Bespoke / ConsortiumBoysColchester

Colchester Royal Grammar School: 11+ guide

Colchester Royal Grammar School is a leading boys’ grammar in Essex admitting via the CSSE test — a single Maths and English assessment shared across the Essex selective consortium.

Exam board

Bespoke / Consortium

Approx places

128

Selectivity

~9 applicants per place

Established

1128

Exam format

Part of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) test in Maths and English, sat by all applicants to participating Essex grammars.

Subjects tested

MathsEnglish

Catchment & admissions

Priority areas apply at offer; the CSSE test is taken once for multiple Essex schools.

Qualifying score & how hard it is

A standardised total across the CSSE Maths and English papers is used; the effective bar at CRGS is high.

Preparation timeline

Focus on CSSE-style Maths and comprehension-heavy English from Year 4–5, with timed CSSE papers before the autumn test.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CSSE 11+?+

The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex sets a shared Maths and English test; sitting it once puts a child in the running for several Essex grammars at the same time.

Figures here are indicative and for planning only — admissions arrangements change each year. Always confirm the latest details on Colchester Royal Grammar School’s official admissions page.

Is your child on track for Colchester Royal Grammar School?

Take the free 15-minute diagnostic for an age-standardised score and a clear gap analysis against grammar-school standards.