The Crossley Heath School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Good
The Crossley Heath School
The Crossley Heath School is a co-educational, state-funded grammar school in Halifax, West Yorkshire, with roots going back over 400 years. Created in 1985 through the merger of Heath Grammar School and Crossley and Porter, it aims to deliver academic excellence while nurturing confident, well-rounded students guided by the values of courage, excellence, and kindness.
With more than 1,100 pupils and 180 Year 7 places each year, the school provides a broad curriculum, a vibrant sixth form, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities including debating, sport, and its four-house system: Porter, Savile, Kings, and Queens. Rated Good by Ofsted, with behaviour judged Outstanding, the school is recognised for strong academic standards and positive personal development.
Admission is via the joint 11 Plus exam with North Halifax Grammar School, assessing English, Mathematics, and Creative Writing. Candidates must meet the qualifying standard in all three subjects and places are allocated according to oversubscription criteria, which prioritise looked-after children, Pupil Premium applicants in the Priority Admissions Area, and siblings. To apply, families must both register online for the entrance test and complete the Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF), listing The Crossley Heath School as a preference.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The Crossley Heath School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The Crossley Heath School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Crossley Heath School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for The Crossley Heath School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The Crossley Heath School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The Crossley Heath School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The Crossley Heath School Key Information
The Crossley Heath School – address, contact details, and parking information.
School Address
Full Address:
The Crossley Heath SchoolSavile Park
Halifax
West Yorkshire
HX3 0HG
Contact Information
Parking in the school
On-site parking is available at The Crossley Heath School.
Additional parking off site
The nearest public car park is located within a 10-minute walk of the school.
The Crossley Heath School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: The Crossley Heath School is rated Good overall, reflecting strong performance across most areas.
Academic strength: Pupils benefit from an ambitious curriculum with strong teaching, though consistency in assessment across all subjects still needs improvement.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have strong subject knowledge and deliver clear explanations, helping pupils make links in learning, but some subjects lack consistent oversight of progress.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is Outstanding, with pupils described as polite, respectful, and highly motivated to learn in a calm and purposeful environment.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders ensure effective safeguarding, support staff well-being, and maintain a clear strategic vision, though they are working to further strengthen curriculum oversight and assessment.
The Crossley Heath School 11 Plus Exam Format
To secure a place at The Crossley Heath School, your child will need to take the joint entrance exam with North Halifax Grammar School, which measures academic ability rather than following the primary school curriculum.
The Crossley Heath School 11 Plus Exam: Overview
Format
FSCE 11 Plus Entrance Test
The entrance exam consists of three papers: English, Mathematics, and Creative Writing. The English and Mathematics papers are multiple-choice, while the Creative Writing paper asks students to produce a written piece, each designed to assess different areas of your child’s academic ability.
The Crossley Heath School 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
After the entrance exams, each paper is marked and age-standardised to ensure fairness. A qualifying standard (pass mark) is set, and children must achieve this standard in all three subjects — English, Mathematics, and Creative Writing — to be considered for a place at The Crossley Heath School. However, meeting the pass mark does not guarantee admission, as the number of available places is limited and oversubscription criteria may apply.
Catchment Area
The Crossley Heath School does not have a formal catchment area. Places are offered first to children who meet the required standard in the entrance test, with priority given to looked after children, pupil premium applicants in the Priority Admissions Area, siblings, and then other applicants ranked by score and distance from the school.
Additional Eligibility
To apply for a Year 7 place at The Crossley Heath School, your child must be registered for the entrance test through the CHS or NHGS website and the school must be listed as a preference on your Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF).
If more children reach the qualifying standard than there are places available, priority is given in the following order:
- Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium who live in the Priority Admissions Area
- Children living in the Priority Admissions Area
- Children of staff employed at the school for at least two years (or recruited to a post with a proven skills shortage)
- Siblings of current pupils
- Children with exceptional medical or social needs, supported by evidence
- All other applicants, ranked by distance from the school
If two or more children are tied on score, those living closer to the school are given priority.
Click find out more about The Crossley Heath School’s admission policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Crossley Heath School
Preparing for the 11 Plus at The Crossley Heath School is key to giving your child the best chance of success. Starting early, focusing on core skills, and using practice materials can help build confidence and exam readiness.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows your child plenty of time to build skills gradually without added pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed practice papers so your child becomes familiar with the exam format and develops effective test-taking strategies.
Target Weak Areas
Track progress and focus extra time on subjects or question types your child finds more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
Reading regularly is a simple yet powerful way to expand vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and sharpen analytical thinking — all essential for success in The Crossley Heath School entrance test.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital tools provide tailored practice, instant feedback, and engaging activities that make learning more effective and enjoyable.
Best Chance of Success
Consistent, organised, and positive preparation will help your child feel confident and ready to perform at their best on exam day at The Crossley Heath School.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We are developing a network of local test centres to host in-person 11 Plus mock exams that mirror the format used by The Crossley Heath School. These sessions will give your child the opportunity to experience real exam conditions, boosting their confidence and improving performance. This service is not yet available, but you can register your interest using the form below, and we’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams launch in your area.
The Crossley Heath School’s Key Dates
Important dates for the 2026 entry exam and application process are outlined below.
Entrance Exam Registration Opens
Open Evening
Registration Deadline
Test Information will have been Received by Parents
Entrance Exam is Sat (All 3 Papers)
Parents Receive Exam Results
Common Application Form Deadline
Offers Sent out by Local Authority
The Crossley Heath School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place, please follow the steps outlined below.
Admissions Policy 2026
Be sure to read The Crossley Heath School Admissions Policy PDF so that you and your child are clear on the application process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Entrance Test
You must register online via the CHS or NHGS school website during the application window, which runs from 21st March to 27th June 2025. Registration by this deadline is essential for your child to sit the entrance test.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your Local Authority, with The Crossley Heath School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed — failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
The Crossley Heath School FAQs
You need to register your child for the joint entrance test (via the CHS or NHGS website between 21 March and 27 June 2025) and submit your Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October 2025, naming The Crossley Heath School as one of your preferences.
The FSCE entrance test includes three papers: English and Mathematics (both multiple-choice), and Creative Writing (a written task). Each paper is age-standardised, and pupils must reach the qualifying standard in all three subjects.
There are 180 Year 7 places available each year at The Crossley Heath School.
The school does not have a formal catchment area. If oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, pupil premium applicants in the Priority Admissions Area, siblings, and then other applicants based on score and distance from the school.