific element, but the foundation carries over.
Fees are the obvious hurdle, but many independent schools offer means-tested bursaries or academic scholarships. If cost is a worry, ask the admissions team what support exists before ruling a school out.
The cost reality
There is no avoiding the main difference: independent schools charge fees, and they are a significant, ongoing commitment. This is the factor that decides it for most families.
That said, do not assume it is out of reach without checking. Bursaries and scholarships can change the picture, so it is worth a direct conversation rather than a guess.
Timing and entrance tests
Independents set their own entrance exams and deadlines, separate from the grammar 11+ calendar. Some use their own papers, others a shared format, and dates differ from school to school.
Treat each one as its own application with its own timeline, much as you would when tracking grammar registration deadlines. A simple grid of schools, tests and dates keeps it manageable.
Is it right for you?
Beyond cost, the question is fit. Visit, get a feel for the culture, and weigh whether the school suits your child as well as your budget.
The same clear-eyed thinking in our guide to choosing which schools to apply to applies to independents too. And because the skills overlap, steady daily practice with Pip prepares your child for both routes at once.