King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
School summary
King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford is a selective state school that delivers among the strongest academic outcomes in the country. Judged Outstanding by Ofsted across every category at its 2021 inspection, it combines high achievement with strong behaviour and personal development. With around 1,138 pupils against a capacity of 1,142, the school is effectively full. Selection at 11 is administered through the CSSE consortium, so families apply alongside others competing for places at Essex's selective schools.
How hard is it to get in?
Exceptionally competitive · 5 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Demand here is among the very highest of any selective school in England - a strong exam performance matters more than at almost any other school.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Key dates · 2028 entry
Free month · No payment needed
Latest results
Attainment 8
83.3
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
100%
National average 47%
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 8 December 2021
Teaching & academics
The results are exceptional: an average Attainment 8 score of 83.3 sits far above the national average of 46.9, and every pupil achieves grade 5 or above in English and Maths against a national figure of just 47%. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 18.5 supports a sixth form that Ofsted also rated Outstanding. This is a school built for academically able children who thrive under high expectations.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 2.2%
- EHC plans
- 0.97%
- English as additional language
- 10.2%
- Free school meals
- 2%
Schools nearby
Westcliff High School for Boys Academy
Westcliff-on-Sea, East of England
Southend High School for Girls
Southend-on-Sea, East of England
Ilford County High School
Ilford, Greater London
Colchester County High School for Girls
Colchester, East of England
Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester, East of England
Gravesend Grammar School
Gravesend, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A genuinely high-performing grammar where Outstanding is the verdict across the board. Entry is competitive through the CSSE, and the academic results speak for themselves.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford 11+: frequently asked questions
Passmate rating: benchmarked against every selective school in England using official admissions data. It measures demand for places, not school quality. Updated July 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.