King Edward VI Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
King Edward VI Grammar School
King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) is a leading selective grammar school for boys in Chelmsford, Essex. Established in 1551, it stands as one of the oldest grammar schools in England, renowned for its long history of academic excellence and high achievement.
KEGS provides a rich and challenging curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity, supported by a wide range of extracurricular activities such as music, sport, debating, and STEM clubs. While the main school admits boys from Year 7, the sixth form welcomes both boys and girls.
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, KEGS consistently achieves exceptional GCSE and A-level results, placing it among the top grammar schools in the country. The school is part of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) and uses the CSSE 11 Plus exam for Year 7 entry.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for King Edward VI Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for King Edward VI Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at King Edward VI Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for King Edward VI Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for King Edward VI Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for King Edward VI Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
King Edward VI Grammar School Key Information
Here, key information regarding KEGS is regularly updated, to ensure you understand the school you’re choosing to apply for, can attend various open days and register for the school on time.
School Address
Full Address:
King Edward VI Grammar School, Broomfield RoadChelmsford
Essex
CM1 3SX
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no parking available on the school site at KEGS. Use of public transport is advised, but there is alternative parking available within a 10 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
Rectory Lane West, Elms Drive, Chelmsford CM1 1RH (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
West End, Railway Street, Chelmsford CM1 1QS (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
King Edward VI Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding across all areas, with pupils flourishing both academically and personally in a supportive, inclusive, and high-achieving environment.
Academic strength: KEGS delivers an exceptional standard of education, offering a broad and ambitious curriculum that enables pupils to develop deep understanding and consistently achieve excellent GCSE and A-level results.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is highly effective, with knowledgeable and passionate staff who plan engaging lessons and provide strong support for every pupil, including those with special educational needs.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are respectful, kind, and motivated, and the school promotes a positive culture enriched by diverse extracurricular and leadership opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is inspirational and proactive, with a clear commitment to respect, inclusion, and wellbeing. Safeguarding procedures are rigorous, ensuring pupils feel secure, supported, and valued at all times.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test Format
KEGS is a member of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) and uses the common entrance exam shared by several Essex grammar schools.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test: Overview
The CSSE Entrance Test is a one-stage assessment made up of two written papers. Each paper lasts about one hour and is not multiple choice. All tests are marked centrally and age-standardised to ensure fairness.
Paper One
English Paper: Tests comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and creative writing skills.
Paper Two
Mathematics Paper: Covers topics from the Year 5 and Year 6 national curriculum.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test - 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | English (some verbal reasoning is included) | Maths | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark. Offers are made based on ranked scores, with additional admissions rules applied if the number of applicants exceeds available places.
Catchment Area
There is no fixed catchment area for admission to KEGS. However, the school gives priority to applicants living within its defined ‘Priority Area’. This covers a 12.5-mile radius around the school, measured in a straight line. To qualify, the candidate must be living at this address from 1 September at the start of Year 6.
Additional Eligibility
All applicants must sit the CSSE 11 Plus exam. KEGS admits 150 pupils each year.
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EHCP: Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming KEGS are admitted first.
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Priority Area (up to 120 places): Reserved for boys living within 12.5 miles of the school since 31 October of Year 6. Within this, up to 8 places go to boys eligible for Pupil Premium or looked after, with a minimum standardised score of 330. Remaining priority area places are offered by descending test score.
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Outside Priority Area (remaining places): Remaining places are open to all applicants. Up to 2 of these are reserved for boys eligible for Pupil Premium or looked after, with a score of at least 350. Others are offered by test rank.
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Tie-breaker: Priority is given to looked after children, then Pupil Premium, then distance from the school.
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Waiting List: Held for one year and ordered by ranked test scores.
Click here to view the full King Edward VI Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at King Edward VI Grammar School
Here are some practical tips to help your child prepare for the CSSE test:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by King Edward VI Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
King Edward VI Grammar School Key Dates and Application Information
Deadlines are essential to keep to in the application and admission process to KEGS. Key dates are also useful to keep in mind, such as potential open days and results dates. At 11 Plus Hero, we understand this can be a lot for prospective students and parents, especially alongside exam preparation. For this reason, we regularly update key dates below.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
CCHS entrance test
Results Published
CAF Application Deadline
National Offer Day
King Edward VI Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at King Edward VI Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the King Edward VI Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyCSSE 11+ Registration Form
This is available on the CSSE website and must be submitted between 13th May and 28th June 2025 to secure a test place.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with King Edward VI Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed, failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
King Edward VI Grammar School FAQs
Register your child for the CSSE 11 Plus exam and submit both the CSSE registration form and your local authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October in Year 6.
The CSSE 11 Plus consists of two one-hour written papers in English and maths. Each paper is age-standardised and marked centrally. The exam is not multiple choice.
Entry is highly competitive, with around 150 Year 7 places offered each year based on ranked 11 Plus scores. Only the highest-performing candidates receive offers.
There is no formal catchment area, but priority is given to boys living within 12.5 miles of the school who have been resident at that address since 1 September of Year 6.