Skipton Girls’ High School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 116
Ofsted Rating: Good
Skipton Girls’ High School
Skipton Girls’ High School is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in the North Yorkshire market town of Skipton. As part of the Northern Star Academies Trust, the school is recognised for academic strength and a focus on developing independence, innovation and resilience.
The curriculum is modern and dynamic, combining digital learning, sustainability and real-world problem-solving. Beyond the classroom, pupils can access a wide range of enrichment activities, including STEM clubs, sport, music and leadership opportunities.
With consistently strong GCSE and A-level results, Skipton Girls’ High School sees many students progress to leading universities across the UK. Admission into Year 7 is highly competitive, with places awarded through performance in the North Yorkshire 11 Plus exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Skipton Girls’ High School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Skipton Girls’ High School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Skipton Girls’ 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 Skipton Girls’ High School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Skipton Girls’ High School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Skipton Girls’ High School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Skipton Girls' Key Information
11 Plus Hero keeps you informed about key statistics and important developments at Skipton Girls’ through information provided by reliable external sources.
School Address
Full Address:
Skipton Girls' High SchoolGargrave Road
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 1QL
Contact Information
Parking in the school
The school has its own car park with limited availability. Spaces are reserved for staff on exam days.
Additional parking off site
There is limited free parking all the way up Gargrave Road.
Coach Street car park is nearby: Coach Street, BD23 1LE. Mon-Sun, up to 9 hours (£5.50).
Skipton Girls’ High School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good, with Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across a broad and ambitious curriculum, though depth of understanding varies between subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is strong overall, but curriculum delivery is more effective in some subjects than others, leading to variation in learning depth.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils showing respect, courtesy and enthusiasm for learning, supported by a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective and staff morale is high, though some monitoring and safeguarding record-keeping require improvement.
Skipton Girls' High School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Skipton Girls’ High School is determined by results in the 11 Plus exam, which is set and marked by FSCE.
Skipton Girls' High School Exam: Overview
The entrance test is held in September of Year 6 and consists of two papers.
Paper One
English and Maths questions with Multiple Choice Answer options
Paper Two
English and Maths questions where you respond with Short Written Answers
Skipton Girls' High School - 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark, but pupils must achieve a high enough ranking to be offered a place. Applicants are considered equally whether they come from local schools or further afield.
Catchment Area
Priority is given to applicants who have passed the selection test and live closest to the school. In previous years, candidates living in the designated priority area who reached the required standard across the three papers have been offered a place.
Additional Eligibility
Admission depends entirely on performance in the 11 Plus exam. If more candidates qualify than there are places available, oversubscription rules are applied in this order:
-
Looked-after and previously looked-after children who achieve the required score
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium
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Applicants living in the school’s designated catchment area, ranked by score
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Other candidates, ranked by score regardless of location
Where candidates achieve the same standardised score, distance from the school may be used as a tie-breaker. Click here to read the full Skipton Girls’ High School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Skipton Girls’ High School
Supporting your child with the Skipton Girls’ High School admissions process boosts confidence and exam performance. Use the resources below for guidance, including tips, past papers, tuition options and more.
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 Skipton Girls’ 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.
Key Events for Admission to Skipton Girls' High School
The following dates and deadlines for Skipton Girls’ have been recorded by 11 Plus Hero so you can see everything you need to know for admission at a glance.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Selection tests at Skipton Girls' High School
Results Published
CAF Application Deadline
National Offer Day
Skipton Girls’ High School Application Process
Applying for a Year 7 place at Skipton Girls’ High School involves the following steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Skipton Girls’ High School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the 11 Plus exam
Parents must complete the online registration form, available through the school or North Yorkshire Council website. The form must be submitted before the stated deadline for your child to be eligible to sit the entrance test.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
The CAF must be completed through your local authority by 31 October 2025. Make sure to list Skipton Girls’ High School as one of your preferences when applying.
Skipton Girls’ High School FAQs
You must register for the 11 Plus test via the school website during the summer before Year 6, and also submit the Common Application Form (CAF) naming SGHS by 31 October.
The test is provided by FSCE, includes three papers in English, Maths and Creative Writing, all tested on one day in September.
Very competitive. There are around 116 places for Year 7. Many applicants exceed that number, so only the highest ranked pupils (by test score) are offered places.
Yes. Priority is given to girls living within the school’s designated “priority area” (sometimes referred to as catchment). Outside-area applicants are considered but ranked after in-area applicants.