Colchester County High School for Girls 11 plus: a parents' guide for 2022

Founded in 1909, Colchester County High School for Girls has long been considered one of the premier grammar schools in Essex. This is a school where young women are inspired to learn, lead and explore.

Colchester County High School for Girls is a specialist school in both modern languages and science (its 'iLab' innovation laboratory is one of the few in the UK outside a university) and the school consistently scores highly in the UK league tables.

11 plus exam information for Colchester County High School for Girls

• Address: Colchester County High School for Girls, Norman Way, Colchester, Essex CO3 3US

• County: Essex

• Admissions info: [email protected]

• School type: girls’ grammar

• Number of pupils: 874

• Number of places in Year 7: 180 Exam board type: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE)

• Open days: not yet confirmed, but a virtual open evening is available to watch on the website

• Registration for entry in 2023: 17th May 2022

• Exam date for entry in 2023: 17th September 2022

• Deadline for applications for entry in 2023: applications must be submitted by 31st October 2022 to the child's home Local Authority

• Offers for entry in 2023: 1st March 2023

Colchester County High School for Girls term dates

The provisional term dates for Colchester County High School for Girls in 2022-23 are:

• Autumn term: 1st September – 20th December

• Half term: 24th - 28th October

• Spring term: 5th January – 31st March

• Half term: 13th - 17th February

• Summer term: 17th April - 21st July

• Half term: 29th May - 2nd June

The Colchester County High School for Girls 11 plus admissions process

Entry to Colchester County High School for Girls at 11 plus is decided by candidates’ performance in the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) exam, which covers English and maths, as well as elements of verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Children sit these exams in the September of Year 6. Applications to CCHSG must be submitted to the pupil’s home Local Authority by October 31st in the year prior to admission.

Families hoping to apply to Colchester County High School for Girls must also register with the CSSE so that their daughter can take the 11 plus exam. Registration forms can be completed online at the CSSE website. Registration opens in the May before the exam.

There are approximately 180 places in each Year 7 intake. Places are awarded in descending order from the highest performers down, but priority will be given to Looked After Children or Previously Looked After Children who score 320 or above in the entrance exam.

The next 20 places will be available to the highest-scoring applicants who are eligible for the pupil premium (i.e. those in receipt of free schools meals and who achieve a test score of 320 or more. The remaining places will be available to all other highest-scoring applicants in rank order of merit.

What is the Colchester County High School for Girls 11 plus exam format?

Colchester County High School for Girls uses the CSSE exam paper format. The exam consists of two papers, which assess Key Stage 2 English and Maths competency and skills.

The CSSE exam is similar to independent school admissions tests and the test may only be sat once. The papers are created by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex and are intended to challenge the depth and security of a student’s knowledge.

Find out more about what to expect from the CSSE 11 plus exam.

How do I prepare my child for the Colchester County High School for Girls 11 plus test?

To do well on the CSSE papers, girls will need a solid understanding of all elements covered in Key Stage 2 Maths and English. In addition to this they will be expected to ‘go deeper’ and to demonstrate skills in problem-solving, deduction, inference and continuous writing. More guidance about the exam can be found on the CSSE website.

Atom Learning can help your child prepare

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We know how crucial this time is, so our team is on hand to support you and your family every step of the way. You can book a call with one of our Education Experts to ask any questions you may have about the CSSE 11 plus or preparing for Colchester County High School for Girls:

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