Best Grammar Schools in Essex in 2026
If you are a parent in Essex thinking about grammar school for your child, you are probably already feeling the pressure. The competition is real, the process can feel overwhelming, and there is a lot of information out there that is either outdated or just confusing.
The good news? Essex has some genuinely outstanding state grammar schools, and with the right preparation, your child can absolutely secure a place. This guide walks you through the complete list of grammar schools in Essex, what the entrance process involves, and what it actually takes to get in.
Whether you are just starting your research or you are deep in preparation mode, this is the most up-to-date guide to the best grammar schools in Essex in 2026.
How many grammar schools are there in Essex?
There are 11 grammar and selective schools in Essex in total. Ten of these are members of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), which means your child only needs to sit one entrance exam to be considered for all ten schools in the consortium. That is a much simpler process than it sounds.
The one school outside the CSSE is Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CCHS), which runs its own separate entrance test through Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE). So if your daughter is applying to CCHS alongside other CSSE schools, she will need to sit two separate tests.
The CSSE 11+ consists of two papers, English and Maths, each lasting 60 minutes. A standardised score of 303 is the qualifying threshold, though in practice, most schools are significantly oversubscribed, meaning you will typically need a score closer to 340 or above to secure a place. For the 2024 intake, just under 4,600 students sat the test, and the highest score achieved was 414.
Top 10 grammar schools in Essex in 2026
Here are the top 10 grammar schools in Essex, ranked by academic performance and reputation.
1. Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) – Colchester
Founded in 1206, CRGS is one of the oldest schools in England and one of the best grammar schools in Essex by any measure. It was named State Secondary School of the Year in East Anglia for Academic Excellence 2025 by The Times, and at GCSE, 96% of students achieved grades 9 to 7. Uniquely for a state school, it also offers boarding places for sixth form students. Entry is via the CSSE exam.
2. King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) – Chelmsford
KEGS was founded in 1551 and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. It was ranked 9th nationally by The Sunday Times in 2025 and named State Secondary School of the Year for East Anglia. At GCSE, 89.7% of students achieved grades 9 to 7. The school has a co-educational sixth form and a strong Oxbridge progression record, with 26 students receiving Oxbridge offers in 2023. Entry is via the CSSE.
3. Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CCHS) – Chelmsford
CCHS is widely regarded as one of the top grammar schools in Essex and one of the finest girls' grammar schools in the country. It operates outside the CSSE and runs its own FSCE entrance exam. At GCSE, 94% of students achieved grades 9 to 7, and the school has hosted its own annual mathematics conference for students across Essex. If your daughter is applying here, register directly with the school as the process is separate from the CSSE.
4. Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) – Westcliff-on-Sea
WHSB has a strong academic reputation and a co-educational sixth form. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Entry is via the CSSE.
5. Southend High School for Boys (SHSB) – Southend-on-Sea
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, SHSB has provided high-quality education since 1895. The school is well known for its academic performance and wide range of extracurricular activities. Entry is via the CSSE.
6. Colchester County High School for Girls (CCHSG) – Colchester
One of the largest girls' grammar schools in Essex, admitting around 192 girls into Year 7 each year. The school has consistently strong academic results across all subjects and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Entry is via the CSSE.
7. Southend High School for Girls (SHSG) – Southend-on-Sea
SHSG has the largest intake of any best grammar school in Essex, admitting approximately 224 girls into Year 7. It has a broad academic curriculum and is a popular choice for families in the Southend postcode area. Entry is via the CSSE, with priority given to students within the SS postcode areas.
8. Westcliff High School for Girls (WHSG) – Westcliff-on-Sea
WHSG admits approximately 184 girls into Year 7 and offers a strong academic programme alongside a supportive school community. It is one of four girls' grammar schools in the Southend area. Entry is via the CSSE.
9. St Bernard's High School – Westcliff-on-Sea
A Roman Catholic bilateral girls' school, St Bernard's offers around 30 selective grammar stream places through the CSSE alongside its broader non-selective intake. Worth considering if your family is Catholic and looking for a grammar stream place in the area.
10. St Thomas More High School – Westcliff-on-Sea
The only mixed gender school in the CSSE consortium, St Thomas More is a Catholic comprehensive school that offers approximately 30 selective pathway places for high-achieving students. A good option for families seeking a co-educational environment.
How to get into a grammar school in Essex
Getting into one of the best grammar schools in Essex takes more than just sitting the test. Here is a practical breakdown of what the process looks like and how to give your child the best shot.
Understand the CSSE exam format - The 11+ in Essex covers English and Maths only. There is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning, which sets it apart from exams like GL Assessment used in Birmingham and Warwickshire. The English paper includes comprehension and creative writing. The Maths paper is based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Both papers are 60 minutes each and worth equal weight.
Start preparation early - Most families begin structured preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5. Starting in Year 5 is still achievable, but leaves less time to build the depth of skill the CSSE exam demands. Our 11+ tuition programmes are structured by year group, so preparation builds steadily rather than cramming.
Take mock exams seriously - Sitting 11+ mock exams under timed, realistic conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare. They help your child get comfortable with the format, manage their time under pressure, and identify the areas that still need work. It is also a good way to set a realistic score target well before exam day.
Know the admissions criteria for your target school - Passing the CSSE with a score above 303 does not automatically secure a place. Schools are oversubscribed and apply their own priority criteria, which often include living within a defined catchment area. Before you commit to a school preference, read the individual grammar school admissions policy carefully.
Final thought
Essex has a genuinely strong grammar school system, and with the CSSE consortium making it easier to apply to multiple top grammar schools in Essex through a single exam, your child has a real opportunity to secure a place at one of these excellent schools. The key is starting with a clear plan, building skills consistently, and making sure your child walks into exam day having practised under real conditions.
Whether your child needs weekly tuition, an intensive revision boost, or expert guidance on the writing component specifically, having experienced support makes a real difference. If you want to talk through the right approach for your child, get in touch with us and we can help you put together a plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best grammar schools in Essex?
The top grammar schools in Essex are Colchester Royal Grammar School, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, and King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) in Chelmsford.
What is the hardest grammar school to get into in Essex?
Colchester Royal Grammar School and King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) are considered the most competitive, regularly requiring scores well above the qualifying threshold of 303.
How many grammar schools are in Essex?
There are 11 grammar and selective schools in Essex. Ten of these are part of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) and share a single entrance exam. Chelmsford County High School for Girls is the only school outside the consortium, running its own separate entrance test.
Jag Singh
Founder, Pass 11 Plus Grammar
Mr Singh is the founder of Pass 11 Plus Grammar, with over 30 years of teaching experience. Having overcome academic setbacks himself, he is passionate about ensuring no child struggles alone. His approach focuses on personalised support, strong foundations, and building confidence. He has helped students achieve outstanding results in 11+ and GCSE examinations
