Consultation Outcome - Intake for 2026
The Halifax Grammar Schools admissions working group, comprising of senior leaders and trustees from both grammar schools, have reviewed all feedback received following the consultation on changes to their admissions test.
The proposed changes are intended to widen opportunities for academically able disadvantaged children to attain a place at either or both of the selective schools. We believe these measures will ensure that the selective test is fairer and more representative of genuine ability.
The main changes proposed are intended to align the test to the Key Stage two curriculum. By moving to a different test provider this has enabled us to remove the NVR element of the test and introduce a creative writing element.
These changes are designed to reduce the reliance on tutoring for the test and to make the test more accessible to primary school pupils from a more diverse range of backgrounds. This will hopefully make the grammar schools more of an instrument for social mobility.
North Halifax Grammar School also proposed the introduction of a catchment area to encourage more applicants from within the local community.
Whilst there was a range of feedback on the proposed changes, these changes were positively received overall and we have agreed to proceed with them.
There have been some minor changes implemented to the admissions policies for the two schools as a result of the feedback. Please see the policy below.
We would like to express our thanks to all respondents for taking the time to feed back their views.
Admissions Policy For entry September 2026
Joint Admissions Process
North Halifax Grammar School and The Crossley Heath School
To apply for a place at the Halifax Grammar Schools children have to sit the admissions tests. To sit the admissions tests you have to complete a registration form.
Click here to access the joint admissions website and registration form.
The registration form is available on either of the grammar schools' websites. If you require a paper copy, please contact either school and one will be posted to you.
North Halifax Grammar School (NHGS) Admissions for Year 7
We would love to give a place to everyone who wants to come to NHGS but sadly that isn’t possible. We admit 180 students each year into Year 7, and these places are awarded strictly in line with the terms of our admissions policy, which you can download from our Policies Page.
Entry to the school will be determined by academic ability and attainment as identified by the admissions tests which will be a test of ability - irrespective of sex, race or disability.
Admissions Tests
We operate a joint registration and admissions process with The Crossley Heath School.
Timetables for Admissions
Parents need to register their child to sit the admissions tests. An application to sit the tests is not an application to attend the school; for more information about key steps in the process and deadlines please see our Timetable for Admissions.
Format of the Admissions Tests
Students wishing to join the school in Year 7 are required to sit the joint North Halifax Grammar School/ Crossley Heath School admissions tests in September during Year 6 at primary school. The tests comprise four elements across two tests.
Free 11+ Familiarisation Materials
North Halifax Grammar School is proud to be open to pupils from all backgrounds.
To encourage even greater representation of children at NHGS, we work in partnership with Atom Learning, the leading online Key Stage 2 learning and 11+ preparation platform, to provide students who are eligible for Pupil Premium with free online learning and 11+ exam preparation.
Casual Admissions into Years 7 to 11
Anyone wishing to transfer to the school, other than at the normal date of entry in September, must apply on a Casual Vacancy Application Form, and must be on the waiting list at the time of the vacancy.
Applicants wishing to transfer to NHGS, either from another school in Calderdale or from a school in another Local Authority (LA), need to complete a ‘Transfer Request for Calderdale Schools’ form available from the LA.
If the application is from a student attending a school in another LA or who has recently moved into the area, the application will be sent to the school. If there is a vacancy in the appropriate year, the applicant will be invited into the school to sit appropriate admission. If the applicant meets the qualifying standard and a place is available, then the student will be offered a place.
In Year Transfers
Tests for potential in-year admissions will be held no more than once during each term. The school will notify applicants in writing within 15 days of the next available test date. If no applications have been received, the tests will not be held. Any application received after invitations to sit the tests have been sent out will be invited to sit the following term’s test.
Students must sit the Admissions Tests to be considered for a place
Get to know NHGS
Open Evening
The Opening Evening gives parents/ carers, and most importantly young students, the opportunity to see the school in real life.
Virtual Tour of the School
If you eager to see inside the school, you can have a look at our virtual tour. See a typical classroom and other areas including sports hall.