Colfe's School 11+ Entry Guide
Colfe's School is an independent school with entry at 11+ into Year 7. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- A co-educational independent day school in Lee, south-east London (near Blackheath and Lewisham).
- Year 7 has about 120 to 140 pupils; about a third come up from Colfe's Junior School.
Who can apply
- Children in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016), registered by the school's deadline.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Registration deadline: 5pm, Friday 13 November 2026
- Assessment day: Tuesday 5 January 2027
- Offers: Friday 12 February 2027 (accept by 3 March)
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Assessment day
A full day at school: English and Maths paper tests set by the school and a group interview in the morning, then taster lessons in the afternoon.
How offers are made
Colfe's makes its own offers in February.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic scholarships are considered automatically.
- Music, Creative Art and Design, Drama and Sport scholarships.
- Means-tested awards up to 100% for lower-income families.
How to help your child prepare
- Written English and Maths. The school sets its own papers. Cover all of Key Stage 2 by the end of Year 5, go further on problem solving, and practise showing maths working clearly.
- Interview. Help your child talk about their interests, the books they read and how they solved a problem. There is no need to learn answers by heart.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school publishes Maths and English sample papers.
Common questions from parents
Is there a reasoning test?
No. The written tests are English and Maths.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Colfe's School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.