About The Crypt School, Gloucester
The Crypt School in Gloucester, founded in 1539, is one of England's oldest grammar schools. A selective boys' academy (with co-educational Sixth Form), it is part of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium. The school's ethos — 'Flourish Cryptians' — emphasises personal and academic growth, inclusivity and a vibrant learning community.
The Crypt School, Gloucester provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 65.6%. A-Level A*–B: 66%.
About the GL Assessment 11+ Test for The Crypt School, Gloucester
The Crypt School, Gloucester is a boys state grammar school in England that uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test to select pupils for Year 7 admission. The school admits approximately 150 Year 7 pupils each September, and applications must be made through your home Local Authority via the Common Application Form (CAF) — never directly to the school.
The GL Assessment 11+ is one of two main 11+ test providers in England (the other being CEM, now retired in many regions). The Gloucestershire test typically consists of multiple papers covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Scores are standardised against the cohort age distribution, so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. Each school sets its own qualifying mark (pass mark).
For 2027 entry, the GL Assessment test is sat in September 2026 and results are released to parents on Mid-October 2026 — crucially, before the Common Application Form deadline of Friday 31 October 2026, giving parents time to consider results before listing school preferences. National Offers Day is Monday 1 March 2027, when Local Authorities issue Year 7 secondary school offers.
The Crypt School, Gloucester is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the 11+ test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number (150 places), the school applies its oversubscription criteria (looked-after children, FSME, siblings, distance) to allocate places. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for The Crypt School, Gloucester
The Crypt School, Gloucester Admissions Criteria
The Crypt School in Gloucester, founded in 1539, is one of England's oldest grammar schools. A selective boys' academy (with co-educational Sixth Form), it is part of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium. The school's ethos — 'Flourish Cryptians' — emphasises personal and academic growth, inclusivity and a vibrant learning community.
- ✓Register via the Gloucestershire Central Registration Bureau (noon 18th May – noon 26th June 2026).
- ✓Sit the shared Gloucestershire Grammar Schools entrance test on Saturday 12th September 2026.
- ✓Two GL Assessment multiple-choice papers (Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning).
- ✓No fixed pass mark — places offered in rank order of standardised score.
- ✓Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- ✓Boys ranked in order of their standardised score.
- ✓Distance from the school as tie-breaker.
The Crypt School, Gloucester Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the 150 Year 7 admission number, the Board of Governors / Trust applies the following criteria in priority order. Final ranking uses the standardised score achieved in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test.
- Looked-after / previously looked-after children (highest priority by law)
- Children who achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test (above the qualifying standard set by The Crypt School, Gloucester)
- 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 — The Crypt School, Gloucester 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2026 |
| 📌 Registration closes | late June 2026 (varies by school) |
| 📌 GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test | September 2026 (English + Maths + Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) |
| 📌 Test results released | Mid-October 2026 |
| 📌 CAF deadline (apply via Local Authority) | Friday 31 October 2026 |
| 📌 National Offers Day | Monday 1 March 2027 |
How to Apply to The Crypt School, Gloucester via the Common Application Form
Step 1 — Register your child for the GL Assessment 11+ Test
Register through your regional 11+ portal (e.g. Gloucestershire) when registration opens. Closes late June 2026 (varies by school). There is no fee to sit the GL Assessment test.
Step 2 — Attend an Open Day at The Crypt School, Gloucester
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 September 2026. 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 released to parents on Mid-October 2026, BEFORE the Common Application Form deadline. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
Step 5 — Complete your Common Application Form (CAF)
List The Crypt School, Gloucester as one of 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 2026. Late applications are processed only after all on-time applications have been allocated, dramatically reducing your chance of a place.
Step 7 — Receive your school offer on National Offers Day
Offers are issued via your Local Authority on Monday 1 March 2027. If unsuccessful, you can appeal or join The Crypt School, Gloucester's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
GL Assessment Subjects Tested at The Crypt School, Gloucester
The Crypt selects through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test (currently GL Assessment), sat once for the county's grammar schools — two age-standardised, multiple-choice papers with no fixed pass mark (broadly the top 25%).
- English & verbal reasoning: comprehension, vocabulary and word-based logic.
- Mathematics & non-verbal reasoning: Key Stage 2 maths plus spatial and pattern problem-solving.
Note: Gloucestershire's grammar schools have announced a move to the FSCE test for entry from September 2028 — confirm the current provider with the school.
GL Assessment Practice Papers for The Crypt School, Gloucester
The Crypt School, Gloucester uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. 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 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the The Crypt School, Gloucester 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 The Crypt School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
The Crypt School is one of the top-performing schools in Gloucestershire, with GCSE results placing it in the top few per cent nationally and a strong record at A-Level.
- GCSE: around 65% of grades at 7–9 in a recent year, placing the school in the top 5% nationally.
- Ofsted: rated Outstanding in all areas (March 2024).
- Sixth form: a co-educational sixth form with strong university progression.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for The Crypt School
Admission to Year 7 is through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test, currently set by GL Assessment and shared by all seven of the county's grammar schools — so a child sits it once. It is two multiple-choice papers of around 45–60 minutes taken on the same day: one covering English comprehension, vocabulary and verbal reasoning, the other mathematics and non-verbal/spatial reasoning. There is no fixed pass mark; pupils are ranked on age-standardised scores at roughly the top 25%. Around 650 children sit the test for the school's places. Families register through the school for the Gloucestershire test and apply via the local authority.
The school admits around 150 pupils to Year 7 and has no catchment area — entry is based first on test score. After children with an EHCP and looked-after children, Pupil Premium pupils are prioritised, then places are offered in rank order. Note that Gloucestershire's grammar schools have announced a move to the FSCE test for entry from September 2028, so confirm the current provider and format with the school. Always check the latest arrangements in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
The Crypt School is a selective co-educational grammar for ages 11–18 at Podsmead in Gloucester (GL2 5AE), with around 1,100 pupils. Founded in 1539 by John and Joan Cooke, it was historically a boys' school, made its sixth form co-educational in the 1980s and moved to a fully mixed intake from Year 7 in 2018 — becoming the only fully co-educational selective school in Gloucester.
The school carries its motto Floreat Schola Cryptiensis and a house system (Cooke, Waboso, Moore, Raikes and Henley), and combines traditional values with a strong record across STEM, humanities and leadership. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Crypt School
How do I apply to The Crypt School, Gloucester for Year 7?
Applications to The Crypt School, Gloucester are made through your home Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) — not directly to the school. Your child must sit the GL Assessment 11+ test (registration closes late June 2026 (varies by school)), then list The Crypt School, Gloucester on the CAF. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2026.
Does The Crypt School, Gloucester use the GL Assessment 11+ test?
Yes — The Crypt School, Gloucester uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test for Year 7 admission, taken in September 2026 (English + Maths + Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning). The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with standardised age-adjusted scores.
What is the pass mark / qualifying score for The Crypt School, Gloucester?
The Crypt School, Gloucester sets its own qualifying mark each year. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) up to the admission number of 150 places.
How many Year 7 places does The Crypt School, Gloucester have?
The Crypt School, Gloucester admits 150 Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria (looked-after children, FSME, siblings, distance) to allocate places fairly.
When are GL Assessment results released in 2026?
For 2027 Year 7 entry, GL Assessment test results are released on Mid-October 2026 — before the Common Application Form deadline of Friday 31 October 2026. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
When is National Offers Day for The Crypt School, Gloucester in 2027?
National Offers Day for Year 7 secondary school places in England is Monday 1 March 2027. Offers are issued by your home Local Authority — not directly by the school. If unsuccessful, you can appeal or join The Crypt School, Gloucester's waiting list.
Is The Crypt School, Gloucester a state school or fee-paying?
The Crypt School, Gloucester is a state-funded grammar school — there are no tuition fees. As a state grammar, it is academically selective via the GL Assessment 11+ test, but pupils who pass the test do not pay to attend.
How can my child prepare for the The Crypt School, Gloucester 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete GL Assessment 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question (covering all GL topic areas — English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning), and downloadable resources. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the September 11+ test.
Where can I find The Crypt School, Gloucester's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for The Crypt School, Gloucester 2027 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, qualifying mark, supplementary forms (if any), and any school-specific application requirements.