King Edward VI Grammar School Chelmsford | CSSE Board 11+ Guide
9 June 2026
Complete Parent Guide
King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) is one of the most competitive and highest-ranked grammar schools in England. This guide covers everything parents need to know — from the CSSE 11+ exam format and admissions process to key dates, qualifying scores and how to prepare your child for success at one of Essex’s most oversubscribed schools.
KEGS 11+ CSSE Mock Test Programme
Give your child the best preparation for the King Edward VI Grammar School 11+ with 10 full CSSE-style mock tests
£170 £50 full programme
- 10 full CSSE-style mock tests
- English & Mathematics papers
- Detailed marking & feedback reports
- Progress tracking across all mocks
- Free revision material pack included
MOCK TEST PROGRAMME OPEN — KING EDWARD VI GRAMMAR SCHOOL (KEGS) 11+ CSSE
School Profile
King Edward VI Grammar School — At a Glance
Key facts every parent should know about KEGS before the 11 Plus journey begins
Type
Selective boys’ grammar school & academy (mixed Sixth Form)
Location
Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SX
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Year 7 Places
Approximately 120 per year
Exam Board
CSSE — Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex
Fees
State-funded — completely free
Subjects Tested
English (comprehension & continuous writing) & Mathematics
Qualifying Score
~319–321 standardised CSSE score typically needed
Your 11+ Journey
The Journey at a Glance
A three-year roadmap from first awareness to exam day and beyond
Year 4
Age 8–9
Research & Awareness
Is KEGS the right fit? Research the school — read the Ofsted report, attend open days, check your distance from Chelmsford. Understand that KEGS is one of the most competitive CSSE schools with a very high qualifying score. Build strong reading and maths foundations early.
Year 5
Age 9–10
Decision & Preparation
Commit to the 11 Plus path. Understand the CSSE exam format (English + Maths, no VR/NVR), start focused preparation and aim significantly above the minimum score. Begin regular CSSE-specific mock tests to build exam technique and confidence under timed conditions.
Year 6
Sept
Exam & Application
The CSSE 11+ exam is sat in September. Results are released to parents in mid-October. List King Edward VI Grammar School on your Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October. National Offer Day follows on 1 March.
Prepare with 10 Full CSSE Mock Tests — Just £50
- 10 complete CSSE-style English & Maths papers
- Detailed marking with feedback after every mock
- Progress tracking and strengths/weaknesses diagnostics
- Free revision material pack and 2 advanced stretch papers
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£50
Admissions
Admissions & Eligibility
How to secure a place at King Edward VI Grammar School through the CSSE 11+ process
How to Get In
Register your child through the CSSE website. They will sit the CSSE 11+ exam in September of Year 6. If they achieve the qualifying standard, list KEGS on your Common Application Form (CAF) to be considered for a place. KEGS requires one of the highest CSSE scores of any Essex grammar school.
Catchment & Distance
KEGS does not operate a strict catchment or priority postcode area. The school is open to all Essex residents and draws applicants from across the county. However, when places are oversubscribed (which they always are), distance from the school is used as a tiebreaker among equally qualified applicants.
Application Process
After your child sits the CSSE exam in September and results arrive in mid-October, list King Edward VI Grammar School as a preference on your CAF by 31 October. National Offer Day is 1 March, when places are formally allocated.
Registration
You must register with CSSE during the registration window (typically opens spring of Year 5, closes summer of Year 5). Some schools also require a Supplementary Information Form — check the KEGS website for the latest guidance.
Exam Breakdown
The CSSE 11+ Exam Explained
A detailed breakdown of the CSSE entrance exam used by King Edward VI Grammar School
| Paper | Content | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — English | Comprehension (reading passage with inference questions) and Continuous Writing (extended essay/composition) | Written, paper-based |
| Paper 2 — Mathematics | Arithmetic, problem-solving and multi-step questions covering the Year 5/6 curriculum and beyond | Written, paper-based |
No VR or NVR
Unlike GL-style 11+ exams, the CSSE does not test Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning. It focuses purely on English and Mathematics — comprehension, writing and mathematical problem-solving.
Scoring & Threshold
Raw marks from both papers are converted to standardised scores. A combined score of approximately 319–321 is typically the minimum threshold to be considered for a place at KEGS — one of the highest CSSE thresholds in Essex.
How Competitive Is It?
KEGS is one of the most oversubscribed grammar schools in Essex. With approximately 120 Year 7 places and typically 6–7 times as many applicants, thorough and exam-specific preparation is absolutely essential.
Both papers are sat on the same day. The exam is written (not multiple-choice) and taken under formal, timed conditions. Always check the CSSE website for the most current exam arrangements.
Preparation Tips
How to Prepare for the KEGS 11+
Practical guidance to help your child build confidence and perform at their best on exam day
Start Early — Year 4 to 5
Given KEGS’ exceptionally high qualifying score, starting preparation early is strongly recommended. Begin building core English and Maths foundations in Year 4 and move to focused CSSE-specific work in Year 5.
Practise Timed Conditions
Time pressure is a major factor on exam day. Practise completing papers within strict time limits regularly so your child learns to manage pace without sacrificing accuracy.
Use CSSE-Specific Mocks
Generic 11+ papers will not prepare your child for the CSSE format. Use mock tests specifically designed for the CSSE exam — covering comprehension, continuous writing and written maths.
Aim Above the Threshold
With a qualifying score of ~319–321, your child needs to perform at the very top of the CSSE cohort. Aim well above the minimum — every additional mark counts when competing for just 120 places.
Build Writing Stamina
The continuous writing section requires your child to produce an extended, well-structured piece under timed conditions. Regular practice builds both stamina and the ability to plan and execute quickly.
Track Progress with Feedback
Use detailed feedback reports from mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses. Target revision at specific gaps rather than repeating topics your child already knows well.
Compare Schools
Chelmsford & Essex Grammar School Comparison
How King Edward VI Grammar School compares to other selective schools in the Essex area
| School | Type | Exam Board | Year 7 Places | Key Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) | Boys’ grammar | CSSE | ~120 | English & Maths |
| Chelmsford County High School for Girls | Girls’ grammar | CSSE | ~120 | English & Maths |
| Colchester Royal Grammar School | Boys’ grammar | CSSE | ~120 | English & Maths |
All three schools use the same CSSE exam. One registration and one test allows your child to be considered for any CSSE school listed on the Common Application Form.
Key Dates
Key Dates & Deadlines
Important milestones on the King Edward VI Grammar School 11+ admissions timeline
CSSE Registration Opens
Spring of Year 5 — register your child on the CSSE website to sit the 11+ exam
Open Evening
Usually held in autumn of Year 5 — visit KEGS, meet staff and see the school in action
CSSE Registration Deadline
Summer of Year 5 — ensure your child is registered before the deadline closes
Exam Day
September of Year 6 — your child sits the CSSE 11+ exam (both papers on the same day)
Results Released
Mid-October of Year 6 — CSSE results are sent to parents, confirming whether the qualifying score was met
CAF Deadline
31 October of Year 6 — submit your Common Application Form listing KEGS as a preference
National Offer Day
1 March of Year 6 — school places are formally offered to families across the country
Exact dates vary each year. Always check the CSSE website and the King Edward VI Grammar School admissions page for confirmed dates and any changes to the process.
Parent Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions parents ask most about King Edward VI Grammar School and the CSSE 11+ exam
Is King Edward VI Grammar School free?
Yes. King Edward VI Grammar School is a state-funded selective grammar school and academy. There are no tuition fees — it is completely free to attend, just like any other state school. The only cost involved is sitting the CSSE 11+ entrance exam to gain admission.
What is the KEGS Ofsted rating?
King Edward VI Grammar School has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The school is consistently recognised as one of the highest-ranked grammar schools nationally, with exceptional A-level and GCSE results, strong leadership and excellent outcomes for students across all year groups including its mixed Sixth Form.
How many boys apply vs how many places are available?
KEGS offers approximately 120 Year 7 places each year. The school is typically 6–7 times oversubscribed, making it one of the most competitive grammar schools in Essex. This is why thorough, CSSE-specific preparation — and aiming well above the qualifying threshold — is so important.
Can my son apply from outside Chelmsford?
Yes. KEGS does not operate a strict catchment or priority postcode area. The school draws applicants from across Essex and is open to all Essex residents. However, when the school is oversubscribed (which it always is), distance from the school can be used as a tiebreaker among equally qualified applicants.
What is the difference between the CSSE and GL exams?
The CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) exam tests English and Mathematics only, using written, paper-based papers including comprehension, continuous writing and mathematical problem-solving. GL-style 11+ exams, used by grammar schools in other areas, typically include Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) and are often multiple-choice. The two formats require different preparation strategies.
Does KEGS have a waiting list?
Yes. If your child meets the qualifying standard but does not receive a place on National Offer Day (1 March), they may be placed on a waiting list. Places can become available over the following months as some families decline offers. The waiting list is maintained according to the school’s oversubscription criteria.
When should preparation start for the KEGS 11+?
Due to the exceptionally high level of competition, most families targeting KEGS begin laying foundations in Year 4 and move to focused CSSE preparation in Year 5. Starting with strong reading and maths foundations early is highly recommended. The key is consistent, CSSE-specific practice — with mock tests and targeted feedback — in the months leading up to the September Year 6 exam.
What score is needed for KEGS?
KEGS typically requires a standardised CSSE score of approximately 319–321, which is one of the highest thresholds of any CSSE grammar school in Essex. This is significantly higher than the qualifying score for many other CSSE schools, so children aiming for KEGS need to perform at the very top of the cohort.
King Edward VI Grammar School, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford
Give Your Child the Best Possible Preparation
10 full CSSE mock tests designed for King Edward VI Grammar School entry — detailed feedback, progress tracking and free revision materials. Everything your child needs for £50.