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. Crossley Heath did not propose introducing a catchment area.

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.