The Crypt School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for The Crypt School.

How to get into The Crypt School

The Crypt School is a selective secondary school in Gloucestershire. To get into The Crypt School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into The Crypt School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children applying for Year 7 entry in September 2026 must take the Gloucestershire 11+ examination. The Crypt School is a selective school, which means children need to take the 11 plus exam to be eligible for a place [1].

With an average of five applications for every Year 7 place at The Crypt School, competition is intense. The school does not operate a catchment area, meaning families from across Gloucestershire and beyond can apply.

  • Children must achieve the qualifying standard in the entrance examination
  • Many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children, and schools work through admissions criteria to prioritise children for places
  • No geographic restrictions apply - families from any location can apply
  • Children must be in Year 5 during the application year

Application Process

Families must complete two separate applications for The Crypt School admission. Registration for The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance test opens from noon on Monday 19th May until noon on Friday 27th June 2025, and if registration is not completed the entrance test cannot be sat [1].

All images © The Crypt School.
All images © The Crypt School.

The Common Application Form (CAF) must be completed to enable the Gloucestershire County Admissions Team to offer a secondary school place, and this form can be completed online or by paper copy [1]. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025 (see key dates) and must be submitted to the local authority, though passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee a place at the preferred school.

  • Register for the Gloucestershire 11+ test between 19th May and 27th June 2025 (see key dates)
  • Complete the Common Application Form through the local authority
  • Include The Crypt School as one of the preferences on the CAF
  • Submit the CAF by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Contact the school information section for specific application queries

Examination Details

For 2026 Entry the Entrance Test will be sat on Saturday 13th September 2025, with the seven Gloucestershire Grammar Schools using GL Assessment for this test [1]. All questions in both papers are multiple-choice.

The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test consists of two one-hour papers, with Paper 1 testing verbal skills including reading comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning. Paper 2 tests non-verbal skills including non-verbal reasoning and maths.

All images © The Crypt School.
All images © The Crypt School.
  • Test Date: Saturday 13th September 2025 (see key dates)
  • Duration: Two papers, each approximately one hour
  • Format: All questions are multiple-choice
  • Test Centre: Allocated to one of the seven Gloucestershire grammar schools
  • Results: Emailed in mid-October 2025 (see key dates)

Oversubscription Criteria

If the number of children who have met the qualifying standard exceeds available places, The Crypt School applies oversubscription criteria, prioritising children in specific order [1].

Children are prioritised for places in the following order:

  • Looked after children or previously looked after children
  • Children with special medical or social needs requiring this specific school
  • Children whose parents are school employees for minimum two years
  • All other children who meet the qualifying standard, ranked by exam marks
  • If children achieve identical scores, distance from school determines priority

Qualifying Standards and Performance

Children must meet the 'qualifying standard', which is the minimum standardised score required for entry consideration, set only after test results are known, and historically around 210-220 marks. Performance expectations require consistent high achievement.

All images © The Crypt School.
All images © The Crypt School.

Pupils who score 75%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass The Crypt School 11+ test, though there are no guarantees, this is a strong indicator for success.

  • Target 75-80% in practice papers consistently
  • Historical qualifying standard approximately 210-220 marks
  • Standards vary annually based on cohort performance
  • High competition requires excellent preparation

Preparation Guidance

Building good knowledge base before the 11 plus is important, using a 'little and often' approach when learning is key as brains encode information more effectively with smaller 'chunks', with child psychologists recommending 20-30 minute study sessions for children aged 10-11.

Families should establish a comprehensive preparation timeline well in advance. Utilising practice papers is highly effective, enhancing time management skills and familiarising students with question types, with more practice papers making children more comfortable with exam format.

  • Start preparation 12-18 months before the examination
  • Practice 20-30 minute sessions regularly rather than long sessions
  • Focus on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English
  • Use practice papers to build familiarity with exam format
  • For specific preparation resources, see practice materials
  • For tutoring options, visit tutoring guidance

Late Testing Opportunities

If children missed the entrance test, there is a late test in February 2025 for places on grammar school waiting lists in March 2025, though this is NOT an opportunity for any child to sit the test again [1].

Registration for late testing opens at 12 noon on Monday 6th January 2025 and closes at 12 noon on Friday 10th January 2025 [1].

  • Available for children who missed registration deadlines
  • For children unable to attend due to illness or exceptional circumstances
  • Places children on waiting lists rather than main allocation
  • Registration: 6th-10th January 2025 (see key dates)

Practical Exam Day Advice

Families should prepare children thoroughly for examination day conditions. Children are allocated testing centres by Monday 9th September, with the test on Saturday 13th September 2025 at one of seven grammar schools, which might not be their preferred school.

Ensure children understand the examination format and timing. Each test session takes around an hour, with built-in time for instructions and worked examples, and students allocated 45 minutes to complete the tests themselves [1].

  • Visit the allocated test centre beforehand to familiarise with location
  • Ensure children get adequate sleep before exam day
  • Arrive early and bring required identification documents
  • Pack appropriate stationery as advised by test centre
  • Maintain calm, confident demeanour to reduce children's anxiety
  • Plan transportation and parking arrangements in advance

Results and Next Steps

Families receive results via email in mid-October, though if results from The Crypt School haven't arrived by 3pm on Monday 14th October, parents should email the school for assistance [1].

Official place allocations are sent by the local authority in March of the following year. Families should prepare alternative school options in case of unsuccessful applications.

Gloucestershire 11+ Information

In order to get into The Crypt School, children need to pass the Gloucestershire 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Gloucestershire 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Gloucestershire 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Maths

The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test is a crucial assessment for students seeking admission to grammar schools in Gloucestershire, including The Crypt School. This comprehensive examination consists of two distinct papers, each lasting one hour, designed to evaluate the candidate's verbal and non-verbal skills.

The first paper focuses on verbal skills, assessing the student's proficiency in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning. These components are essential for gauging the candidate's ability to understand and analyze written text, as well as their capacity to draw logical conclusions based on the given information.

The second paper concentrates on non-verbal skills, evaluating the student's aptitude in non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. Non-verbal reasoning tests assess the candidate's ability to recognize patterns, solve problems, and think critically using visual information. The mathematics section tests the student's numerical skills and understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts. Together, these papers provide a well-rounded assessment of the candidate's academic potential and suitability for the rigorous educational environment offered by The Crypt School and other Gloucestershire grammar schools.

Other Schools using Gloucestershire 11+

As well as The Crypt School, several other schools also use Gloucestershire 11+. These are:

Gloucestershire 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as The Crypt School 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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!

Gloucestershire 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Gloucestershire 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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 The Crypt School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the The Crypt School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into The Crypt School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
19/05/2025Gloucestershire 11 Plus Registration Opens At MiddayAdd Dates to Calendar
27/06/2025Gloucestershire 11 Plus Registration Closes At Midday
13/09/2025Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test
Late OctoberSecondary School Applications Close At 5pm
02/03/2026Secondary 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 The Crypt School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for The Crypt School

As the Gloucestershire 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 GL Assessment 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 help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

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 The Crypt School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the The Crypt School 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 The Crypt School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for The Crypt School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that The Crypt School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that The Crypt School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Exam BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
CEM*
Now use GL Assessment		Mixed

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Gloucestershire 11+ Ensure you double-check with The Crypt School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by Bond

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Gloucestershire 11+ to get into The Crypt School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into The Crypt School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by Exam Ninja

These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Gloucestershire 11+.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by Owl Tutors

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into The Crypt School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by CGP

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into The Crypt School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If The Crypt School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by Examberry

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for The Crypt School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about The Crypt School together with their admissions contact details.

The Crypt School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
The Crypt School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
Address
The Crypt School,
Podsmead Road,
Gloucester,
Gloucestershire
GL2 5AE
School Website
Telephone01452530291
Email Addressenquiries@crypt.gloucs.sch.uk
GenderMixed (both girls and boys)
Total Year 7 Places150
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1101 (285 Girls / 816 Boys)
Headmaster Mr Nicholas Dyer

The Crypt School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) 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 1,101 pupils attend The Crypt School and it's led by the Headmaster, Mr Nicholas Dyer.

The Crypt School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

The Crypt School was last inspected by Ofsted on 16/05/2012 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 14/06/2012, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

The Crypt School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.
The Crypt School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
16/05/2012114/06/2012OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

The Crypt School underwent an Ofsted inspection on 12 March 2024, and the overall outcome was Outstanding. The school received the highest rating across all key areas assessed, demonstrating its exceptional performance and commitment to providing high-quality education.

The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all judged to be Outstanding. This indicates that the school has a well-rounded approach to education, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on nurturing students' personal growth and creating a positive learning environment.

Furthermore, the sixth form provision at The Crypt School was also rated as Outstanding, highlighting the school's ability to prepare students effectively for higher education and future careers. The inspection results showcase the school's dedication to maintaining the highest standards across all aspects of education and student development.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at The Crypt School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (151 pupils)
  • Mathematics (151 pupils)
  • English Literature (149 pupils)
  • Physics (123 pupils)
  • Biology (122 pupils)
  • Chemistry (122 pupils)
  • Geography (77 pupils)
  • History (69 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (62 pupils)
  • Psychology (41 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (37 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (34 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (32 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (28 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (23 pupils)
  • Spanish (20 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (19 pupils)
  • German (17 pupils)
  • Art & Design (16 pupils)
  • French (15 pupils)
  • Music (8 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (6 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (70 pupils)
  • Chemistry (48 pupils)
  • Psychology (44 pupils)
  • Biology (43 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (42 pupils)
  • Geography (36 pupils)
  • Physics (32 pupils)
  • Economics (25 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (23 pupils)
  • History (21 pupils)
  • Sociology (18 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (16 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (15 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (14 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (12 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for The Crypt School 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)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design16-----15532
Biology122----31625202632
Business Studies:Single62---158201774
Chemistry122----1925232044
Computer Studies/Computing34----1184119
Design & Technology19---216541-
English Language151---242448312715
English Literature149---114354234176
D&T Food Technology6-------411
French15----3-1326
Geography77-----513202118
German17-----1-664
History69---14416171710
Mathematics151----21531512428
Music8-----1-34-
Physics123----21526222038
Psychology41---15913544
Religious Studies32----148874
Spanish20------6752
Drama & Theatre Studies23---215825-
Physical Education/Sports Studies37----2810683
Science: Double Award28----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology43-12512176
Business Studies:Single42--2151474
Chemistry48--1610256
Computer Studies / Computing15--2373-
Economics25--46672
Geography36--299142
Government and Politics12--1443-
History21--13872
Mathematics70-261116249
Mathematics (Further)16--33532
Physical Education / Sports Studies23--48551
Physics32-326795
Psychology44-14121674
Religious Studies14--3551-
Sociology18---5715

FAQ

Is The Crypt School hard to get into?

Yes, The Crypt School 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 The Crypt School a private school?

No, The Crypt School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is The Crypt School free?

Yes, The Crypt School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to The Crypt School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into The Crypt School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact The Crypt School 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.

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