Private and Grammar Schools | Colchester

Grammar and private secondary schools in Colchester offer exceptional educational opportunities, renowned for their high academic standards and selective admissions processes.

In Colchester, grammar schools like Colchester Royal Grammar School and Colchester County High School for Girls are celebrated for their tradition of academic excellence. These institutions provide rigorous curricula within supportive environments that foster both intellectual growth and personal development.

Private schools in Colchester, including St. Mary’s School and Colchester High School, offer outstanding educational experiences. St. Mary’s School is known for its holistic approach to education, combining academic rigour with a diverse range of extracurricular activities. Colchester High School provides a nurturing environment where students excel academically and socially, supported by dedicated faculty and modern facilities.

Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Colchester. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.

All Private and Grammar Schools in Colchester

Colchester County High School For Girls

Colchester County High School Essex 11 plus entrance For Girls

Colchester High School

Colchester High School Essex 11 plus entrance
  • Address: Colchester High School, Wellesley Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3HD, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1878.

  • Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day school.

  • Age Range: 3–18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.

  • Notable Features: Colchester High School, established in 1878, prides itself on its academic excellence, supportive environment, and commitment to nurturing the individual talents and interests of each student, providing a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success in a globalized world.

  • Resources:

Colchester Royal Grammar School

Colchester Royal Grammar School Essex 11 plus entrance
  • Address: Colchester Royal Grammar School, Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3ND, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1206.

  • Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.

  • Age Range: 11–18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.

  • Notable Features: Colchester Royal Grammar School, with a history dating back to 1206, is celebrated for its academic excellence, strong sense of tradition, and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, providing students with a stimulating and supportive environment where they can excel academically, personally, and socially.

  • Resources:

Holmwood House School

Holmwood House School Essex 11 plus entrance
  • Address: Holmwood House School, Chitts Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DW, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1922.

  • Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.

  • Age Range: 3–13 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.

  • Notable Features: Holmwood House School, established in 1922, offers a vibrant and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop their talents, and achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally, providing a solid foundation for future success.

  • Resources:

St Mary's School, Colchester

St Mary's School Essex 11 plus entrance, Colchester
  • Address: St Mary's School, Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3DE, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1899.

  • Type Of School: Independent, girls' day school.

  • Age Range: 3–16 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.

  • Notable Features: St Mary's School, founded in 1899, is renowned for its academic excellence, supportive environment, and commitment to the holistic development of its students, providing a nurturing and stimulating educational experience that prepares them for future success and instils a love for lifelong learning.

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