The Crypt School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
The Crypt School
The Crypt School is a co-educational grammar school in Gloucester with a long history of academic excellence and community values. Established in 1539, it is one of the oldest schools in Gloucestershire and is known for its strong teaching, pastoral care and inclusive ethos.
Since becoming fully co-educational in 2018, The Crypt has offered places to both boys and girls from Year 7. The school provides a broad curriculum, excellent facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities that support both academic achievement and personal growth.
As a member of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium, The Crypt uses the shared 11 Plus entrance test, which determines entry for all grammar schools across the county.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The Crypt School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The Crypt School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Crypt 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 Crypt School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The Crypt School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The Crypt School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The Crypt School Key Information
Below, we list key information regarding The Crypt School, including direct contact details, parking information and relevant statistics for prospective students.
School Address
Full Address:
The Crypt School, Podsmead RoadGloucester
Gloucestershire
GL2 5AE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is some parking available at The Crypt School; the staff car park at the front of the school can be used. It is recommended to park at the school or on adjoining roads. Alternative parking venues can be found within a 30 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
- Tesco, 125 Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5SY (Opening Times: 06:00-23:00)
- Gloucester Quays Retail Park, St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SF (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 08:00-20:00 & Sun 11:00-17:00)
The Crypt School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: The Crypt School was rated Outstanding in all areas, including quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership, and sixth-form provision.
Academic strength: Pupils receive an exceptional education supported by expert teaching, an ambitious curriculum, and strong academic outcomes across all subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Students demonstrate exemplary behaviour, resilience, and respect, contributing to a highly positive and inclusive school environment.
Behaviour and culture: The school offers extensive extracurricular and leadership opportunities that help pupils develop confidence, character, and responsibility.
Leadership and safeguarding: Strong leadership and a shared vision across the trust ensure continued excellence, professional development for staff, and outstanding support for all pupils, including those with SEND.
The Crypt School 11+ Format
Admission to Year 7 at The Crypt School is based on the results of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test, which is administered by GL Assessment and shared by all grammar schools in the county.
The Crypt School 11+: Overview
The entrance test consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting approximately 45 to 50 minutes, with a short break between them. Both papers are sat on the same day, and students are given time before each section to review instructions and sample questions..
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Tests vocabulary, comprehension, and logical thinking.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics: Assesses numerical reasoning, spatial awareness, and pattern recognition.
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, candidates are ranked according to their standardised scores, and places are allocated in line with The Crypt School’s admissions criteria.
Catchment Area
The Crypt School does not have a specific catchment area. However, if more students qualify than there are available places, distance from the school may be considered. Typically, pupils who achieve scores within the top 25% are eligible for entry.
Additional Eligibility
The Crypt School does not have a specific catchment area. However, if more students qualify than there are available places, distance from the school may be considered. Typically, pupils who achieve scores within the top 25% are eligible for entry.
Places are then offered in the following order of priority:
-
Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
-
Looked-after or previously looked-after children
-
Candidates eligible for Pupil Premium who meet the qualifying standard
-
Children of staff employed at the school
-
All other candidates who meet the qualifying standard, ranked by test score
For full details, families should refer to The Crypt School’s official admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Crypt School
Good preparation can make a real difference to your child’s confidence and exam results. Here are some effective ways to help them get ready:
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 The Crypt 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.
The Crypt School Key Dates and Application Information
Deadlines relating to entry to The Crypt School are necessary to keep to in the application and admissions process to The Crypt School. Here we list key dates needed for prospective students and parents.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Entrance Examination
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
The Crypt School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at The Crypt 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 The Henrietta Barnett School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register for the entrance exam through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' website. Registration usually opens in the spring and closes a few weeks before the test date in September.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with The Crypt 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 Crypt School FAQs
To apply, families must complete two steps: register for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools entrance test through The Crypt School website, and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) via your local authority. Both steps must be completed for your child to be considered for a place.
The entrance exam includes two multiple-choice papers provided by GL Assessment. These test verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning. Each paper lasts around 45 to 50 minutes and both are taken on the same day, usually in September.
Entry is selective, and competition can be strong. Pupils are ranked by their standardised test scores rather than a fixed pass mark. Typically, those scoring within the top 25% of applicants are considered for places, depending on the number of available spaces.
The Crypt School does not have a fixed catchment area. However, if more applicants meet the qualifying standard than there are places, distance from the school may be used to decide between candidates.