About Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is a state-funded selective grammar school in Colchester, Essex — one of the oldest schools in England, with origins traced to 1206 and royal charters from Henry VIII (1539) and Elizabeth I (1584). It educates around 950 pupils aged 11–18: boys from Year 7, with girls admitted to the co-educational sixth form. As a state school it charges no tuition fees (it is unusual in offering a small sixth-form boarding house, for which boarding fees apply).
Entry to Year 7 is by the CSSE 11+ — the shared entrance test of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, sat by all CSSE grammar schools. CRGS is highly oversubscribed and academically very strong, regularly topping national A-level tables. Places are offered to the highest scorers, with priority by distance under the Essex admissions criteria.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester Royal Grammar School Admissions Criteria
Colchester Royal Grammar School 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 Royal Grammar School 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 Royal Grammar School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Colchester Royal Grammar School 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 Royal Grammar School
Step 1 — Visit Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS)
Visit Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) — boys-only with mixed Sixth Form (founded 1206, one of oldest in England)
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
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 — Late registrations are NOT accepted under any circumstances
Late registrations are NOT accepted under any circumstances — ensure timely submission
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); Sat 20 Sep 2025 (for 2026 entry) — two papers: English (60 mins + 10 mins reading) and Maths (60 mins). No VR/NVR.
Step 6 — Receive test results in mid-October 2026 (for 2027 entry)
Receive test results in mid-October 2026 (for 2027 entry); Mon 13 Oct 2025 (for 2026 entry)
Step 7 — List CRGS as preferred choice
List CRGS as preferred choice on the Essex Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October 2026 (for 2027 entry)
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 Royal Grammar School
Catchment Area for Colchester Royal Grammar School
CRGS has no rigid catchment, but admission is heavily influenced by distance: among applicants who reach the qualifying CSSE score, places are offered by the Essex oversubscription criteria, with priority by straight-line distance from the school.
Confirm the current criteria and any priority arrangements in CRGS's admissions policy and the Essex secondary admissions booklet before applying.
Academic Performance at Colchester Royal Grammar School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
CRGS is one of the country’s top-performing state grammar schools, with excellent results at GCSE and A-Level.
- GCSE: around 88% of grades at 9–7 (A/A*), reflecting a highly selective intake.
- A-Level: around 96% 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
Tracing its origins to 1206 and granted royal charters by Henry VIII (1539) and Elizabeth I (1584), Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is one of the oldest schools in England — a highly selective state grammar school for boys aged 11–18, which admits girls into its co-educational Sixth Form. It combines a long academic tradition with strong pastoral care, and offers a small sixth-form boarding house alongside its day provision.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, spanning sport, music, drama, a Combined Cadet Force and a broad programme of clubs, societies and trips. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Colchester Royal Grammar School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Colchester Royal Grammar School for Year 7?
Register your son for the CSSE 11+ on the CSSE website during the registration window (for 2027 entry, 12 May – 19 June 2026), then name CRGS on your home Local Authority's Common Application Form by 31 October 2026.
What entrance test does CRGS 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 CRGS selective, and is it free?
Yes — it is a highly selective state grammar school, so it charges no tuition fees. It does offer a small sixth-form boarding house, for which boarding fees apply.
What score is needed?
The CSSE qualifying standardised score is around 303, but CRGS is very oversubscribed, so competitive scores are typically higher (around 310–320+).
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 for illness or religious observance.
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.
Does CRGS have a catchment area?
There is no fixed catchment; among applicants who reach the qualifying score, places are prioritised by straight-line distance from the school under the Essex criteria.
How can my child 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 Royal Grammar School
Colchester Royal Grammar School 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 Royal Grammar School 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.