Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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
Clitheroe Royal Grammar
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is a selective grammar school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18, based in the market town of Clitheroe, Lancashire. Known for its strong academic performance, the school provides a supportive, ambitious environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
Established in 1554, CRGS combines centuries of academic tradition with a forward-thinking approach to education. Pupils enjoy a well-balanced curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sport, music, drama and leadership opportunities.
The school manages its own admissions process and 11 Plus entrance exam independently, as it is not part of any grammar school consortium.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Clitheroe Royal Grammar
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Clitheroe Royal Grammar
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Clitheroe Royal Grammar
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 Clitheroe Royal Grammar
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Clitheroe Royal Grammar
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Clitheroe Royal Grammar
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Key Information
11 Plus Hero provides important information about Clitheroe Royal School, such as contact details, parking arrangements, and planned Year 7 intake.
School Address
Full Address:
Clitheroe Royal Grammar SchoolMain School
Chatburn Road
Clitheroe
BB7 2BA
Contact Information
Parking in the school
The school has its own car park, but this is often busy on open days/evenings and may be reserved for staff on exam days.
Additional parking off site
There is free street parking available on Miller Barn Lane, Rossendale, BB4 7AX, 5-minute walk to the school.
Further street parking is available on Spring Garden Street, Rossendale, BB4 7AR, 7-minute walk to the school
Clitheroe Royal Grammar Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Clitheroe Royal Grammar School was rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptional results through a broad and ambitious curriculum that promotes deep learning.
Teaching and curriculum: Expert teachers use strong subject knowledge and high expectations to help all pupils, including those with SEND, thrive.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils showing respect, motivation and pride in a calm, inclusive environment.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is highly effective, staff feel well supported, and safeguarding is proactive and thorough.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is determined by performance in the school’s own 11 Plus entrance exam, which usually takes place in late September of Year 6.
Test Overview
The entrance exam consists of two standardised multiple-choice papers. Both papers are sat on the same day and are designed to assess a broad range of academic abilities.
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Tests vocabulary, comprehension and logical thinking.
Paper Two
Numerical Reasoning: Assesses mathematical understanding, number skills and problem-solving.
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark; instead, pupils are ranked by score, and places are offered according to the school’s admissions criteria. In general, pupils need to score within the top 25% to be eligible for admission.
Catchment Area
CRGS has a defined catchment area but also accepts applications from outside this zone. Distance from the school is considered when allocating places.
Additional Eligibility
When there are more qualifying applicants than places available, the school uses the following oversubscription criteria:
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Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
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Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, including those previously in state care outside England, ranked by score.
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Pupils living in the immediate catchment area who are eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
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Pupils living in the immediate catchment area.
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Pupils living in the wider catchment area who are eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
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Pupils living in the wider catchment area.
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Pupils living outside the catchment area who are eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
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All other applicants living outside the catchment area.
Click to find out more about the Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Clitheroe Royal Grammar
To help your child feel ready and confident for the exam, it’s important to build their skills and familiarity with the test format over time. Here are some suggestions:
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 Clitheroe Royal Grammar. 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.
Key Events for Admission to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
We recommend keeping a record of the dates of key events that will help you secure a successful application to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Entrance Examination
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Clitheroe Royal Grammar Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Clitheroe Royal Grammar, 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 Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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 via the CRGS website. Registration typically opens in spring and closes shortly before the exam in September.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School FAQs
Parents must register their child directly with CRGS to take the school’s 11 Plus entrance exam, usually held in late September of Year 6.
The exam includes two multiple-choice papers in Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning, assessing logic, problem-solving and core academic skills.
Entry is highly competitive. Pupils typically need to achieve scores within the top 25% to qualify for admission.
Yes. CRGS has both an immediate and wider catchment area, but applications from outside these zones are also considered.