Introduction
Founded in 1554, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school in Clitheroe, Lancashire. It has academy status and has educated a number of notable alumni, including Olympic medallists, lawyers and a former Labour MEP. [1]
The curriculum at Clitheroe Royal Grammar aims to produce independent and agile thinkers, equipped with the skills necessary for success in modern society. Featuring subjects such as mathematics, sciences and humanities, the curriculum helps children develop a diverse range of competencies, enabling them to make informed decisions for their futures.
The selection of extra-curricular activities is both rich and varied. Everything from drama, Astronomy Club and chess to sewing, Rocket Club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award is available, complementing a comprehensive educational programme and delivered through the efforts of highly professional and talented staff. [2]
Recent additions to the school’s facilities include a state-of-the-art Sports Hall, which boasts tennis courts as well as a full-size 3G pitch. Additionally, the new Language Centre is equipped with three dedicated classrooms and an innovative Language Laboratory, designed for immersive language learning. [3]
The school takes great pride in its rich heritage while striving to stay relevant in the rapidly changing world, driven by technology. By embracing the advantages of modern education, Clitheroe Royal Grammar shapes students into inquisitive and creative individuals, who not only exhibit strong self-discipline but also pursue further education with resilience and determination.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2026
Address: Chatburn Road, Clitheroe BB7 2BA
County: Lancashire
Admissions info: admissions@crgs.org.uk, 01200 423379
School type: Co-educational grammar
Number of places in Year 7: 180
Open events: July
Exam date: September 2026
Pass mark: Aim for 75-85%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.
Exam type / Board: FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise)
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Admissions
Year 7 entry to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is determined by student performance in the 11+ exam. In cases where there are more suitable candidates than Year 7 places, the school uses its oversubscription criteria, giving priority to:
- Looked After Children, or previously Looked After Children
- Students who live in the immediate catchment area and qualify for Pupil Premium
- Students who live in the immediate catchment area
- Students who live in the wider catchment area and qualify for Pupil Premium
- Students who live in the wider catchment area
- Students who live outside the catchment area and qualify for Pupil Premium
- Students who live outside the catchment area
The school website encourages prospective students and parents to attend their Open Evening, an open event during which families have the opportunity to meet staff and tour the school grounds. You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:
How to Apply for 11 Plus (11+) Entry to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
In order to apply for Year 7 entry to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School on behalf of your child, you should register them by completing an online application form which can be accessed on the school’s website. The deadline for this is in September of the year preceding entry.
You will also be asked to complete a Common Application Form and submit it to your local authority, which is likely to be Lancashire County Council. On the CAF, you should list Clitheroe Royal as one of your child’s preferred schools for admission. You may specify up to three schools as preferred options.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Catchment Area
Does Clitheroe Royal Grammar School have a catchment area?
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School has an immediate and wider catchment area. More details are available in the school’s Admissions Policy, which can be found at the bottom of this page.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format
The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11+ entrance examination is created by an exam board called FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise).
The 2026 exam (for 2027 entry) will follow a slightly different format to previous years:
- Paper 1: English and Maths questions with Multiple Choice Answer options
- Paper 2: English and Maths questions where you respond with Short Written Answers
What is the short written answer format?
The short written answer questions on FSCE papers require students to input their answers within specific or ‘constrained’ fields, i.e. by writing a single letter or digit in each given box on the answer sheet.
The question below is an example of a short written answer question, where your child needs to write in the missing letters to complete the word:
How to Prepare for the Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam?
The entrance examination for a selective school can be stressful for your child. As such, we highly recommend that you make use of quality mock tests as part of your preparation process. Becoming familiar with the types of questions and format of the actual exam will increase your child’s confidence and reduce stress ahead of exam day.
Our practice tests consist of thoroughly researched and up-to-date question types that reflect a competitive 11+ examination format. They will help ensure that your child responds to the exam questions accurately.
EPP exam papers will also help your child get used to answering questions quickly, under time pressure. This will give them a significant advantage over their peers.
Our 11+ resources are designed to replicate the format and layout of the actual exam, offering the perfect platform for students to hone their timed response skills. Each year, our resources assist thousands of students to ace the 11+ exam. They are therefore an ideal resource for efficient and effective exam preparation.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Pass Marks and Target Scores
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School does not have a cut-off score – entry is based on the strength of 11+ candidates sitting the test. The cohort is thus selected from the ranked list of applicants.
Pupils who are able to score 75-85%+ consistently in our 11+ practice tests should be on track to pass the 11+ test.
Whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11+ exam. Please click here to learn more.
Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Practice Exam Papers
Those studying for the Clitheroe Royal Grammar School eleven plus exam would benefit from using the following resources, which are specifically designed to help prepare for FSCE style 11 plus exams.
The below resources will prove useful for children currently preparing for the Clitheroe Royal Grammar School entrance exam. These practice tests are specifically designed to replicate the format of the FSCE exam.
Practice Papers
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Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions have been included in Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 11+ past papers. The information provided about Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, please be aware of future changes. We advise you to contact the school directly if you are unsure of anything. School contact details are provided within the article.
Please note that Exam Papers Plus is an independent publisher of practice tests and resources, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.