The 11 plus is a selective entrance examination for secondary schools. In Calderdale, entry to The Crossley Heath School and The North Halifax Grammar School is determined by academic ability and attainment in the 11 plus examination.
The Halifax Grammar Schools have announced changes to the 11 Plus entrance examination format for the September 2026 intake.
The updated assessment will now comprise three components:
Paper 1: English
Paper 2: Mathematics
Paper 3: Creative Writing
After the tests are completed, papers are marked, age-standardised and awarded a score.
A qualifying standard will then be agreed by The Halifax Grammar Schools for all three
papers.
The 11 plus entrance exam in Halifax is very challenging and competition for places at The Halifax Grammar Schools is strong. In order to give your child a chance to achieve their best potential result, it is important that they are prepared for the challenges of the Mathematics, English and Creative Writing components of the 11 plus entrance examination.
My approach to help prepare your child is using a bespoke 11 plus teaching programme, written by Heckmondwike Tutors, a highly successful company with whom I am affiliated.
The programmes (both one and two year versions are available) encompass all of the Mathematics, English and Creative Writing concepts, plus thorough use of practice papers and teaching of examination technique, specially focused on the 11 plus entrance examination.
11 plus teaching programme
Both Year 4 and Year 5 programmes have been specifically written based on:
- Extensive post examination feedback received from children over the past decade.
- The requirements of the The Halifax Grammar Schools 11 plus examination.
- Many years of primary school teaching experience.
In addition:
- Groups typically contain 8-10 and never more than 12 children.
- Homework is set each week to underpin learning.
- Children are assessed in December, at Easter and during the Summer to measure progress.
- Revision classes are held during the Summer holidays for both year groups.
Given the challenging and highly competitive nature of The Halifax Grammar Schools 11 plus entrance examinations, it can be an advantage to begin study in Year 4. The Year 4 programme seeks to provide an excellent foundation in all of the Maths, English and Creative Writing skills required for The Halifax Grammar Schools version of the 11 plus. There is also the option to begin study in Year 5.
Your child will be required to meet the qualifying standard in English, Mathematics and
Creative Writing to be considered for a place at one of The Halifax Grammar Schools. This
information will be sent to parents by mid October and will indicate whether your child has achieved an eligible score. Achieving the qualifying standard in all 3 subjects does not guarantee your child a place.
Once places have ben allocated based on the priority criteria outlined in the admissions policy, the remaining places will be offered according to a combined order of merit for English and Mathematics until the school reaches its Published Admission Number (PAN).
For full details on the oversubscription criteria and allocation process, please refer to the admissions policy on the website for each school.
