The Crypt School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: The Crypt School
• Location: Podsmead Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 5AE
• Type: Grammar school with academy status
• Gender: Mixed (fully coeducational since 2018)
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Student Numbers: Approximately 1,048
• Head Teacher: Mr Nicholas Dyer
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (March 2024)
• Test Registration: Opens May, closes June
• Entrance Test: Mid-September
• Application Deadline: 31st October

About The Crypt School

The Crypt School represents nearly five centuries of educational excellence in Gloucester, having been established in 1539 by Joan Cooke. This historic grammar school has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from its origins as an all-boys institution to become Gloucester's only selective mixed school following its transition to full coeducation in September 2018.

Located on Podsmead Road since 1943, the school occupies extensive grounds that house exceptional facilities including dedicated sports fields, a purpose-built sixth form centre, and a professional performing arts stage. These resources support the school's comprehensive approach to education, balancing rigorous academic standards with extensive extracurricular opportunities.

The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating, achieved in March 2024, reflects its commitment to providing exceptional educational outcomes. With approximately 1,048 students, The Crypt School maintains an environment where individual attention combines with the advantages of a larger educational community. Under the leadership of Head Teacher Mr Nicholas Dyer, the school continues to uphold its founding principles whilst embracing modern educational practices.

The school's grammar school status ensures that students benefit from an academically challenging curriculum delivered by highly qualified staff. The recent transition to coeducation has enriched the school's dynamic, creating a more diverse and representative learning environment that better reflects contemporary society.

The 11+ Assessment Process

The Crypt School administers its own entrance examination as part of Gloucestershire's selective school system. This assessment evaluates students' academic potential across core subjects, ensuring that successful candidates possess the intellectual capability to thrive in a grammar school environment.

Assessment Components:

• Mathematics: Problem-solving skills, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts appropriate to primary school level
• English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and written expression
• Verbal Reasoning: Understanding relationships between words and concepts
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and logical thinking using visual information

The examination is designed to identify students who will benefit most from the school's accelerated academic programme. Unlike some grammar schools that rely on standardised 11+ papers, The Crypt School tailors its assessment to reflect the specific qualities it values in prospective students.

Results are not simply pass or fail; students are ranked according to their performance, with places allocated based on this ranking system combined with parental preferences expressed on the local authority application form.

How to Apply

Securing a place at The Crypt School requires careful planning and adherence to specific deadlines:

Step 1: Test Registration
Registration typically opens in May and closes in June of the year preceding entry. For September 2025 entry, registration opened on 20th May 2024. Parents must register their child directly with the school during this window.

Step 2: Entrance Examination
The entrance test is conducted in mid-September at the school premises. Students should arrive well-prepared, having completed appropriate practice and revision. The school provides guidance on test format and expectations.

Step 3: Local Authority Application
Following the entrance test, parents must include The Crypt School on their secondary school application form submitted to Gloucestershire County Council by 31st October. The school should be listed according to genuine preference order.

Step 4: Place Allocation
Offers are made in early March based on test performance ranking and stated preferences. Success in the entrance examination does not guarantee a place; final allocation depends on the number of higher-ranking candidates who have listed the school as their preference.

Important Considerations:

• Only students who sit the entrance examination can be considered for admission
• Late applications are not accepted except in exceptional circumstances
• Appeal procedures exist for unsuccessful applicants
• Waiting lists operate throughout the academic year

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in grammar school admissions provides families with the strategic advantage needed to maximise their child's potential for success at The Crypt School. Our consultants possess intimate knowledge of the school's assessment requirements and the specific qualities that admissions panels value.

Comprehensive Preparation Programme:

• Diagnostic assessment to identify individual strengths and areas for development
• Targeted tuition in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Practise papers that mirror The Crypt School's examination format
• Examination technique coaching to optimise performance under test conditions
• Regular progress monitoring and strategy adjustments

Strategic Application Guidance:

• Detailed analysis of your child's competitive position
• Guidance on school preference ordering to maximise chances of success
• Support with application form completion and deadline management
• Advice on backup school options within Gloucestershire

Ongoing Support:

• Mock examinations conducted under realistic test conditions
• Stress management techniques for young candidates
• Parent workshops covering the admissions process and timeline
• Post-examination support including appeal guidance if required

Our track record of successful placements at The Crypt School demonstrates our understanding of what the school seeks in its students. We work closely with families to ensure that each child presents their strongest possible application, combining academic preparation with strategic insight to achieve the best possible outcome.

With Taylor Tuition's support, your child will approach The Crypt School's entrance examination with confidence, equipped with both the knowledge and examination skills necessary to demonstrate their full potential.