Colchester Royal Grammar School — 11+ Year 7 entry & how to prepare

Colchester, Essex · Boys · Ofsted Exempt (formerly Outstanding) · 128 Year 7 places · Attainment 8 82.1 (2025)

The test

CSSE 11+ — CSSE's own papers.

English (60 min + 10 min reading) and Maths (60 min), weighted 50/50. Includes continuous writing within English. No reasoning papers. KS2-based. (Applied Reasoning questions were removed from the English paper from 2025 entry.)

How to apply

One CSSE registration (csse.org.uk) covers all member schools — May–June of Year 5. Test third Saturday of September. No catchment: pure score rank.

Preparation

CSSE publishes free familiarisation papers and sells official practice packs (free to FSM families).

Common questions

What test does Colchester Royal Grammar School use for Year 7 entry?

CSSE 11+ (CSSE's own papers). English (60 min + 10 min reading) and Maths (60 min), weighted 50/50. Includes continuous writing within English. No reasoning papers. KS2-based. (Applied Reasoning questions were removed from the English paper from 2025 entry.)

How do you apply to Colchester Royal Grammar School?

One CSSE registration (csse.org.uk) covers all member schools — May–June of Year 5. Test third Saturday of September. No catchment: pure score rank.

Is preparation allowed for Colchester Royal Grammar School?

CSSE publishes free familiarisation papers and sells official practice packs (free to FSM families).

School details last checked 2026-07. Always confirm on the school's own admissions page before applying.