At a Glance
Assessment: CEM 11 Plus
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 150
Introduction
The Crypt School is a co-educational secondary academy based in Gloucester. Founded in 1539, the School is underpinned by its five key values: Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Tolerance. Students at the Crypt School are expected to “flourish” in their academic career, as well as their later adult lives, credited to these 5 core values.
At the heart of The Crypt School is academic success. Following the 2019 GCSE exams, 91% of all students achieved grades 5-9 across all subjects. In 2022, 64% of all grades were 9-7 (A*-A) and 86% were marked at 9-6 (A*-B). These figures are consistent; in 2019, 2020 and 2021, similar or higher statistics were achieved by the students sitting their GCSEs. Further, the school boasts an equally academic Sixth Form. Also academic, the Sixth Form attributes the leavers’ offers to Oxbridge and Russell Groups to the academic, personal and social development enriched by attending The Crypt School Sixth Form. In 2022, the Year 13 students achieved a 100% pass rate, with 88% of all grades at A*-C. Further, 37% of all grades recorded were A*-A.
It is clear that The Crypt School creates a stimulating environment for the education of its students. For this reason, and its consistently strong academic results, it is a popular choice for prospective students and their parents. Entry is competitive, requiring potential students to sit a difficult entrance exam. The coeducational school selects students based on their performance in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test. This Entrance Test is a 11+, issued, governed and marked by the CEM exam board. It assesses a student’s competency in Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. The 11+ is designed to push candidates beyond their Key Stage 2 education. Our resources with 11 Plus Hero help prepare your child for this CEM 11+, providing them with a toolkit to have the best chance to succeed. We also provide information to help guide yourself and your child through the admissions process, so that you and your child can confidently and competently apply to The Crypt School.
The Crypt School Key Information
Below, we list key information regarding The Crypt School, including direct contact details, parking information and relevant statistics for prospective students.
School Address
Full Address:
The Crypt School, Podsmead RoadGloucester
Gloucestershire
GL2 5AE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is some parking available at The Crypt School; the staff car park at the front of the school can be used. It is recommended to park at the school or on adjoining roads. Alternative parking venues can be found within a 30 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
- Tesco, 125 Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5SY (Opening Times: 06:00-23:00)
- Gloucester Quays Retail Park, St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SF (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 08:00-20:00 & Sun 11:00-17:00)
Additional parking off site
- Tesco, 125 Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5SY (Opening Times: 06:00-23:00)
- Gloucester Quays Retail Park, St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SF (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 08:00-20:00 & Sun 11:00-17:00)
Key Information for The Crypt School
PAN for Year 7 intake (2023)
Total Student Capacity Years 7 to 13 (2022)
Total Students Years 7 to 13 (2022)
Percentage Capacity (2022)
Latest Ofsted Rating (2012)
Selection Test
The Crypt School Key Dates and Application Information
Deadlines relating to entry to The Crypt School are necessary to keep to in the application and admissions process to The Crypt School. Here we list key dates needed for prospective students and parents.
Registration opens for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test (CEM 11+)
Registration for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test (CEM 11+) Closing Date
Open Days
Test Centre Arrangements sent out to parents (test process and information i.e. what to bring, etc.)
Entrance Examination Date
Results Date
Common Application Form Deadline (school preferences must be finalised by this date)
School Offer
Application Documents for The Crypt School
Below, we list links which contain specific information to the admission process for The Crypt School. These websites are essential to enlist your child for the 11+ and apply to The Crypt School School itself.
The Crypt School 11+ Format
The Crypt School selects students based on their performance in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test, an 11+ under the CEM exam board, assessing a candidate’s competence in Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal reasoning; the Verbal Reasoning section of the assessment may contain reading comprehension similar to other 11+ English sections, but there is no dedicated English section. The exam is administered and marked by the CEM exam board, scores are age-standardised to produce a final score, the number of correct answers vary according to a child’s age. The content of the assessment tests beyond what is taught at primary education level; the test is designed to push candidates with the question difficulty and formatting. The unfamiliar format of the test and its difficulty can seem daunting. The 11 Plus Hero is here to help. We understand and are accustomed to the content of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test and the CEM exam board. We can provide a toolkit to your child, familiarising them with the test format and ensuring they have the best chance to succeed in their admission to The Crypt School.
The Crypt School 11+: Overview
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test consists of two papers, each lasting around 50 minutes. They are both multiple choice and are each made up of 3 key components to it: Verbal Reasoning, Non-verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning. Answers are completed, multiple choice style, on separate answer sheets. The test is issued, marked and governed by the CEM exam board. For an in depth breakdown of this 11+, please visit our article – ‘Selective Tests in Gloucestershire – the CEM 11+ Test’.
Paper One
(A choice of) Verbal Reasoning (VR) Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) and Numerical Reasoning (NR)
Paper Two
(A choice of) Verbal Reasoning (VR) Non-verbal Reasoning (NVR) and Numerical Reasoning (NR)
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools CEM 11+ - CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Numerical Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XX | ✔✔ | ✔✔ | ✔✔ | n/an/a |
Pass Mark
Test scores are received in mid-October of the preceding year of entry; for example for entry in 2023, test scores will be received by mid-October 2022. It is notable that the CEM exam board uses a method of standardised marking, meaning that younger children are not penalised for their age, the results are statistically standardised to compare any child’s score average to the average score of their school year. In the school’s admission policy, they do not indicate a specific figure which is a ‘pass mark’. Instead, the standardised scores achieved by the children will be ranked, and an ‘Qualifying Standard’ will be found based on the quality of all the candidates’ scores that year – the Qualifying Standard is subject to change. If a child achieves the ’Qualifying Standard’, it means they can be considered for entry to the school; parents will be informed as to whether a child has achieved the Qualifying Standard when results are received in October of the preceding year of entry. Notably, a mere achievement of the Qualifying Standard does not guarantee a child an offer to The Crypt School; this is clearly outlined in the school’s admissions policy. For this reason, the Qualifying Standard cannot be predicted for every year, but it is estimated that the top 25% of students will achieve the qualifying mark. For more information please see our article ‘Selective Tests in Gloucestershire – CEM 11 Plus”
Pass Mark
Test scores are received in mid-October of the preceding year of entry; for example for entry in 2023, test scores will be received by mid-October 2022. It is notable that the CEM exam board uses a method of standardised marking, meaning that younger children are not penalised for their age, the results are statistically standardised to compare any child’s score average to the average score of their school year. In the school’s admission policy, they do not indicate a specific figure which is a ‘pass mark’. Instead, the standardised scores achieved by the children will be ranked, and an ‘Qualifying Standard’ will be found based on the quality of all the candidates’ scores that year – the Qualifying Standard is subject to change. If a child achieves the ’Qualifying Standard’, it means they can be considered for entry to the school; parents will be informed as to whether a child has achieved the Qualifying Standard when results are received in October of the preceding year of entry. Notably, a mere achievement of the Qualifying Standard does not guarantee a child an offer to The Crypt School; this is clearly outlined in the school’s admissions policy. For this reason, the Qualifying Standard cannot be predicted for every year, but it is estimated that the top 25% of students will achieve the qualifying mark. For more information please see our article ‘Selective Tests in Gloucestershire – CEM 11 Plus”
Catchment Area
The admissions policy for The Crypt School and its enclosed Oversubscription Criteria, indicates the school does not operate on a catchment area. However, children may be prioritised from their resident distance to the school. Please see below for more details
Additional Eligibility
As outlined above, only students who meet the Qualifying Standard will be considered for entry. This is not a predetermined score, and is established every year having regard to all of the standardised scores achieved by the candidates. Notably,
The school is popular and children reaching the Qualifying Standard are not always admitted. In selecting students to make school offers to, the school prioritises children in the oversubscription criteria listed below:
- Children who achieve the Qualifying Standard who are in care or who have previously been in care;
- 15 places to students who are registered for the Pupil Premium who achieve the Qualifying Standard;
- Candidates who have met the Qualifying Standard and who have a parent who is, at the time the application is made, a member of School staff, provided the parent has either been employed for a minimum of two years, or has been recruited to fill a demonstrable skills shortage;
- Last, all other candidates who have met the qualifying standard in test rank order.
For the purposes of categories 1, 2 and 3 above, the higher ranking will be given to the applicant who lives closest to the school. For category 4, the higher ranking will be given to the applicant with the highest score in the Grammar School Test.
In the event of a tiebreak, where two or more applicants in categories 1, 2 and 3 live the same distance from the school, priority will be given to the child with the higher test score.
Similarly, where two or more applicants in category 4 achieve the same test score, priority will be given to the applicant who lives closest to the school.
Please note, the admissions policy and its criteria is long and complex. To understand the policy in further detail, the category your child falls into or clarify peculiarities of your application or situation, please visit the policy
The Crypt School FAQs
The Crypt School requires students to reach a certain ‘Qualifying Standard’ in order to qualify them for admission to the school; it is the minimum requirement for admission. This figure is subject to change every year and cannot be predicted. Further, merely achieving the Qualifying Standard does not guarantee entry to the school.
The 11+ used by The Crypt School is issued and governed by the CEM exam board. This CEM 11 Plus tests a child’s competence in Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning.
The school hosts familiarisation materials.
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