King Edward VI Grammar School 11 plus is a major focus for families in Chelmsford who want a boys grammar school with a strong academic culture and a sixth form. The site is on Broomfield Road in CM1, not far from Chelmsford Cathedral, so the real question often becomes how your child will cope with the weekly routine as well as the entrance exam itself.
Most families feel more settled once two things are clear. First, King Edward VI Grammar School admissions sits inside the wider CSSE route, so the steps are predictable even when competition feels intense. Second, preparation works best when it is steady and realistic, so Year 6 does not turn into daily pressure.
A helpful starting point is to put your whole grammar school application UK timeline on one page, including registration, results, and your local authority form. This simple checklist keeps it tidy: grammar school application UK timeline.
| Key detail | Information |
| Address | Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3SX |
| School type | Boys selective grammar, ages 11 to 18 with a mixed sixth form |
| Year 7 places | 150 places for Year 7 entry |
| Admissions authority | The school as an academy trust |
| Entrance test | CSSE selection tests in English and maths |
| Catchment | Priority Admission Area within 12.5 miles, with places offered by score outside the area |
| Telephone | +441245353510 |
| Website | www.kegs.org.uk/ |
| Official record | Government school information record |
| Ofsted | Outstanding, inspection December 2021 |
| Location |
The easiest way to think about King Edward VI Grammar School admissions is as a chain of small jobs that build on each other, rather than one giant event.
The published rules matter because they shape what a realistic shortlist looks like, especially around priority area places and how distance is measured. The detail is set out in the published admissions policy for September 2026 entry.
Registration is completed through the CSSE route and is separate from naming schools on your local authority form. Treat registration as the first non negotiable step, then build preparation around the test format.
The CSSE route uses two papers, one English and one maths. Calm stamina matters more than bursts of cramming, because children perform better when the routine feels familiar.
Results confirm whether your child has met the required standard, but preferences still need careful thought. This is where families weigh commute time, homework rhythm, and teaching pace.
Even with school based testing, applications are made through your home local authority. Accuracy and deadlines matter, as late or inconsistent information is one of the few avoidable stress points.
For official exam dates, use the school admissions timeline page. The CSSE also publishes a full overview in the CSSE information guide for 2026 entry.
| Milestone | Date |
| Registration opens | Tuesday 13 May 2025 |
| Registration closes | Friday 27 June 2025 |
| Test day | Saturday 20 September 2025 |
| Tuesday test day (approved reasons only) | Tuesday 30 September 2025 |
| Results sent by email | Monday 13 October 2025 |
| Local authority deadline | Friday 31 October 2025 |
| National offer day | Monday 2 March 2026 |
King Edward VI Grammar School admissions are shaped by both test performance and home address. A Priority Admission Area within 12.5 miles reserves a set number of places, with remaining places offered by score outside the area.
This affects planning emotionally as well as practically. Confirm your permanent address details early, keep them consistent across forms, and have documents ready if requested.
Appeals sit best as a safety net rather than plan A. A clear overview is provided in the Citizens Advice guide to school admission appeals, supported by the Department for Education guidance on admissions arrangements.
King Edward VI Grammar School is state funded, so there are no tuition fees. Budgeting usually covers uniform, travel, lunches, and general school life costs.
Most boys will not face a formal interview for 11 plus entry. The focus is the CSSE test and the published oversubscription criteria. Confidence comes from calm reading, careful pacing, and continuing after a difficult question.
Preparation works best when it feels like training rather than judgement. For KEGS, the themes are strong English comprehension, accurate maths, and timed stamina in CSSE style. Many families begin with free familiarisation papers from GL Assessment so the format feels normal.
For a wider structure without overload, this guide helps: year by year 11 plus preparation.
As a clear starting point, you can book a free 11 plus diagnostic session with Find Your Tutor FYT focused on King Edward VI Grammar School. It benchmarks your child’s current level and gives you a personalised preparation roadmap.
Join Hundreds of Families Who Secured King Edward VI Grammar School Places with Find Your Tutor.
The CSSE test is held in September, with results issued in October, and the exact milestones are in the key dates table.
 It follows the CSSE route with two papers, one English and one maths. Preparation needs both skills plus timed stamina.
Registration for the CSSE test. Once that is done, a calm weekly routine usually works better than sudden bursts of work.
Yes. Sitting the test is separate from naming preferences on your local authority application form.
You can apply, but the published arrangements explain that many places are reserved for boys living within the priority area. It helps to be realistic early and build a balanced shortlist.
The admissions arrangements explain how the priority area is defined and how places are allocated. Check the wording carefully because small details can matter.
The published admission number is 150. Because demand is high, it helps to keep expectations calm at home and keep backup options on your list.
Waiting lists can move, especially when families receive multiple offers or change plans. Keep your preferences realistic and stay organised with paperwork.
Waiting lists are usually ranked using the oversubscription rules rather than first come first served. The key is to keep your contact details up to date.
Yes, appeals are possible. Think of appeals as a safety net rather than a plan, and keep your evidence calm and practical.
No. Some children thrive with a parent led routine, while others do better with structured feedback, so the best choice is the one that protects confidence.
Year 4 is ideal for habits, Year 5 for structure, and Year 6 for timed stamina and calm readiness. Starting gently usually works better than intense bursts
Timing, stamina, and smart review. Children often improve more by understanding mistakes than by doing endless extra papers.
Keep routines normal, protect sleep, and keep practice sessions short and predictable. Confidence usually rises when the week feels stable.
It usually means best fit, not just highest outcomes. A school that suits your child’s learning style, travel tolerance, and weekly balance often leads to better wellbeing and performance.
