White British share of grammar school pupils drops to 44% as ethnic minorities rise
White British pupils now constitute 44% of England's grammar schools, down from 66% a decade ago, while enrolments from Indian, African and Chinese families have grown.
Recent Department for Education figures reveal that white British pupils now make up just 44% of England's grammar school population, a steep drop from 66% ten years earlier. Head teachers say many white British families are turning away from selective schools because they associate them with costly private tutoring and intense exam preparation, fearing their children cannot compete. In contrast, enrolments from Indian, African and Chinese families have risen sharply, reflecting high educational aspirations and readiness to commute.
Schools like Reading School in Berkshire and Pate's Grammar School in Gloucestershire have seen white British shares plunge from nearly half to single digits, while minority groups now account for a substantial share of intake. The trend is most pronounced in regions such as Kent, Greater Manchester, Essex, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and West Yorkshire. Officials note that misconceptions about the curriculum and the demanding admissions process also deter some families, contributing to the evolving demographic landscape.
Why it matters
The shift reshapes the social composition of elite schools and highlights growing inequality in access to selective education.
In this story
