About Colfe's School
Colfe's School is a leading independent co-educational school in Lee, South London, founded in 1652. As an independent school, fees apply. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own entrance examination. Colfe's is known for its strong academic results, outstanding music and a wide range of sports and activities.
Colfe's School provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 80.1%. A-Level A*–B: 95.3%.
About Admissions to Colfe’s School
Colfe’s School is a co‑educational independent day school in Lee, south‑east London, founded in 1652 — one of the oldest schools in London. As an independent school, fees apply, and a range of academic and other scholarships and bursaries is available.
Entry to Year 7 (11+) is by Colfe’s own entrance examination (in English and Mathematics) together with the school’s own admissions process. You apply directly to the school — not through a local‑authority Common Application Form — so check the school’s website for registration deadlines and assessment dates.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Colfe's School
Colfe's School Admissions Criteria
Colfe's School is a leading independent co-educational school in Lee, South London, founded in 1652. As an independent school, fees apply. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own entrance examination. Colfe's is known for its strong academic results, outstanding music and a wide range of sports and activities.
- ✓Register with Colfe's School via their admissions office (colfes.com) — registration typically opens in September/October (Year 5).
- ✓Sit the 11+ entrance examination: English and Mathematics papers, plus a short verbal and non-verbal reasoning component.
- ✓Attend an interview (shortlisted candidates).
- ✓Academic, Art, Music, Sport and Drama scholarships available.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries: Colfe's Foundation offers bursaries up to 100% of fees for academically able pupils from lower-income families.
- ✓The school also offers a number of 'Means-Tested Assisted Places' — contact the admissions office for details.
- ✓Open mornings held in October and November — book via the website.
Colfe's School Oversubscription Criteria
Colfe’s is typically oversubscribed. Places are offered on the basis of performance in the entrance assessment and the school’s published admissions criteria. Offers are based on performance in Colfe’s own entrance assessment together with the school’s admissions criteria.
- Looked-after / previously looked-after children (highest priority by law)
- Children who achieve the required standard in the entrance test (above the qualifying standard set by Colfe's School)
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals Entitlement (FSME)
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Children with sibling(s) currently attending the school
- Children of staff (where staff member has worked at the school for 2+ years)
- Children ranked by total standardised score (highest first) up to the published admission number
- Tiebreak: distance from home to school (straight-line measurement) for children with equal scores
Key Dates & Deadlines — Colfe's School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2025 via individual school portals |
| 📌 Registration closes | Mid-July 2025 (see the school’s website) |
| 📌 Colfe’s entrance assessment Test | Mid-September 2025 (varies — Sutton, Kingston, Wallington consortiums have different dates) |
| 📌 Test results released | Mid-October 2025 |
| 📌 CAF deadline (apply via Local Authority) | Friday 31 October 2025 |
| 📌 School sends offers | From the school directly |
How to Apply to Colfe's School
Step 1 — Register your child directly with Colfe’s School
Register through your regional 11+ portal (e.g. London) when registration opens. Closes Mid-July 2025 (see the school’s website). A registration fee may apply for the entrance assessment — check with the school.
Step 2 — Attend an Open Day at Colfe's School
Visit during Year 5 or early Year 6 to meet staff and pupils and decide whether to list this school on your CAF.
Step 3 — Sit the GL Assessment Entrance Test
Your child sits the GL Assessment in Mid-September 2025. The test typically covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with standardised scores age-adjusted.
Step 4 — Receive your standardised test results
Test results are communicated to parents by the school after the entrance assessment. You will receive the outcome of Colfe’s own assessment and an indication of whether your child has passed the required standard.
Step 5 — Submit Colfe’s registration and admissions forms
Complete and return Colfe’s registration and admissions paperwork for your preferences on the CAF submitted via your home Local Authority (not the school's LA, unless they are the same). You can usually list 3-6 preferences depending on your LA.
Step 6 — Submit the CAF by the deadline
Submit your CAF by Friday 31 October 2025. Late applications are processed only after all on-time applications have been allocated, dramatically reducing your chance of a place.
Step 7 — Receive your offer directly from Colfe’s School
Offers are issued by the school directly. If you are not offered a place, you can ask to join Colfe’s School's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
Subjects Assessed at Colfe’s School
Academic Performance at Colfe’s School
Colfe’s is an academically strong independent school with consistently good GCSE and A‑Level results and a broad sixth‑form curriculum, with most leavers progressing to university.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular at Colfe’s School
- ✓Pastoral: a house and tutor structure focused on wellbeing.
- ✓Co‑curricular: a wide range of music, drama, clubs and societies.
- ✓Sport & grounds: extensive playing fields and sports facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colfe’s School
Is Colfe’s a state or independent school?
Colfe’s is an independent (fee‑paying) co‑educational day school in Lee, south‑east London, founded in 1652.
How do I apply for Year 7?
You apply directly to the school (not through a local‑authority Common Application Form). Register on the school’s website; entry is by Colfe’s own entrance assessment in English and Mathematics.
Are there scholarships or bursaries?
Yes — Colfe’s offers a range of academic and other scholarships and means‑tested bursaries. Check the school’s website for details and deadlines.
What are the fees?
As an independent school, tuition fees apply. See the school’s fees page for current rates.
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