The best grammar schools in Essex

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 funded by the state – so there's no cost for parents. Most grammar schools provide high-quality teaching in a range of subjects and offer a great range of facilities for extracurricular activities, such as music and sport.

The 5 best grammar schools in Essex

1. King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford

©kegs.org.uk

King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) 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 fixtures are played at local and national levels. Pupils can also develop outdoor adventure skills through involvement in the CCF or the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

KEGS is the highest-performing grammar school in Essex and ranked 8th out of all UK grammar schools.

• Town: Chelmsford

• Local council: Essex County Council

• Gender: boys 11–18, mixed sixth form

• Number of pupils: 1,100+

• GCSE results (2022): 93.8% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 93.3% A*–B

• National rank for state secondary schools: 8

How to apply to King Edward VI Grammar School

2. Colchester Royal Grammar School

©linkedin.com

Colchester Royal Grammar School was founded in 1206, making it one of the oldest schools in the country. It aims to provide its pupils with the best education and competes with some of the best schools across the world. Unusually among state schools, it offers boarding for sixth form students.

Colchester Royal Grammar School is currently ranked 10th 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

• Gender: boys 11–18, mixed sixth form

• Number of pupils: 1,000+

• GCSE results (2022): 84% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 95.8% A*–B

• National rank for state secondary schools: 10

How to apply to Colchester Royal Grammar School

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. In a recent parent and pupil survey, 96% of pupils said that they enjoy learning at the school, and over 98% of parents said that their daughter feels happy at the school.

CCHS is ranked within the top 20 state secondary schools in the UK. 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 a unique entrance exam, bespoke to the school.

• Town: Chelmsford

• Local council: Essex County Council

• Gender: girls 11–18

• Number of pupils: 1,000+

• GCSE results (2022): 95.4% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 87.5% A*–B

• National rank for state secondary schools: 17

How to apply to Chelmsford County High School

4. Colchester County High School for Girls

©gazette-news.co.uk

Colchester County High School for Girls combines tradition and innovation to provide an excellent education to girls. It has an outstanding reputation for the progress pupils make throughout their time at the school.

Pupils at CCHSG are able to get involved in a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Sport is played at local, district, regional and national levels, and there are plenty of activities in music and the theatre. Students who support others in their community are recognsied through the Jack Petchey Award Scheme.

• Town: Colchester

• Local council: Essex County Council

• Gender: girls 11–18

• Number of pupils: 1,000+

• GCSE results (2022): 94% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 86.8% A*–B

• National rank for state secondary schools: 19

How to apply to Colchester County High School for Girls