Colchester County High School for Girls 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Colchester County High School for Girls.
How to get into Colchester County High School for Girls
Colchester County High School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Essex. To get into Colchester County High School for Girls children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Colchester County High School for Girls with all the important information you need to know.
About Colchester County High School for Girls
Colchester County High School for Girls is a selective grammar school for girls with academy status founded in 1909 [1]. In 2024, Ofsted rated CCHSG as 'outstanding' in every aspect and the school offers 192 places annually for Year 7 entry.
The school is situated in Colchester, Essex, and holds the distinction of being one of the first Science Specialist schools in the UK [1]. The school does not charge fees and is committed to fair access for disadvantaged students.
Admission Requirements
Children who were born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 will take the CSSE 11 plus in September 2025 for Year 7 entry in September 2026. Admission to Year 7 is by the 11+ selection test, with places allocated to students based on performance in the 11+ selection test [1].
The school has introduced a 25-mile catchment area, with 38 places reserved for applicants outside this catchment out of the total 192 available spots. The priority area covers an area of 25 miles from the school entrance, and children must have lived within the priority area since 31st October in Year 6 to be considered eligible for an in-area place.
Priority is given to Looked After Children or Previously Looked After Children with scores of 320 or higher. Up to 20 seats are earmarked for the highest-scoring applicants eligible for the pupil premium who score 320 or above.
The CSSE 11+ Examination
The examination for 2026 entry will take place on Saturday 20th September 2025. Colchester County High School for Girls admits students on the basis of their performance in the CSSE exam.
The candidates will sit two tests - one in English and one in Mathematics. The English paper will last sixty minutes with ten minutes additional reading time, and the Mathematics paper will last sixty minutes. The exam consists of English covering comprehension and creative writing, and Mathematics focusing on topics from the KS2 National Curriculum.
With effect from September 2024, the English paper does not contain Applied Reasoning questions. The test scores are age-standardised to ensure that older pupils don't have an unfair advantage.
Registration and Application Process
Registration is open and closes at 5pm on Friday 27th June 2025. Registration is via a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) on the CSSE website, opening on Tuesday 13th May 2025.
Families must register their daughter for the 11+ exam by completing a Supplementary Information Form (SIF), which can be accessed on the CSSE website. Residents of Essex also need to state CCHSG as their preferred secondary school on the Common Application Form (CAF).
The school's own supplementary Information Form (SIF) must ONLY be completed for pupils in receipt of free school meals, pupil premium, or who are looked after children. The form was available from 06:00 on the 14 of May, with a deadline of 23:55 on the 31 of October 2024 [1].
To apply for a place, families need to name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, which will be available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by 31st October.
Results and School Allocation
Test results will be sent to families on Monday 13th October 2025. On 2nd March 2026, families will find out which school their child has been allocated a place at, with allocation at their highest-preferred school for which they meet the entry criteria and which has places available.
Passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee that children will be allocated a place at their preferred school, as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children. A guidance sheet will be published on the CSSE website which will show the scores of the last selective places offered at each CSSE school.
Preparation Guidance
Using a 'little and often' approach when learning is key, with child psychologists recommending regular study sessions of 20–30 minutes for children aged 10–11. Families should aim for 80-85% in practice tests.
For free preparation resources, families can access 11+ practice papers. Professional support is available through qualified 11+ tutors who specialize in the CSSE 11+ examination format.
Open Events and Information Sessions
The school invites prospective students and families to visit during Open Week from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July 2025, with booking essential [1]. An information evening is held annually in June for parents of prospective students in Year 5.
Slides from the June 2025 presentation will be available shortly after the event from 13 June 2025 [1].
Important Deadlines Summary
May 2025: Registration opens for the CSSE 11+ examination.
27th June 2025: Registration closes at 5pm (see key dates) and deadline for special adjustment requests.
30 June to 4 July 2025: Open Week for prospective families (see key dates).
20th September 2025:CSSE 11+ examination date (see key dates).
13th October 2025: Test results sent to families (see key dates).
31st October 2025: Deadline for submitting Common Application Form (see key dates).
2nd March 2026: School place offers announced (see key dates).
Contact Information
For specific contact details and further information about admissions, families should visit the school information section. A full copy of the CCHSG Admissions Policy is available on the school website [1].
CSSE 11+ Information
In order to get into Colchester County High School for Girls, children need to pass the CSSE 11+. This 11+ test is written by CSSE for use by the school's admissions process.
CSSE 11+ Subjects & Structure
The CSSE 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
The 11 plus exam for CSSE is a rigorous assessment designed to evaluate the academic abilities of students seeking admission to Colchester County High School for Girls. This competitive examination is divided into two distinct papers, each lasting approximately one hour, which thoroughly test the candidates' proficiency in key subject areas.
The English paper comprises two main components: reading comprehension and creative writing. The reading comprehension section assesses the student's ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written passages, while the creative writing component challenges their imagination and written expression skills.
The Maths paper is based on the Key Stage 2 maths curriculum, evaluating the student's understanding of essential mathematical concepts, problem-solving abilities, and numerical reasoning. A solid foundation in arithmetic, geometry, and data handling is crucial for success in this section.
Other Schools using CSSE 11+
As well as Colchester County High School for Girls, several other schools also use CSSE 11+. These are:
- Colchester Royal Grammar School
- King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
- Southend High School for Boys
- Southend High School for Girls
- Westcliff High School for Boys Academy
- Westcliff High School for Girls
CSSE 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Colchester County High School for Girls is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
CSSE 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the CSSE 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Colchester County High School for Girls, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Colchester County High School for Girls 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Colchester County High School for Girls) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 13/05/2025 | Registration Opens For The Csse 11 Plus | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 27/06/2025 | Registration Closes For The Csse 11 Plus, And Deadline For Requests For Special Adjustments | |
| Early July | Parents Receive Test Centre Information By 16th July | |
| 20/09/2025 | Csse 11 Plus Exam | |
| Mid October | Parents Receive Csse 11 Plus Results | |
| Late October | Secondary School Applications Close At 5pm | |
| 02/03/2026 | Secondary School National Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Colchester County High School for Girls as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Colchester County High School for Girls
As the CSSE 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the CSSE 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Colchester County High School for Girls 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Colchester County High School for Girls 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Colchester County High School for Girls
Unfortunately, Colchester County High School for Girls has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Colchester County High School for Girls
11+ Practice Papers for Colchester County High School for Girls by CSSE
These Free CSSE 11+ Practice Papers were published by the 11+ exam board CSSE.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSSE | Writing | ||
| CSSE | English | ||
| CSSE | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Colchester County High School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Colchester County High School for Girls, Norman Way, Colchester, Essex CO3 3US |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.cchsg.com/ |
| Telephone | 01206576973 |
| Email Address | office@cchsg.com |
| Gender | Girls only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 192 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1149 (1149 Girls / 0 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mrs Gillian Marshall |
Colchester County High School for Girls is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 1,149 pupils attend Colchester County High School for Girls and it's led by the Headteacher, Mrs Gillian Marshall.
Colchester County High School for Girls Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Colchester County High School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 28/11/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 28/01/2024, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 28/11/2023 | 1 | 28/01/2024 | Outstanding | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Colchester County High School for Girls was inspected by Ofsted on 28 November 2023 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.
The inspection revealed that Colchester County High School for Girls provides an outstanding educational experience for its students. The school's commitment to academic excellence, positive behaviour, and personal growth was evident throughout the inspection.
The Outstanding rating across all categories highlights the school's dedication to maintaining the highest standards in every aspect of education. Colchester County High School for Girls serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through effective leadership, talented staff, and a supportive learning environment.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Colchester County High School for Girls for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Colchester County High School for Girls per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design (Fine Art) | 19 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 14 |
| Biology | 159 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 9 | 18 | 40 | 90 |
| Chemistry | 157 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 12 | 23 | 46 | 72 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 35 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| English Language | 160 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 25 | 38 | 42 | 51 |
| English Literature | 159 | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 20 | 35 | 54 | 44 |
| French | 55 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 15 | 6 | 26 |
| Geography | 100 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 5 | 16 | 33 | 43 |
| German | 63 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| History | 63 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 30 |
| Latin | 32 | - | - | 2 | - | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 9 |
| Mathematics | 160 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 14 | 49 | 53 | 43 |
| Music | 12 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Physics | 160 | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 12 | 39 | 49 | 53 |
| Psychology | 48 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 25 |
| Religious Studies | 160 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 11 | 23 | 43 | 81 |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 19 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 7 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 1 | |||
| Biology | 71 | - | - | 6 | 5 | 17 | 25 | 18 | |||
| Chemistry | 66 | - | 3 | 1 | 13 | 19 | 21 | 8 | |||
| Classical Civilisation | 12 | - | - | - | 3 | 7 | 2 | - | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 12 | - | - | 2 | - | 2 | 5 | 3 | |||
| Economics | 16 | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | 8 | 2 | |||
| English Language | 9 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 3 | |||
| English Literature | 19 | - | - | - | - | 7 | 7 | 5 | |||
| Geography | 18 | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 4 | 8 | |||
| History | 12 | - | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | |||
| Mathematics | 64 | - | 1 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 25 | 12 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 16 | - | 1 | - | - | 4 | 10 | 1 | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 4 | |||
| Physics | 24 | - | 1 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 3 | |||
| Psychology | 36 | - | 1 | 1 | 7 | 18 | 6 | 3 | |||
FAQ
Is Colchester County High School for Girls hard to get into?
Yes, Colchester County High School for Girls is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Colchester County High School for Girls a private school?
No, Colchester County High School for Girls is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Colchester County High School for Girls free?
Yes, Colchester County High School for Girls is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Colchester County High School for Girls won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Colchester County High School for Girls?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Colchester County High School for Girls for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
Is Colchester County High School for Girls a girls-only school?
Yes, Colchester County High School for Girls is a girls-only school.
