Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11+ Guide

A detailed look at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About Clitheroe Royal Grammar School

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Lancashire. For children to get into Clitheroe Royal Grammar School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is a co-educational selective school situated in the heart of Clitheroe, Lancashire. This esteemed institution has nurtured generations of bright minds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. With a commitment to academic excellence and a holistic approach to education, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School has earned its reputation as one of the region's most outstanding schools.

All images © Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.
All images © Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

The school's curriculum is carefully crafted to foster independent thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Students engage in a wide array of subjects, from the core disciplines of mathematics and sciences to the humanities and beyond. This diverse educational offering ensures that pupils develop a broad skill set, empowering them to make well-informed decisions about their future paths. The dedicated and highly skilled staff work tirelessly to create an engaging and supportive learning environment, encouraging students to reach their full potential.

All images © Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.
All images © Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

Beyond the classroom, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities designed to enrich the educational experience. From the performing arts and intellectual pursuits like chess and astronomy to practical skills such as sewing and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, there is something to capture the interest of every student. The school's state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern Sports Hall and an innovative Language Centre, provide the perfect setting for students to explore their passions and develop new talents.

While taking great pride in its long-standing history, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School remains firmly focused on the future. By embracing the latest advancements in education and technology, the school ensures that its students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing confident, self-disciplined, and resilient learners, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School continues to set the standard for excellence in education.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).

School Information

Below you will find further information about Clitheroe Royal Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Address
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School,
York Street,
Clitheroe,
Lancashire
BB7 2DJ
School Website
Telephone 01200423118
Email Address admissions@crgs.org.uk
Gender Mixed (both girls and boys)
Total Year 7 Places 180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) 1417 (705 Girls / 712 Boys)
Headteacher Mr James Keulemans

Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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 1,417 pupils attend Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr James Keulemans.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Location

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

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Literature (149 pupils)
  • English Language (149 pupils)
  • Mathematics (149 pupils)
  • Biology (148 pupils)
  • Chemistry (148 pupils)
  • Physics (148 pupils)
  • History (102 pupils)
  • Spanish (71 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (68 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (47 pupils)
  • German (46 pupils)
  • Geography (40 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (39 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (25 pupils)
  • Latin (25 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (23 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Textiles) (23 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (21 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (18 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (17 pupils)
  • French (15 pupils)
  • Music (8 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (123 pupils)
  • Mathematics (110 pupils)
  • Psychology (94 pupils)
  • Chemistry (94 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (84 pupils)
  • Sociology (82 pupils)
  • Physics (58 pupils)
  • History (55 pupils)
  • Economics (50 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (29 pupils)
  • Geography (27 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (23 pupils)
  • English Language (23 pupils)
  • English Literature (23 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (17 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (15 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (14 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (13 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (11 pupils)
  • English Language and Literature (11 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (10 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (9 pupils)
  • Spanish (6 pupils)
  • German (6 pupils)

Lancashire 11+ Information

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

Lancashire 11+ Subjects & Structure

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

  • English
  • Maths
  • Verbal Reasoning

To gain admission to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, prospective students must take the Lancashire 11 plus exam, which is the same assessment used by other grammar schools in the region. The exam, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates the candidate's abilities across three core subjects.

The multiple-choice format of the Lancashire 11 plus allows students to demonstrate their skills in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning. Candidates record their responses on separate answer sheets, which are then scored electronically to ensure accurate and efficient results.

By assessing proficiency in these essential subjects, the 11 plus exam aims to identify students who possess the academic potential to thrive in the challenging educational environment offered by Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

Other Schools using Lancashire 11+

As well as Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, several other schools also use Lancashire 11+. These are:

Lancashire 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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!

Lancashire 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Lancashire 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 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Lancashire 11+ Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the Lancashire 11+ tests (to get into Clitheroe Royal Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

Date Event Calendar Link
03/06/2024 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Exam Registration Opens
03/07/2024 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Open Evening
13/09/2024 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Exam Registration Closes At 12 Noon
28/09/2024 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Entrance Exam
11/10/2024 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Exam Results
31/10/2024 Secondary School Applications Close At 5pm
03/03/2025 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 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 22/11/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 15/01/2023, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date Inspected Inspection Duration (Days) Reporting Date Rating Full Report
22/11/2022 1 15/01/2023 Outstanding Full Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School received an Outstanding rating in its recent Ofsted inspection on 22 November 2022. The school demonstrated exceptional performance across all areas evaluated, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding quality of education, indicating that students receive a high-quality learning experience. The school's approach to behaviour and attitudes was also deemed outstanding, suggesting a positive and conducive learning environment. Additionally, the school's personal development initiatives were rated as outstanding, demonstrating a strong commitment to the holistic growth of its students.

The leadership and management at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School were also recognized as outstanding, reflecting the effective governance and strategic direction of the institution. Furthermore, the sixth form provision was rated as outstanding, indicating that the school provides excellent support and opportunities for its senior students.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Art & Design (Textiles) 23 - - - - 4 7 7 2 1 2
Art & Design (Fine Art) 25 - - - - 1 5 6 3 4 6
Biology 148 - - - - 2 14 33 28 42 29
Chemistry 148 1 - - - 2 18 31 24 36 36
Classical Civilisation 21 - - - 1 1 - 5 7 5 2
Computer Studies/Computing 23 - - - 3 3 2 6 2 5 2
Design & Technology 47 - - - - 2 3 14 13 11 4
English Language 149 - - - 3 5 20 38 42 24 17
English Literature 149 - - - 1 7 16 42 40 28 15
D&T Food Technology 17 - - - - - 2 3 4 2 6
French 15 - - - - 1 3 3 4 1 3
Geography 40 - - - - 2 7 6 11 10 4
German 46 2 - - 4 8 13 3 9 4 3
History 102 - - 2 4 17 14 15 18 22 10
Latin 25 - - - 2 - 5 2 6 3 7
Mathematics 149 - - - - 1 2 22 25 61 38
Music 8 - - - - 1 - 2 2 1 2
Physics 148 - - - - 3 22 33 25 27 38
Religious Studies 68 - - - - 1 7 13 17 20 10
Spanish 71 3 - 3 9 14 7 16 11 6 2
Drama & Theatre Studies 18 - - - - - 1 11 3 1 2
Physical Education/Sports Studies 39 - - - - 1 1 7 7 11 12

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U E D C B A A*
Art and Design (Fine Art) 15 - - - 3 6 2 4
Biology 123 - 10 12 23 30 30 18
Business Studies:Single 84 - 3 9 33 27 8 3
Chemistry 94 - 9 9 21 22 20 8
Classical Civilisation 17 - - 1 2 4 8 2
Computer Studies / Computing 14 - 1 3 3 2 3 2
Design and Technology (Product Design) 11 - 1 2 1 4 3 -
Drama and Theatre Studies 9 - - 1 2 5 1 -
Economics 50 - 1 9 8 23 6 2
English Language 23 - 1 - 10 8 3 1
English Language and Literature 11 - - 1 2 7 1 -
English Literature 23 - - 1 5 11 3 3
Geography 27 - - 3 7 10 4 3
German 6 - - - 2 1 1 2
Government and Politics 29 - - - 7 10 6 6
History 55 - - 4 10 21 16 4
Mathematics 110 - 11 15 20 22 27 10
Mathematics (Further) 13 - 1 1 1 3 6 1
Physical Education / Sports Studies 23 - 1 4 4 7 5 2
Physics 58 - 5 9 9 14 14 4
Psychology 94 - 9 13 25 26 17 4
Religious Studies 10 - 2 1 3 3 1 -
Sociology 82 - 1 4 19 32 19 7
Spanish 6 - - - 3 - 2 1

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Unfortunately, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School has not made any of their past 11+ papers publicly available.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

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

GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. They remain useful and we would encourage parents to download and use them with their children.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

CGP

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. They are up to date and extremely useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
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. Grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these tests remain useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

FAQ

Is Clitheroe Royal Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School a private school?

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

Is Clitheroe Royal Grammar School free?

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

How do I get my child into Clitheroe Royal Grammar School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Clitheroe Royal Grammar 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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