The best grammar schools in Essex in 2026

Are you considering an Essex grammar school for your child? You have plenty of options – there are 11 grammar schools to choose from.

Keep reading to learn which Essex grammar schools are ranked the highest in 2026 and 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 are 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:

• Chelmsford County High School for Girls
• Colchester County High School for Girls
• Colchester Royal Grammar School
• King Edward VI Grammar School
• Southend High School for Girls
• Southend High School for Boys
• Westcliff High School for Girls
• Westcliff High School for Boys
• St Bernard’s High School (for Girls)
• St Thomas More High School
• Shoeburyness High School

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

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 leading schools globally. Unusually for a state school, it offers boarding for sixth form students.

Colchester Royal Grammar School was awarded State Secondary School of the Year in East Anglia for Academic Excellence 2025 by The Times.

Key information

• Town: Colchester
• Local council: Essex County Council
• Number of pupils: 1,000+
• National league table rank: 4
• A level results (2025): 95.5% A*–B
• GCSE results (2025): 88.4% 9–7
• Entry points: 11+
• Entry gender: boys 11–16, mixed sixth form

How to get a place at Colchester Royal Grammar School

2. King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford

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 dedicated 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.

Key information

• Town: Chelmsford
• Local council: Essex County Council
• Number of pupils: 1,100+
• National league table rank: 7
• A level results (2025): 91.1% A*–B
• GCSE results (2025): 87.5% 9–7
• Entry points: 11+
• Entry gender: boys 11–18, mixed sixth form

How to get a place at King Edward VI Grammar School

3. Chelmsford County High School for Girls

Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CCHS) is a girls' grammar school. It has a self-described 'fast' academic pace with high standards for pupils.

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).

Key information

• Town: Chelmsford
• Local council: Essex County Council
• Number of pupils: 1,200+
• National league table rank: 16
• A level results (2025): 86.7% A*–B
• GCSE results (2025): 87% 9–7
• Entry points: 11+
• Entry gender: girls

How to get a place at Chelmsford County High School for Girls

4. Westcliff High School for Boys

Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) is a boys' grammar school with a mixed sixth form in Westcliff-on-Sea. There is a range of extracurricular activities available, including the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, sports and music, and clubs such as chess and wargaming, as well as crochet and Pokémon.

Key information

• Town: Westcliff-on-Sea
• Local council: Essex County Council
• Number of pupils: 1,200+
• National league table rank: 57
• A level results (2025): 77.9% A*–B
• GCSE results (2025): 74.9% 9–7
• Entry points: 11+
• Entry gender: boys 11–16, mixed sixth form

How to get a place at Westcliff High School for Boys

5. Southend High School For Boys

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 provided high-quality education to boys since 1895. SHSB is known for its strong academic performance and extracurricular activities.

Key information

• Town: Southend-on-Sea
• Local council: Essex County Council
• Number of pupils: 1,300+
• National league table rank: 61
• A level results (2025): 79.8% A*–B
• GCSE results (2025): 68.9% 9–7
• Entry points: 11+
• Entry gender: boys 11–16, mixed sixth form

How to get a place at Southend High School