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.
Give your child the best preparation for the King Edward VI Grammar School 11+ with 10 full CSSE-style mock tests
Key facts every parent should know about KEGS before the 11 Plus journey begins
Selective boys’ grammar school & academy (mixed Sixth Form)
Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SX
Outstanding
Approximately 120 per year
CSSE — Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex
State-funded — completely free
English (comprehension & continuous writing) & Mathematics
~319–321 standardised CSSE score typically needed
A three-year roadmap from first awareness to exam day and beyond
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.
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.
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.
How to secure a place at King Edward VI Grammar School through the CSSE 11+ process
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Practical guidance to help your child build confidence and perform at their best on exam day
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Important milestones on the King Edward VI Grammar School 11+ admissions timeline
Spring of Year 5 — register your child on the CSSE website to sit the 11+ exam
Usually held in autumn of Year 5 — visit KEGS, meet staff and see the school in action
Summer of Year 5 — ensure your child is registered before the deadline closes
September of Year 6 — your child sits the CSSE 11+ exam (both papers on the same day)
Mid-October of Year 6 — CSSE results are sent to parents, confirming whether the qualifying score was met
31 October of Year 6 — submit your Common Application Form listing KEGS as a preference
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.
The questions parents ask most about King Edward VI Grammar School and the CSSE 11+ exam
King Edward VI Grammar School, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford
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.
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