There are eight state grammar schools in Essex, all free to attend and taking pupils at 11 for Year 7 entry. This page covers the Essex and Southend-on-Sea council areas. The schools are in Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend-on-Sea and Westcliff-on-Sea. Of these, three are boys' schools, four are girls' schools and one is a mixed school, and all eight have a sixth form. The table below links to each school's own website, where you'll find its admissions policy and entrance test details, and to our 11+ guide for the school where we have one.
The list comes from the Department for Education's register of schools, checked on 13 October 2026. For every grammar school in the country, see our list of grammar schools in England.
Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (open state-funded schools with a selective admissions policy, checked 13 October 2026).
All grammar schools in Essex (8)
Essex (4)
| School | Town | Gender of entry | Notes | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford County High School for Girls | Chelmsford | Girls | – | Website |
| King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | Chelmsford | Mixed | – | Website |
| Colchester County High School for Girls | Colchester | Girls | – | Website |
| Colchester Royal Grammar School | Colchester | Boys | Christian, Boarding places | Website |
Southend-on-Sea (4)
| School | Town | Gender of entry | Notes | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southend High School for Boys | Southend-on-Sea | Boys | – | Website |
| Southend High School for Girls | Southend-on-Sea | Girls | – | Website |
| Westcliff High School for Boys Academy | Westcliff-on-Sea | Boys | – | Website |
| Westcliff High School for Girls | Westcliff-on-Sea | Girls | – | Website |
This list covers state-funded grammar schools, which charge no tuition fees (state boarding schools charge for boarding only). Independent (fee-paying) schools are not included, even when "grammar school" is in their name: for example, The Grammar School at Leeds is registered as an independent school. Independent schools set their own entrance exams and fees.
"Gender of entry" is as recorded on the government register, and it may not match who is admitted in Year 7 (sixth forms can differ too). Always check the school's own admissions page.
Boys', girls' and mixed grammar schools in Essex
Of these, three are boys' schools, four are girls' schools and one is a mixed school. If you want a particular type of school, this narrows the choice quickly.
How to get a place at a grammar school in Essex
Each school publishes its own admissions policy, test and dates, so start with the school's website. Some schools in an area share one test; others set their own. Your home council's admissions team can also help: find your local council.
- Read the school's admissions policy
It sets out the entrance test, any priority or catchment area and how places are offered. Use the school links in the table above.
- Register for the entrance test
Registration can close several months before the test, so check the dates in Year 5.
- Sit the test
In areas such as Buckinghamshire and Medway, the test is sat in September of Year 6.
- Apply through your council by 31 October
Name the grammar school on your home council's secondary school application, as well as other schools.
- Offers on 1 March
Councils send secondary school offers on 1 March.
Application deadline and offer day: GOV.UK, school admissions: how to apply.
Looking further afield? See grammar schools in London and Kent.
Preparing for the 11+ in Essex
Whichever school you choose, a strong vocabulary helps across English, comprehension and verbal reasoning papers. Start gently in Year 3 and Year 4 with reading and word games, build structured practice in Year 5, and keep Year 6 for revision before the test.
Our year-by-year guides cover each stage: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. For free practice, print our 11 plus vocabulary list with meanings and try the free 11+ vocabulary quiz.
How 11+ Vocab Master and 11+ Verbal Reasoning Master can help
Whichever grammar school you aim for, our two apps help build the vocabulary and verbal reasoning skills that 11+ tests rely on, in short sessions on a phone or tablet.
- 11+ Vocab Master, our 11+ vocabulary app: 2,500+ words for CEM-style and GL Assessment tests across 100 categories, 12,000+ vocabulary questions, 6 practice modes, 7 games and unlimited mock tests.
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Master: 2,000+ verbal reasoning questions covering 38+ question types, with flashcards, mock tests and 5 VR games, such as Analogy Arena and Code Cracker.
- Vocab Master has progress tracking, works offline, is ad-free and has audio pronunciation. VR Master has a Hard Questions list. 11+ Vocab Master is Educational App Store Certified.
Both apps come with a 7-day free trial. After that, 11+ Vocab Master is £3.99 a month, £9.99 for 6 months or £12.99 a year, and 11+ Verbal Reasoning Master is £3.99 a month, £9.99 for 6 months or £14.99 a year.
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Frequently asked questions
How many grammar schools are there in Essex?
There are eight state grammar schools in Essex (Essex and Southend-on-Sea), according to the Department for Education's Get Information about Schools register, checked on 13 October 2026. Of these, three are boys' schools, four are girls' schools and one is a mixed school.
How do you get into a grammar school in Essex?
Your child sits the entrance test used by the school, and you name the school on your home council's secondary school application, which must be in by 31 October. Councils send offers on 1 March. Each school's admissions policy explains its test and how places are given.
Do Essex grammar schools have sixth forms?
Yes. All eight grammar schools listed here have a sixth form, according to the government register. Check each school's website for its sixth-form entry requirements.
Are there boarding grammar schools in Essex?
Yes. According to the government register, Colchester Royal Grammar School has boarding provision. Check the school's website for how boarding places are offered.
Sources
Checked on 13 October 2026. School websites are as listed on the government register.
- Get Information about Schools: open state-funded schools with a selective admissions policy, Department for Education
- School admissions: how to apply, GOV.UK