About Colchester County High School for Girls
Colchester County High School for Girls (CCHSG) is a state-funded selective grammar school for girls with academy status in Colchester, Essex, founded in 1909 and specialising in science and languages. It educates around 870 pupils aged 11–18 and consistently ranks among the country's top-performing schools. As a state school it charges no fees.
Entry to Year 7 is by the CSSE 11+ — the shared entrance test of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. CCHSG admits 192 girls a year and uses a 25-mile priority area: most places go to girls within the priority area, with a number reserved for those outside it, all ranked by CSSE score.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Colchester County High School for Girls
Colchester County High School for Girls Admissions Criteria
Colchester County High School for Girls is a state‑funded selective grammar school. Entry to Year 7 is by the CSSE 11+ (the shared entrance test of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) — there are no fees, and there are no scholarships, bursaries or interviews. You apply through your home local authority’s Common Application Form.
Colchester County High School for Girls Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Colchester County High School for Girls.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Colchester County High School for Girls 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 CSSE 11+ test | September of Year 6 (see CSSE dates) |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Colchester County High School for Girls
Step 1 — Visit Colchester County High School for Girls (CCHSG)
Visit Colchester County High School for Girls (CCHSG) — state girls' grammar school in Colchester, Essex
Step 2 — Register for the CSSE 11+ test via the CSSE Supplementary
Register for the CSSE 11+ test via the CSSE Supplementary Information Form (SIF) on the CSSE website (CCHSG is a CSSE member)
Step 3 — CSSE registration for 2027 entry opens May 2026
CSSE registration for 2027 entry opens May 2026 (for 2026 entry: opened Tue 13 May 2025, closed Fri 27 June 2025)
Step 4 — Submit CCHSG's own SIF for Looked After Children
Submit CCHSG's own SIF for Looked After Children, Previously LAC, and other priority categories
Step 5 — Sit the CSSE 11+ test on Saturday 19 September 2026 (for 2027 entry)
Sit the CSSE 11+ test on Saturday 19 September 2026 (for 2027 entry) — English + Maths
Step 6 — Receive test results emailed in mid-October
Receive test results emailed in mid-October
Step 7 — List CCHSG on the Essex Common Application Form (CAF
List CCHSG on the Essex Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October 2026
Step 8 — Receive offer on National Offer Day (1 March)
Receive offer on National Offer Day (1 March) — no tuition fees
Subjects Tested at Colchester County High School for Girls
Catchment Area for Colchester County High School for Girls
CCHSG uses a large 25-mile priority area measured in a straight line from the school. Among girls who reach the qualifying CSSE score, those living within the priority area are prioritised, with a number of places reserved for those outside it.
You must have lived within the priority area by 31 October of Year 6 to count as in-area; confirm the current priority-area map and place split in CCHSG's admissions policy.
Academic Performance at Colchester County High School for Girls (GCSE & A-Level Results)
CCHSG is consistently one of the country’s top-performing state grammar schools, with excellent results at GCSE and A-Level.
- GCSE: around 86% of grades at 9–7 (A/A*), reflecting a highly selective intake.
- A-Level: around 84% of entries at A*–B, with most leavers progressing to leading universities.
- Progression: the great majority progress to Russell Group and other leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1909, Colchester County High School for Girls (CCHSG) is a highly selective state grammar school for girls aged 11–18, with academy status and a specialism in science and languages. One of the country’s consistently top-performing schools, it pairs high academic expectations with strong pastoral care within a supportive community of around 870 pupils.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, spanning sport, music, drama and a broad programme of clubs, societies and trips. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Colchester County High School for Girls — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to CCHSG for Year 7?
Register your daughter for the CSSE 11+ on the CSSE website during the registration window (May/June), then name CCHSG on your home Local Authority's Common Application Form by 31 October 2026.
What entrance test does CCHSG use?
The CSSE 11+ — the shared entrance test of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, set and marked by the Consortium itself. Two written papers: English (60 minutes) and Mathematics (60 minutes); there is no Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Is CCHSG selective, and is it free?
Yes — it is a highly selective state grammar school for girls, so it charges no fees.
How many places are there, and what score is needed?
CCHSG admits 192 girls a year. The consortium qualifying score is 303, but CCHSG applies a higher minimum of 320, and competition for places is intense.
Does CCHSG have a catchment area?
It uses a 25-mile priority area (straight line from the school); most places go to girls within it, with a number reserved for those outside, all ranked by CSSE score.
When is the CSSE test?
For September 2027 entry, the CSSE 11+ is on Saturday 19 September 2026, with a reserve date of 29 September 2026.
When are results released?
CSSE results are sent in mid-October 2026, before the Local Authority preference deadline of 31 October 2026.
When is National Offer Day in 2027?
1 March 2027, when your Local Authority tells you which secondary place your child has been allocated.
How can my daughter prepare for the CSSE 11+?
Practise CSSE-style English (comprehension and creative writing) and Mathematics under timed, written conditions. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.
11+ Practice Papers for Colchester County High School for Girls
Colchester County High School for Girls uses the CSSE 11+ (English and Mathematics). Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Colchester County High School for Girls 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.