Colchester Royal Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 128
Ofsted Rating: Good
Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is a leading selective grammar school for boys, with a co-educational sixth form. Founded in 1206, it is one of the oldest schools in the country and is celebrated for its academic excellence, exceptional exam results and strong record of university progression, including a high number of offers from Oxford and Cambridge.
The school provides a demanding and well-balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to excel both academically and personally, with opportunities in sport, music, debating and leadership helping to develop confidence and independence.
Situated in historic Colchester, CRGS blends tradition with modern facilities, including science laboratories, specialist classrooms, a sixth form centre and a sports pavilion. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all areas, the school is part of the CSSE consortium and admits students into Year 7 through the highly competitive 11 Plus entrance exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Colchester Royal Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Colchester Royal Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Colchester Royal Grammar 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 Colchester Royal Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Colchester Royal Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Colchester Royal Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Colchester Royal Grammar School Key Information
Below we list key information regarding Colchester Royal Grammar School, including the address of the school, key contact information and parking arrangements.
School Address
Full Address:
Colchester Royal Grammar School, Lexden RoadColchester
Essex
CO3 3ND
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking available on site at CRGS, accessible via Creffield Road. This can fill up at popular events and busy times; in the event the car park is full, please use the alternative parking venues listed below
Additional parking off site
Saint Mary’s Fields, Colchester CO3 (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Butt Road, 107 Butt Road, Colchester CO3 3DG (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Colchester Royal Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good overall - inspectors judged the boarding provision to be effective and meeting the requirements for “good.”
Academic strength: Academic outcomes are exceptional, with most boarders progressing to top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Teaching and curriculum: Boarders benefit from structured evening and weekend study that enhances achievement; individual needs are met well through tailored support and pastoral care.
Behaviour and culture: Boarders feel safe, respected, and well cared for, with a culture that does not tolerate discrimination and promotes independence and responsibility.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership has improved significantly, with a strong safeguarding culture, effective oversight, and well-trained staff. Minor issues remain regarding record-keeping, medicine storage, and fire door safety, but overall management and governance are strong.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test Format
Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is part of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) and uses the shared 11 Plus entrance process for Year 7 admissions.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test: Overview
The entrance exam includes two written papers. Each paper lasts about one hour and is marked by the CSSE. The tests are not multiple choice, and scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness.
Paper One
English: tests comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and creative writing
Paper Two
Mathematics: based on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test - 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | English (some verbal reasoning is included) | Maths | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark, and applicants are ranked according to their combined scores in both papers.
Catchment Area
Unlike other schools in the area, Colchester Royal Grammar School does not operate on a ‘catchment area’ or ‘priority area’ for admission to the school. Pupils can be admitted to the school who live in and outside of Essex. However, in the oversubscription criteria, children living closest to the school are prioritised, as outlined below.
Additional Eligibility
Candidates must sit the CSSE exam and achieve a competitive overall score. If more pupils qualify than there are places, the school applies the following oversubscription criteria:
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Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
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Up to 10 places for Pupil Premium students
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Other applicants ranked by test score, with distance from the school used as a tie-breaker
Click here to view the full Colchester Royal Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Colchester Royal Grammar School
Here are some tips to help your child prepare for the CSSE 11 Plus exam:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Colchester Royal Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Colchester Royal Grammar School Key Dates and Application Information
Deadlines are essential to keep to in the application and admission process to Colchester Royal Grammar School. Key dates are also useful to keep in mind, such as potential open days and results dates. At 11 Plus Hero, we understand this can be a lot for prospective students and parents, especially alongside exam preparation. For this reason, we regularly update key dates below.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
CCHS entrance test
Results Published
CAF Application Deadline
National Offer Day
Colchester Royal Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Colchester Royal Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Colchester Royal Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyCSSE 11+ Registration
Register for the entrance exam via the CSSE website. Registration opens on 13th May and closes on 28th June 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with https://passelevenplus.co.uk/app/uploads/2025/10/Colchester-Royal-Grammar-School-Admissions.pdf 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.
Colchester Royal Grammar School FAQs
Parents must register their child for the CSSE 11 Plus exam through the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex website. After results are released, Colchester Royal Grammar School should be listed as a preferred choice on the local authority application form.
The CSSE entrance test includes two written papers: English, which tests comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and creative writing, and mathematics, based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Each paper lasts about one hour and is age-standardised for fairness.
Entry to CRGS is very competitive, with many applicants each year for a limited number of places. Successful candidates usually achieve top combined standardised scores in the CSSE 11 Plus exam.
Yes. When there are more qualified applicants than places, the school gives priority to Looked After Children, up to 10 Pupil Premium applicants and then other candidates ranked by test score, with distance from the school used as a tie-breaker.