When it comes to education in Essex, Grammar Schools hold a well-earned reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
Parents across the county – and even beyond – strive to secure a place at one of these selective Essex schools. But with such competition and the challenge of the 11 Plus exam, it can be tricky to know which schools stand out and where to focus your efforts.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Grammar Schools in Essex, answer common questions about the 11 Plus and help you navigate the application process. From understanding pass marks to identifying the best areas to live in, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the top Grammar Schools in Essex and what makes them special.
In this article:
The Best Grammar Schools in Essex: Rankings and Reputation
How many Grammar Schools are in Essex?
Essex is home to eleven Grammar and partially-selective schools, celebrated for their academic success, exciting curriculums and supportive atmosphere. These institutions are among the most sought-after schools in the county and consistently perform well in national rankings. As a result, competition is fierce and your child must excel in 11+ exams to secure a place.
Here’s your complete list.
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls (Chelmsford, Girls) – Grammar School
- Admits students based on performance in the 11 Plus exam. High academic standards and competitive entry.
- Colchester County High School for Girls (Colchester, Girls) – Grammar School
- Selects students through the 11+ exam. Known for its strong academic record and focus on high achievement.
- Colchester Royal Grammar School (Colchester, Boys) – Grammar School
- Uses the 11 Plus exam to select students. Offers some co-ed provision in sixth form.
- King Edward VI Grammar School (Chelmsford, Boys) – Grammar School
- Primarily admits boys via the 11+ exam in Year 7, but offers a co-ed experience in sixth form.
- Southend High School for Girls (Southend-on-Sea, Girls) – Grammar School
- Admission through the 11+, with a reputation for academic excellence in the area.
- Southend High School for Boys (Southend-on-Sea, Boys) – Grammar School
- Entry based on the 11 Plus exam, with strong academic results and a focus on well-rounded education.
- Westcliff High School for Girls (Westcliff-on-Sea, Girls) – Grammar School
- Selects students via the 11+, known for strong academic performance and a nurturing environment.
- Westcliff High School for Boys (Westcliff-on-Sea, Boys) – Grammar School
- Admission through the 11+, with a track record of high academic achievement and strong extracurricular opportunities.
- St Bernard’s High School (Westcliff-on-Sea, Girls) – Partially-selective
- A Catholic school with a selective grammar stream. Admits a portion of students through 11 Plus results but also has non-selective entry based on faith and catchment.
- St Thomas More High School (Southend-on-Sea, Boys) – Partially-selective
- A Catholic school with a selective grammar stream, similar to St Bernard’s. Admits some students based on the 11+, but prioritises faith-based admissions for other students.
- Shoeburyness High School (Southend-on-Sea, Co-ed) – Partially-selective
- A comprehensive school with a selective stream for high-achieving pupils, but mainly admits students from the local area based on catchment rather than academic selection.
These schools (apart from Chelmsford County High School for Girls) are linked by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. This means students only have to sit one set of entrance exams (rather than ten!) for 11+ entry. You can find free practice papers and more information on the Essex 11 Plus exam format on the CSSE website.
For Chelmsford County High School, you must register to sit 11+ exams with the school. Head to their website for more details on their admissions policy.
What are the best schools in Essex?
In terms of national league tables, Colchester Royal Grammar School and King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford lead the pack. Both schools perform consistently well, achieving high grades at GCSE and A Level as well as excellence in leadership, arts and sports.
Indeed, Colchester Royal Grammar School holds an impressive 6th ranking among Grammar Schools in the UK. It was also honoured as the Sunday Times’ State Secondary School of the Decade for East Anglia back in 2021. With roots going back to 1128, the school has a rich history, including royal endorsements from Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Here are the top Grammar schools in Essex and their national rankings, compiled by the Sunday Times Parent Power 2024 Guide.
- Colchester Royal Grammar School: 6th
- King Edward VI Grammar School: 11th
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls: 12th
- Colchester County High School for Girls: 28th
- Westcliff High School for Boys: 62nd
- Southend High School for Boys: 88th
- Westcliff High School for Girls: 100th
- Southend High School for Girls: 127th
In terms of independent schools, Chigwell School and Brentwood School are also highly ranked. Both are in the top ten independent schools in East Anglia, ranked by the Sunday Times.
Of course, the “best” school will depend on your child’s interests, learning style and proximity to your home. So it’s a good idea to get out there, and attend as many open days as possible!
Where’s the best place to live in Essex for schools?
If you’re moving to Essex with schooling as a top priority, the towns of Chelmsford and Colchester are excellent choices. Each is home to the top Grammar Schools in the county, and living nearby can increase your chances of securing a place.
Chelmsford is an ideal location for families aiming for Chelmsford County High School for Girls or King Edward VI Grammar School. With excellent transport links to London, it’s also a great place for commuting professionals.
Colchester, on the other hand, provides access to Colchester County High School for Girls and Colchester Royal Grammar School. It’s a historic town with a strong community feel, plenty of green spaces and a reputation for good local amenities.
All the county’s other selective schools are in the joyful resort town of Southend-on-Sea.
What’s the pass mark for the Essex 11 Plus?
To gain entry into one of Essex’s Grammar Schools, students must sit the 11 Plus exam. Your child must achieve a standardised score of 303 to reach the qualifying threshold.
While passing the 11 Plus is necessary for entry, Essex Grammar Schools are oversubscribed. So simply achieving the qualifying mark doesn’t guarantee a place. Because students’ scores are ranked from highest to lowest (alongside other admissions factors like priority catchment area or sibling policies), you’ll probably need 340 or above to secure a place.
For 2024 entry into Essex Grammar Schools, just under 4,600 students sat the test. The highest standardised score achieved by any pupil was 414.
To understand more about the 11+ standardised scoring system and what makes a “good” score, head to our in-depth guide.
What’s the hardest Grammar School to get into in Essex?
One of the most competitive Grammar Schools in Essex is King Edward VI Grammar School. In the latest historical admissions data, it’s the school with the highest score needed for a selective place.
Indeed, for students outside the priority area in 2023, 366 was the lowest standardised score achieved by any pupil. This compares with 338 for Colchester Royal Grammar School for Boys and 328 for Colchester County High School for Girls.
Known for their high league table rankings and outstanding exam results, it’s no surprise these schools are some of the most popular “first preferences” for Essex families.
Chelmsford County High School for Girls also faces intense demand. With its own 11 Plus system (separate from the other selective state schools in the county), it has a reputation for challenging entrance exams.
The Best Grammar Schools in Essex: Quickfire Guide
Which area in the UK has the best Grammar Schools?
Essex is one of the top counties for Grammar Schools. Indeed, three Essex Grammars (Colchester Royal, King Edward VI Grammar and Chelmsford County High School for Girls) are in the top twenty Grammar Schools in the country. But areas like Kent, North London and Buckinghamshire also boast high concentrations of selective schools with excellent reputations.
Kent is known for having the largest number of Grammar Schools in the UK. But for results alone, London takes the top spot. Five of the top ten Grammar Schools in the country are in London.
For more rankings, don’t miss our guides to the best Grammar Schools in the UK and London, as well as the country’s leading boarding schools and private schools.
Is Shoeburyness a Grammar School?
Shoeburyness High School isn’t a Grammar School. It is a co-educational comprehensive secondary school located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
However, it reserves around 30 places each year for the “selective pathway”. This means your child must meet the qualifying score of 303 in the CSSE 11 Plus Exam, to be eligible for a selective place.
What rank is Chelmsford County High School?
Chelmsford County High School for Girls is consistently ranked among the top Grammar Schools in Essex and the UK. Renowned for outstanding GCSE and A Level results, the school is 3rd in Essex and 12th in the country, ranked by the Sunday Times 2024 Parent Power Guide.
What is Colchester Grammar School ranked?
Colchester Royal Grammar School is one of the top Grammars in the UK, consistently appearing in the top ten for GCSE and A Level performance. In the Sunday Times 2024 Parent Power League Table, it ranks 1st in Essex and 6th nationally.
Are Grammar Schools really worth it?
Grammar Schools are an attractive option due to their fantastic academic results and competitive university entry rates. Most students go on to study at the country’s top Russell Group and Non-Russell Group universities like St Andrews, Bath, UCL and LSE.
They offer the benefits of private school without the hefty price tag. Indeed, at leading Essex independent schools, you can pay over £9,000 a term. On the other hand, Grammar Schools are completely free.
However, the suitability of a Grammar School depends on each child. For students who can meet the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum, Grammar Schools are an excellent fit. For others, a less selective school might provide a more balanced experience.
For instance, a comprehensive with excellent sports facilities might suit some children perfectly. A private school with smaller class-sizes and plenty of arts and drama could be the best option for others.
Considering Essex Grammar Schools for your child?
Preparing for the 11 Plus is challenging, but expert tuition can provide the edge your child needs. At Achieve Learning, we’ve guided countless students to secure places at top Grammar Schools across the country.
With tailored 1-1 support, mock exams and academic advice, we’ll help your family every step of the way to 11 Plus success. Contact our friendly team today to learn more.
