King Edward VI School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 87
Competition: High, Very High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
King Edward VI School
King Edward VI School (KES Stratford) is a selective boys’ grammar school in Stratford-upon-Avon for ages 11–18. With a history dating back to the 13th century and former pupils including William Shakespeare, the school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence.
KES Stratford combines strong academic traditions with modern teaching, offering a broad and challenging curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity. Students take part in a wide variety of enrichment opportunities, including drama, music, sport, and public speaking, helping them develop confidence and independence.
The school consistently achieves some of the best exam results in the region, with many pupils progressing to Oxbridge and leading Russell Group universities. Admissions are managed through the Warwickshire Grammar Schools Consortium, and entry is determined by performance in the 11 Plus exam set by GL Assessment.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for King Edward VI School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for King Edward VI School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at King Edward VI 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 School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for King Edward VI School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for King Edward VI School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
King Edward VI School’s Key Information
The key information, such as student intake and contact information, for King Edward VI School below is regularly updated.
School Address
Full Address:
King Edward VI School, Chapel LaneStratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6BE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is a car park within the school.Â
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Elizabeth House, Church St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX, 0.2 miles from the school.
- Car Park: 46 Rother St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6LT, 0.3 miles from the school.
King Edward VI School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good, with Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes.
Academic strength: Pupils are highly motivated and perform well, especially in subjects like English, history and classics.
Teaching and curriculum: Strong in many subjects, though assessment is inconsistent across departments.
Behaviour and culture: Excellent pupil behaviour, respectful environment, and wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Well-led with strong staff morale; safeguarding is rigorous and effective.
King Edward VI School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at King Edward VI School is based on performance in the Warwickshire 11 Plus test, administered by GL Assessment and used by all grammar schools in the county.
The King Edward VI School Entry Exam: Overview
Each paper lasts around 60 minutes, and pupils record their answers on separate multiple-choice sheets. All results are age-standardised to ensure fairness. Test weightings are 50% for English and Verbal Reasoning, 25% for Non-Verbal Reasoning, and 25% for Mathematics.
Paper One:
The first paper focuses on English comprehension, verbal reasoning, and elements of mathematics. It tests skills such as reading accuracy, vocabulary, logic, and problem-solving under timed conditions.
Paper Two:
The second paper covers non-verbal and spatial reasoning, along with further maths and verbal reasoning sections. This paper assesses pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and logical thinking.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is a Qualifying score and a Minimum Academic Standard score. The Qualifying score should be thought of as a pass mark, places are only given to applicants who only achieve the Minimum Academic Standard score if all of the Applicants who achieved the Qualifying score have been awarded places. Applicants who achieve higher marks in the entry exam will be given greater priority for places within a category.
Catchment Area
The priority circles for King Edward VI School are based on circles drawn from the Fountain in Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. The inner priority circle is 13 miles and the outer priority circle is 16.885 miles to the County boundary south of Long Compton. Applicants who live within the inner priority circle will have the greatest priority, then those living within the outer circle, then everyone else.
Additional Eligibility
If more pupils qualify than there are places available, King Edward VI School applies the following oversubscription criteria:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium living in the priority area
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Other pupils in the priority area, ranked by score
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Pupils living outside the priority area, ranked by score
The school has a clearly defined priority area and gives preference to boys living within it who achieve a competitive score. The furthest distance offered changes each year depending on the number and performance of applicants.
Click here to view the full King Edward VI School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at King Edward VI School
Preparation for the 11 Plus exam should focus on accuracy, speed and confidence across four subject areas. Here are some effective strategies:
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 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 School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the dates for King Edward VI School 11 Plus entry.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Entrance Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
King Edward VI School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at King Edward VI 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 School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
This must be done via the Warwickshire County Council portal between 6th May and 27th June 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with King Edward VI 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 School FAQs
You must register your child for the Warwickshire 11 Plus test and list King Edward VI School as a preference on your local authority’s Common Application Form before the closing date.
The exam, set by GL Assessment, includes two multiple-choice papers lasting about 60 minutes each. It assesses English, Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning, with scores age-standardised for fairness.
Entry is extremely competitive, with many more applicants than places each year. Pupils typically need to achieve a high standardised score in the Warwickshire 11 Plus to be considered.
Yes. The school has a defined priority area and gives preference to boys living within it who achieve competitive scores. The furthest distance offered varies depending on applicant numbers each year.