Colchester Royal Grammar School 11 plus: a parents' guide for 2022

Founded in 1206 and nestled in the heart of the city of Colchester, Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) was granted Royal Charters from both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

CRGS gives boys aged 11-18 the opportunity to study and learn at the highest level, with a thriving co-educational sixth form. The school values compassion, respect, generosity and support and is praised for its impressive facilities, results and extracurricular programmes.

Colchester Royal Grammar School became an Academy Trust in 2012.

11 plus exam information for Colchester Royal Grammar School

• Address: Colchester Royal Grammar School, Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex CO3 3ND

• County: Essex

• Admissions info: [email protected]

• School type: boys’ grammar with co-educational sixth form

• Number of pupils: 810

• Number of places in Year 7: 120

• Exam board type: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE)

• Open days: not yet confirmed

• 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 Royal Grammar School term dates

The 2022-23 term dates for Colchester Royal Grammar School are:

• Autumn term: 5th September - 20th December

• Half term: 24th - 28th October

• Spring term: 6th January - 31st March

• Half term: 13th - 17th February

• Summer term: 18th April - 14th July

• Half term: 29th May - 2nd June

The Colchester Royal Grammar School 11 plus admissions process

Entry for Colchester Royal Grammar School at 11 plus is decided by the candidate's performance in the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) exam, which covers English and Maths. These exams take place in September of Year 6. Applications to CRGS 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 Royal Grammar School must also register with the CSSE so that their son can take the 11 plus exam. Registration forms can be completed online at the CSSE website. Registration commences in the May before the exam.

There are approximately 120 places in each Year 7 intake. Places are awarded in descending order from the highest performers down. Up to 12 places will be prioritised for pupils who have named CRGS as a preferred school and have achieved a score of greater than 320 in the entrance exam, in addition to at least one of the following categories:

For more information, please refer to the Colchester Royal Grammar School admissions policy.

What is the Colchester Royal Grammar School 11 plus exam format?

Colchester Royal Grammar School uses the CSSE exam paper format. Consisting of two papers, the CSSE 11 plus test assesses 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 Royal Grammar School 11 plus test?

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

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