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Are you considering an Essex grammar school for your child? You have plenty of options – there are 11 grammar schools in the county to choose from.
Keep reading to learn which Essex grammar schools are ranked the highest in 2025 and learn how to help your child prepare for the entrance exam.
What is a grammar school?
A grammar school is a secondary school in the UK that accepts pupils based on their academic ability. This means that pupils will sit an entrance exam known as the 11 plus when they are in Year 6. The pupils with the highest scores will then be eligible for a place at the school in Year 7.
Unlike private (independent) schools, grammar schools are state-funded, so there are no fees. Grammar schools usually provide high-quality teaching and offer a range of extracurricular activities, such as music and sport.
How many grammar schools are there in Essex?
There are 11 grammar schools in Essex:
How to get into a grammar school in Essex
Children applying for a grammar school in Essex take an 11+ test. All of the grammar schools except Chelmsford County High School for Girls are members of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). Children applying to these schools take the same test known as the CSSE 11 plus (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).
Pupils take the CSSE 11 plus in September while they’re in Year 6. This consists of two test papers (each about one hour) in English and maths. Children with the highest 11+ scores will then be eligible for a place at a grammar school in Year 7.
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The 5 best grammar schools in Essex
1. Colchester Royal Grammar School
©linkedin.com
Colchester Royal Grammar School was founded in 1206, making it one of the oldest schools in the UK. It aims to provide pupils with the best education and competes with some of the best schools globally. Unusually for a state school, it offers boarding for sixth form students.
Colchester Royal Grammar School is ranked 7th out of all grammar schools in the UK. It was also named the Sunday Times East Anglia State Secondary School of the Decade.
Town: Colchester
Local council: Essex County Council
Age and gender: boys 11–18, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,000+
GCSE results (2024): 90.2% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 92.2% A*–B
National rank: 7
2. King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
©kegs.org.uk
King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) is a boys' grammar school with a mixed sixth form in Chelmsford. It was founded in 1551 through a royal warrant from King Edward VI. The school is known for its strong focus on academic achievement and a serious work ethic.
Beyond the classroom, pupils have access to a huge range of extracurricular opportunities. There are several orchestras, choirs and ensembles, and sports are played at local and national levels. Pupils can also get involved in the CCF or the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Town: Chelmsford
Local council: Essex County Council
Age and gender: boys 11–18, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,100+
GCSE results (2024): 89.7% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 89.1% A*–B
National rank: 9
3. Chelmsford County High School for Girls
©wikipedia.org
Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CCHS) is a highly selective and ambitious girls' grammar school. It has a self-described 'fast' academic place with high standards for pupils. 96% of pupils say that they enjoy learning at the school, and over 98% of parents said that their daughter feels happy at the school.
Unlike the other 10 grammar schools in Essex, it is not a member of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. Children applying to CCHS take an entrance exam provided by Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE).
Town: Chelmsford
Local council: Essex County Council
Age and gender: girls 11–18
Number of pupils: 1,000+
GCSE results (2024): 85.3% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 84.5% A*–B
National rank: 20
4. Westcliff High School for Boys
©whsb.essex.sch.uk
Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) is a boys' grammar school with a mixed sixth form in Westcliff-on-Sea. The school aims to develops character and intellect within a happy community. Students develop Learner Profile attributes through exciting, challenging and enjoyable experiences.
Exam results are high and climbing at WHSB. The school is currently ranked within the top 20 boys' selective schools in the UK.
Town: Westcliff-on-Sea
Local council: Essex County Council
Age and gender: boys 11–18, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,200+
GCSE results (2024): 74.9% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 83% A*–B
National rank: 40
5. Southend High School For Boys
©shsb.org.uk
Southend High School for Boys is a boys' grammar school with a mixed sixth form in Southend-on-Sea. It's rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted and has been offering an excellent education to boys since 1895. SHSB is known for it's strong academic performance, extracurricular activities and continue to achieve impressive exam results every year.
Town: Southend-on-Sea
Local council: Essex County Council
Age and gender: boys 11–18
Number of pupils: 1,100+
GCSE results (2024): 72.3% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2024): 78.2% A*–B
National rank: 55
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