Grammar schools in Halifax
2 grammar schools · qualifying scores, test dates and admission criteria · see all Halifax schools
Halifax has 2 grammar schools, part of Calderdale's wider catchment. 2 have a published Ofsted rating, and 2 of those are rated Good or Outstanding.
Calderdale entrance test format
One joint FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise) test for both Calderdale grammar schools (The Crossley Heath School and The North Halifax Grammar School): - English and mathematics papers, age-standardised. - A creative-writing element, assessed for candidates who meet the required standard in English and maths — candidates must meet the qualifying standard in English, maths AND creative writing to be considered. Register once (historically late March to late June of Year 5); the test is sat in mid-September of Year 6 with results by mid-October, before the 31 October application deadline. One sitting serves both schools.
Key dates
| Entry year | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 2028 | Application deadline | 2027-10-31 |
| Sept 2028 | Primary application deadline | 2028-01-15 |
| Sept 2028 | Offer day | 2028-03-01 |
| Sept 2028 | Primary offer day | 2028-04-17 |
| Sept 2027 | Registration opens | 2026-03-20 (passed) |
| Sept 2027 | Registration closes | 2026-06-26 (passed) |
| Sept 2027 | Test date | 2026-09-19 |
| Sept 2027 | Results released | 2026-10-17 |
| Sept 2027 | Application deadline | 2026-10-31 |
| Sept 2027 | Primary application deadline | 2027-01-15 |
| Sept 2027 | Offer day | 2027-03-01 |
| Sept 2027 | Primary offer day | 2027-04-16 |
| Sept 2026 | Application deadline | 2025-10-31 (passed) |
| Sept 2026 | Primary application deadline | 2026-01-15 (passed) |
| Sept 2026 | Offer day | 2026-03-02 (passed) |
| Sept 2026 | Primary offer day | 2026-04-16 (passed) |
Out-of-area applications
Calderdale's two grammar schools — The Crossley Heath School and The North Halifax Grammar School — run a JOINT admissions test: register once, sit once, and the result serves both schools. Children living outside Calderdale can register and sit the test — the schools draw from across West Yorkshire and over the Lancashire border. Registration historically runs late March to late June of Year 5, with the test in mid-September of Year 6 (a supplementary sitting is historically offered about a week later for children who miss the main date with good reason). Apply via your home LA's Common Application Form by 31 October. Check each school's oversubscription criteria — distance is a factor when oversubscribed.
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