Croydon High School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide
Croydon High 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
- An independent girls' school in Selsdon, South Croydon, part of the GDST. Ages 3 to 18.
Who can apply
- Girls in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016).
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly.
- An application fee is payable.
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Application deadline: Monday 19 October 2026
- Assessments: from 12 October 2026, with individual times given after you apply
- Offers: by Christmas 2026
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Online test
The school's own adaptive online test of numeracy, problem solving and vocabulary. It is not the ISEB pre-test.
Creative writing
A piece of creative writing from a written prompt.
Conversation
An informal conversation with a senior leader about her ideas and hopes.
How offers are made
Croydon High makes its own offers in writing, by Christmas 2026. This is earlier than most schools.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic scholarships come from the entrance test; every girl is considered.
- Music, Art and Design, Drama and Sport scholarships need a separate application by 19 October 2026.
- Means-tested GDST bursaries from 30% to 100% of fees.
How to help your child prepare
- Maths and vocabulary. The online test adapts to your child, so steady practice of number skills, problem solving and word meanings helps most.
- Creative writing. Practise writing from a picture or a short prompt to a time limit.
- Practice material: the school says no special preparation is needed and no practice papers are available.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- 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.
Common questions from parents
Why are offers so early?
Croydon High tests from October and aims to send offers by Christmas, before many other schools.
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 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: Croydon High School official admissions pages; checked 1 October 2026.