Ribston Hall High School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 150
Competition: Very High
Ofsted Rating: Good
Ribston Hall High School
Ribston Hall High School is a selective girls’ grammar school based in Gloucester, with boys admitted into the co-educational sixth form. The school is recognised for its strong academic results and focus on student wellbeing, leadership and character development.
Established in 1921, Ribston Hall combines a proud history with a modern, inclusive approach to education. Its supportive environment, broad curriculum and wide range of enrichment activities help students excel both academically and personally.
As a member of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium, Ribston Hall uses the same 11 Plus entrance test as other grammar schools in the county.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Ribston Hall High School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Ribston Hall High School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Ribston Hall High 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 Ribston Hall High School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Ribston Hall High School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Ribston Hall High School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Ribston Hall High School Key Information
In this section, we regularly update key information for prospective students and their parents in the admissions process to Ribston Hall High School.
School Address
Full Address:
Ribston Hall High School, Stroud RoadGloucester
GL1 5LE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no parking available on the school site. It is recommended to park on adjoining roads. However it is a residential area, so one must be careful not to obstruct the drives of neighbouring houses. If alternative parking venues are needed, they can be found within a 30 minute walk:
- Tesco, 125 Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL1 5SY (Opening Times: Mon-Sun 06:00-23:00)
- Aldi, Clifton Road, Linden, Gloucester, Gl1 5BJ (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 08:00-22:00 & Sun 11:00-17:00)
Ribston Hall High School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Ribston Hall High School continues to be rated Good following its latest inspection.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across a broad and balanced curriculum, with particular success in modern foreign languages and sixth form studies.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are generally well planned with effective sequencing, though assessment consistency varies between subjects.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils show excellent behaviour, respect and enthusiasm for learning in a calm, inclusive environment that promotes compassion and tolerance.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong, with a clear focus on pupil wellbeing and safety, though communication with parents could be improved.
Ribston Hall High School 11+ Format
Entry to Year 7 at Ribston Hall High School is determined by performance in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test, which is administered by GL Assessment and used by all grammar schools in the county.
Ribston Hall High School 11+: Overview
The entrance test is made up of two multiple-choice papers assessing. Each paper lasts approximately 45 to 50 minutes, with a short break in between. Time is given before each paper to review instructions and complete example questions.
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary, comprehension and logical thinking.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths: Numerical reasoning, pattern recognition and visual problem-solving.
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools CEM 11+ - CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Numerical Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark. Instead, pupils are ranked by their standardised scores, and places are allocated according to the school’s admissions criteria.
Catchment Area
Ribston Hall does not have a formal catchment area, but distance from the school may be considered if there are more qualifying applicants than available places. Typically, candidates who score in the top 25% are considered for entry.
Additional Eligibility
Ribston Hall does not have a formal catchment area, but distance from the school may be considered if there are more qualifying applicants than available places. Typically, candidates who score in the top 25% are considered for entry.
If more pupils qualify than there are places, offers are made in the following order:
-
Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school.
-
Looked After, Previously Looked After, or Internationally Adopted Previously Looked After Children.
-
Pupil Premium Candidates (up to 30 places available or within 100 ranks below the qualifying standard):
-
a. Pupils living in Gloucester postcodes GL1, GL2, GL3, GL4 (rank order).
-
b. Pupils living outside these postcodes (rank order).
-
-
All other candidates by rank order of score within the qualifying standard.
For full details, families should refer to the official Ribston Hall High School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Ribston Hall High School
Preparation can make a big difference to your child’s confidence and performance in the entrance exam. Here are some useful tips:
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 Ribston Hall High 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.
Ribston Hall High School’s Key Dates and Application Information
In the application and admissions process to Gloucestershire Grammar Schools, Ribston Hall High School inclusive, dates and deadlines are vital to keep to, ensuring your child is registered for their 11+ and applications are sent off on time.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Entrance Examination
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Ribston Hall High School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Ribston Hall High 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 Ribston Hall High School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Registration is completed via the Gloucestershire County Council website. It usually opens in spring and closes shortly before the exam in September.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This must be submitted through your local authority’s website, listing Ribston Hall High School as one of your preferences. The deadline for the CAF is 31 October.
Ribston Hall High School FAQs
To apply, parents must register their child for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test through the Ribston Hall High School website. After registration, the Common Application Form (CAF) must also be submitted to your local authority by 31 October, listing Ribston Hall as one of your preferences. Both steps must be completed for the application to be valid.
The entrance test consists of two multiple-choice papers set by GL Assessment. These cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning. Each paper lasts about 45 to 50 minutes and both are taken on the same day, with a short break in between.
Entry is competitive, as places are offered based on ranked standardised scores. Typically, pupils need to achieve a result within the top 25% of applicants to be considered for a place. The exact qualifying score varies each year depending on overall performance and demand.
Ribston Hall does not operate a strict catchment area, but distance from the school may be used as a deciding factor when there are more qualifying candidates than available places. Priority is also given to pupils eligible for Pupil Premium who meet the qualifying standard.