Croxley Danes School 11+ guide

Are you thinking about applying to Croxley Danes School? Find out everything you need to know about the entry process and how to prepare your child for the music aptitude test.

Key information for Croxley Danes School

• School type: co-educational partially-selective school
• Location: Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
• Admissions contact: [email protected]
• Number of places in Year 7: 240
• Aptitude test: South West Hertfordshire Schools Consortium music aptitude test
• Catchment area: no

Important dates for 2027 entry

• Wednesday 1st April 2026: music test registration opens
• Friday 5th June 2026: music test registration closes
• Monday 7th September 2026: music aptitude test (first round)
• Thursday 17th September 2026: parents receive first round music test results
• Monday 21st to Friday 25th September 2026: music aptitude test (second round)
• Thursday 15th October 2026: parents receive second round music test results
• Saturday 31st October 2026: deadline to apply for secondary school places
• Monday 1st March 2027: secondary school national offers day

How to apply to Croxley Danes School

Croxley Danes School is a partially-selective school. The majority of places in Year 7 are offered to children based on distance from the school. However, up to 10% of places are reserved for children who demonstrate musical aptitude through the South West Herts Schools Consortium music aptitude test.

You must register your child for the music aptitude test if you wish to be considered for one of these places. Registration opens on Wednesday 1st April 2026 and closes on Friday 5th June 2026. A link to register will be available on the school website during the registration window.

The first round music test will take place on Monday 7th September 2026. You'll be notified of your child's results on Thursday 17th September 2026 at around noon. Children who score highly in the first round are invited to the second round, which takes place between Monday 21st and Friday 25th September 2026. Final results will be sent to you on Thursday 15th October 2026 at around noon.

To apply for a place at Croxley Danes School, you'll need to name the school on your common application form. This must be submitted to your local authority by Saturday 31st October 2026.

We've outlined the process for Croxley Danes School below.

What will my child be tested on?

Croxley Danes School uses only the music aptitude test from the South West Herts Schools Consortium. There is no academic ability test for this school.

The music aptitude test has two stages: 

• The first stage is a written test lasting around 45 minutes. There are 60 questions across four sections, played on a CD. These questions assess pitch, melody, texture, and rhythm.
• Children who score highly in the first stage are invited to the second stage, where they will need to perform a piece of music no longer than three minutes.

For more details, take a look at our South West Hertfordshire 11+ guide.

How are places allocated at Croxley Danes School?

On Thursday 15th October 2026, you'll receive your child's music aptitude test results.

Up to 10% of Year 7 places at Croxley Danes are reserved for children who demonstrate musical aptitude. Places are allocated in a particular order. Details are available in Croxley Danes School's admissions policy.

Does Croxley Danes School have a catchment area?

Croxley Danes School does not have a formal catchment area. Most places are offered based on distance from the school, with children living closest prioritised.

If you don't live close to the school, it's important to think about how your child will get there every day. How long will the journey take? What transport options are available? Will they be travelling independently or with support?

A longer or more complex journey can affect your child's daily routine, including how much time they have for homework, rest, and after-school activities. It's a good idea to think about how manageable the school run will be and whether it will work for your family day to day.

How can I help my child prepare for Croxley Danes School?

Croxley Danes School is an all-ability school, so your child doesn't need to pass an academic exam to apply for a place. However, if you're applying for one of the music aptitude places, here's how you can help your child prepare for the test.

Prepare for the music aptitude test

The first round of the music aptitude test assesses pitch, melody, texture, and rhythm through 60 listening questions. Your child doesn't need to be able to read music or play an instrument to do well in the first stage, but regular listening to a wide variety of music can help them tune their ear to the kinds of differences the test asks them to identify.

If your child is invited to the second round, they'll need to perform a piece of music of their choice, lasting no longer than three minutes. This is a great opportunity for children who already play an instrument or sing to showcase their ability. Choosing a piece they know well and have had time to practise will help them feel confident on the day.

Prepare for Year 7

Whether or not your child is applying for a music aptitude place, the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is a big step. There's no harm in using this time to help them feel ready for secondary school.

Building a strong knowledge base before starting Year 7 will help your child settle in with confidence. Two areas worth focusing on are:

• English: encouraging regular reading across a range of genres and authors will help your child build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and get comfortable with different styles of writing.
• Maths: consolidating the Year 6 curriculum — including topics like ratio and proportion, order of operations, and probability — will give your child a strong foundation for Key Stage 3.

Atom's English, maths and science programme is designed to help children aged 7–11 build confidence in core subjects and walk into secondary school feeling prepared. It adapts to your child's level, provides clear weekly goals, and lets you track their progress across topics, so you always know they're moving in the right direction.