Colfe's School: 11 Plus Entrance Guide for Parents
Key Takeaways
- Colfe's is a co-educational independent school in Lee Green, London.
- Entry tests English, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning plus interview.
- Bursaries up to 100% of fees are available.
- The school values potential and character alongside exam results.
Colfe's School is a co-educational independent school in Lee Green, south-east London. With a history dating back to 1652, it offers education from nursery through to sixth form and is known for its strong academic results and well-rounded education. Entry at 11 plus is through the school's own entrance examination, which assesses English, Mathematics, and reasoning ability. The school also considers interview performance and a report from the child's current school. This guide covers the admissions process, exam format, and preparation strategies. EdifyPod Nexus provides adaptive practice across all subjects tested.
Colfe's School is a co-educational independent school in south-east London. Entry at 11 plus involves exams in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning plus an interview. The school offers means-tested bursaries covering up to 100% of fees. It looks for potential and character alongside academic ability.
About Colfe's School
Colfe's is an independent school with fees, located in Lee Green in the London Borough of Lewisham. It has a strong academic reputation while also emphasising sport, music, drama, and community service.
The school admits boys and girls at multiple entry points, with 11 plus being a significant one. Class sizes are typically smaller than state schools, and the school prides itself on knowing every child as an individual.
Colfe's is a member of the HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference), which indicates a high standard of education. Its location makes it accessible to families across south-east London and north Kent.
The Entrance Exam
The 11 plus entrance exam at Colfe's typically tests English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning. The English paper includes reading comprehension and a creative writing task. The Mathematics paper covers the primary curriculum with some extension material.
The exam is designed to identify children who will thrive in the school's academic environment. It is challenging but fair, the school is looking for potential as well as current attainment.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, which is an informal conversation about the child's interests, hobbies, and aspirations. The interview is not a test, it helps the school understand the child as a person.
Fees and Financial Assistance
As an independent school, Colfe's charges tuition fees. Current fees should be checked on the school's website as they are updated annually. Fees typically cover tuition, core activities, and some materials, with additional charges for extras such as music lessons and school trips.
Colfe's offers means-tested bursaries for families who cannot afford full fees. Bursary awards can cover a significant proportion of fees, in some cases up to 100 percent. The school is committed to widening access and encourages applications from families of all financial backgrounds.
Scholarships are also available for academic, music, sport, and art excellence. These are typically awarded as a percentage reduction in fees and are based on performance in the entrance exam or audition.
Preparation and Application Timeline
Registration typically opens in the autumn term of Year 5, with exams held in January of Year 6. Offers are made in February, ahead of the state school National Offer Day in March.
Preparation should cover English comprehension and creative writing, Mathematics at Year 6 level with some extension, and verbal reasoning. The school values well-rounded children, so do not sacrifice other activities entirely for exam preparation.
Practise interview skills by discussing your child's hobbies and interests. Encourage them to read about current events and be ready to express opinions. Confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm matter in the interview.
Thousands of families use EdifyPod Nexus to prepare, the practice adapts to your child, tracks progress against target schools, and covers every subject the exam tests. If your child needs additional live support from our experts, our tutors at edifypod.com/11plus are here too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colfe's very competitive to get into?
Colfe's is selective but less intensely competitive than the superselective grammar schools. The school looks for potential and character as well as exam performance.
Can my child get a full bursary at Colfe's?
Yes. Colfe's offers means-tested bursaries that can cover up to 100 percent of fees in some cases. Apply through the school's financial assistance process.
What is the interview like at Colfe's?
It is an informal conversation, not a formal interrogation. The school wants to understand your child's interests, personality, and enthusiasm for learning. There are no trick questions.