About Croydon High School
Croydon High School is an independent day school for girls, part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST). It educates girls aged 3–18, with a senior school for ages 11–18 and a sixth form, and is based in Selsdon, South Croydon (Old Farleigh Road, CR2 8YB). Founded in 1874, it has provided an all‑round education to girls for 150 years.
Entry to Year 7 (11+) is by the school’s own adaptive online assessment (covering areas such as numeracy, problem‑solving and vocabulary) together with an interview; the entrance assessment is held in January. All applicants are automatically considered for academic scholarships, and GDST scholarships and means‑tested bursaries are available. In 2024, 77% of GCSE grades were 7–9 and 82% of A‑Level grades were A*–B.
About Admissions to Croydon High School
Croydon High School is a girls independent school in England that sets its own entrance assessment for Year 7 admission — as an independent school it does not use a grammar‑school 11+ test board. Check the school’s website for current arrangements. The school admits approximately a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September, and applications are made directly to Croydon High School (registration fee payable).
The school’s own entrance assessment traditionally consists of one or two papers covering English (comprehension, cloze passages, vocabulary), Mathematics (numerical reasoning, problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Scores are age-standardised so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. Croydon High sets its own adaptive online assessment, taken with an interview.
For 2026 entry, the Croydon High School entrance exam is held in January of Year 6, with results and offers issued in February-March (varies by school).
Croydon High School is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number (available places), the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Croydon High School
Croydon High School Admissions Criteria
Croydon High School is an independent day school for girls in Selsdon, South Croydon, part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST). Entry to Year 7 is by the school’s own adaptive online assessment together with an interview, held in January.
- ✓Attend an Open Day or arranged visit to Croydon High School — check the school website for dates.
- ✓Complete the Registration Form on the school website and pay the registration fee.
- ✓A reference is requested from the child's current school. Based on a satisfactory report, the candidate is invited to sit the assessment.
- ✓Sit the school’s entrance assessment at the school (approximately 60 minutes): three sections covering Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Attend a short interview with a member of the admissions team, focusing on interests, motivation and personal qualities.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on overall performance in the assessment, interview and school reference.
- ✓An offer is usually made within 1–2 weeks of the interview and assessment.
- ✓Academic, Music, Sport, Art and All-Rounder Scholarships may be available — contact the school for details.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries may be available for financially eligible families.
- ✓Confirm the place by completing an Acceptance Form and paying the required deposit.
Croydon High School Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, Croydon High School ranks applicants by performance in its own entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in Croydon High School's entrance assessment
- Children with siblings currently attending the school
- Children of former pupils (alumni connections)
- Children with strong references from current primary head
- Children of staff members (where applicable)
- Distance from school / catchment priority (some independents)
- Children ranked by performance in the assessment up to Croydon High School's places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — Croydon High School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | Varies by school (typically open Sept/Oct of Year 5) |
| 📌 Registration closes | Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies) |
| 📌 School’s entrance assessment | January of Year 6 (the school’s own entrance assessment) |
| 📌 Test results released | February of Year 6 |
| 📌 Offers issued by school | February-March (varies by school) |
How to Apply to Croydon High School Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at Croydon High School
Visit during Year 5 to meet staff, tour the school and assess fit. Independent school open days are usually in Sept-Nov.
Step 2 — Register your child with Croydon High School
Complete the registration form on the school's website. Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies). A registration fee usually applies.
Step 3 — Sit the school's entrance assessment
Croydon High School's entrance assessment is typically held in January of Year 6. Covers English, Mathematics, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus interview.
Step 4 — Provide school references
Your child's current Head Teacher will be asked to submit a confidential reference. Strong references are particularly important for independent schools.
Step 5 — Attend an interview
Most independent schools interview shortlisted candidates. Interviews assess motivation, character and academic potential.
Step 6 — Receive your offer
Offers issued by Croydon High School in February-March (varies by school). Compare with offers from any other independent schools applied to.
Step 7 — Accept your place and pay deposit
Accept your offer in writing and pay the acceptance deposit (typically £500-£2,000, deducted from first-term fees) by the school's deadline.
The Entrance Assessment at Croydon High School
11+ Practice Papers for Croydon High School
Croydon High School sets its own entrance assessment. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — 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 Croydon High 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.
Academic Performance at Croydon High School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Croydon High is a GDST girls’ day school with excellent all-round results.
- GCSE: strong GCSE results across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: a broad sixth form with dedicated Oxbridge and university pathways.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities, supported by extensive guidance.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Croydon High School
Croydon High School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Selsdon, South Croydon and the surrounding area and beyond, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school is in Selsdon, South Croydon, set in extensive grounds; girls join from across the area, with places based on the entrance assessment rather than where you live.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Croydon High has educated girls for around 150 years and is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust. Its ‘Every girl, every day’ ethos focuses on knowing each girl individually and developing confident, ambitious young women.
Facilities and activities include a Forest School, strong music, art and sport, and an extensive co-curricular programme. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Croydon High School
How do I apply to Croydon High School for Year 7?
Applications to Croydon High School are made directly to the school. Register on the school's website (registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies)), pay the registration fee, sit the entrance exam, and attend an interview if shortlisted.
What entrance test does Croydon High School use?
Croydon High School sets its own entrance assessment. As an independent school it does not use a grammar‑school 11+ board. Year 7 entry is by an adaptive online test covering numeracy, problem-solving and vocabulary, followed by a teacher-led discussion with a short creative-writing task and an interview. Practice papers covering English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning remain valuable preparation, as these core areas are tested throughout.
How does Croydon High School's adaptive online test work?
The test adapts to each pupil's answers, getting harder after a correct answer and easier after an incorrect one, to settle on an accurate level. It assesses numeracy, problem-solving and vocabulary, and is followed by a teacher-led discussion with a short creative-writing task.
How many Year 7 places does Croydon High School have?
Croydon High School admits a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for Croydon High School?
For 2026 entry, Croydon High School's 11+ entrance assessment is held in January of Year 6 (the school’s own entrance assessment). Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for Croydon High School?
Croydon High School sets its own qualifying mark each year based on the standardised score distribution of applicants. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) according to performance in the entrance assessment.
Is Croydon High School a state school or fee-paying?
Croydon High School is an independent fee-paying school. Registration fees, entrance exam fees, and tuition fees apply. Bursaries and scholarships are typically available for academically able pupils from lower-income families — check the school's website for details.
How can my child prepare for the Croydon High School 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers complete 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question, and downloadable resources covering English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the test for best results.
Where can I find Croydon High School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Croydon High School 2026 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, current test format, qualifying mark, supplementary forms, and any school-specific application requirements.