Grammar and private secondary schools in Essex offer exceptional educational opportunities, celebrated for their high academic standards and selective admissions processes.
In Essex, grammar schools like Chelmsford County High School for Girls and King Edward VI Grammar School are renowned for their tradition of academic excellence. These institutions provide rigorous curricula within supportive environments that nurture both intellectual growth and personal development.
Private schools in Essex, including Felsted School and Brentwood School, offer outstanding educational experiences. Felsted School is known for its holistic approach to education, combining academic rigor with a diverse range of extracurricular activities. Brentwood 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 Essex. 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 Essex
Bancroft's School
Address: Bancroft's School, High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0RF, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1737.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 7–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CEM Select and school's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Bancroft's School, established in 1737, is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and strong sense of community, offering a supportive and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop their talents, and achieve their full potential.
Resources:
Bancroft's School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Braeside School
Address: Braeside School, 130 High Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5SD, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1947.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 2–16 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Braeside School, founded in 1947, provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to develop academically, socially, and emotionally, with a focus on holistic education and individualized attention to support each child's unique journey.
Resources:
Braeside School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Brentwood School
Address: Brentwood School, Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8EE, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1557.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Notable Features: Brentwood School, with a history dating back to 1557, combines academic excellence with a vibrant extracurricular program, providing students with a supportive and stimulating environment where they can excel academically, develop personally, and prepare for their future endeavours.
Resources:
Brentwood School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Chelmsford County High School for Girls
Address: Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1RW, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1906.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: Future Stories.
Notable Features: Chelmsford County High School for Girls, established in 1906, is renowned for its academic excellence, supportive environment, and commitment to empowering young women, providing a rigorous education that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Resources:
Chigwell School
Address: Chigwell School, High Road, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6QF, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1629.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 4–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Chigwell School, founded in 1629, boasts a rich history, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to excel academically, socially, and personally, and providing a supportive and nurturing environment for their development.
Resources:
Chigwell School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Colchester County High School For Girls
Address: Colchester County High School for Girls, Norman Way, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3US, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1909.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: Colchester County High School for Girls, established in 1909, is renowned for its academic excellence, supportive community, and commitment to empowering young women, providing a rigorous and enriching education that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Resources:
Colchester High School
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 High School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Colchester Royal Grammar School
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:
Felsted School
Address: Felsted School, Felsted, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 3LL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1564.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 4–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Felsted School, founded in 1564, is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and strong sense of community, providing students with a supportive and stimulating environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally, and where they are encouraged to develop their talents and pursue their passions.
Resources:
Felsted School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Holmwood House School
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:
Holmwood House School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Ilford County High School
Address: Ilford County High School, Fremantle Road, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JB, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1901.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment.
Notable Features: Ilford County High School, established in 1901, is renowned for its academic excellence, strong sense of tradition, and commitment to fostering the intellectual, social, and personal development of its students, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.
Resources:
King Edward VI Grammar School
Address: King Edward VI Grammar School, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3SX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1551.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: King Edward VI Grammar School, founded in 1551, boasts a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, a rich curriculum, and a supportive environment, providing students with the tools they need to excel academically and develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.
Resources:
New Hall School
Address: New Hall School, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3HS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1642.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Notable Features: New Hall School, established in 1642, is one of the oldest Catholic schools in the UK, known for its academic excellence, strong sense of community, and commitment to holistic education, providing students with a supportive and nurturing environment where they can flourish academically, spiritually, and personally.
Resources:
New Hall School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Saint Nicholas School
Address: Saint Nicholas School, Hillingdon House, Hobbs Cross Road, Old Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NJ
Founded: 1939.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 3–16 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam in English and maths.
Notable Features: Saint Nicholas School, founded in 1939, is celebrated for its nurturing environment, holistic approach to education, and commitment to academic excellence, providing students with a supportive and stimulating atmosphere where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Resources:
Saint Nicholas School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Shoeburyness High School
Address: Shoeburyness High School, Caulfield Road, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS3 9LL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1911.
Type Of School: Secondary comprehensive school.
Age Range: 11–16 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: Shoeburyness High School, established in 1911, is committed to providing a high-quality education for its students, offering a supportive learning environment, a broad curriculum, and a range of extracurricular activities to help students achieve their full potential and prepare for their future endeavours.
Resources:
Southend High School for Boys
Address: Southend High School for Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RG, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1907.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: Southend High School for Boys, established in 1907, is renowned for its academic excellence, strong sense of tradition, and commitment to nurturing the talents and abilities of its students, providing a supportive and stimulating environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Resources:
Southend High School for Girls
Address: Southend High School for Girls, Southchurch Boulevard, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 4UZ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1906.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: Southend High School for Girls, established in 1906, is recognized for its academic excellence, supportive environment, and commitment to empowering young women, providing a comprehensive education that fosters personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of community.
Resources:
St Bernard’s High School
Address: St Bernard’s High School, Milton Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7JS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1903.
Type Of School: Comprehensive girls' secondary school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: St Bernard’s High School, established in 1903, prides itself on providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where girls can flourish academically, socially, and personally, with a focus on academic excellence, personal development, and a strong sense of community values.
Resources:
St. John's School, Billericay
Address: St. John's School, Sawyers Hall Lane, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1938.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: St. John's School, established in 1938, is known for its academic excellence, strong community ethos, and commitment to holistic education, providing students with a supportive and stimulating environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally, and where they are encouraged to develop their talents and pursue their passions.
Resources:
St. John's School, Billericay – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
St Mary's School, 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.
Resources:
St Mary's School, Colchester – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
St Thomas More High School
Address: St Thomas More High School, Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0BW, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1958.
Type Of School: Comprehensive secondary school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: St Thomas More High School, established in 1958, is dedicated to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and a strong sense of community among its students, preparing them for the challenges of the future with confidence and resilience.
Resources:
The King John School
Address: The King John School, Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1RQ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1964.
Type Of School: Comprehensive secondary school.
Age Range: 11–16 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment.
Notable Features: The King John School, founded in 1964, is committed to providing a high-quality education that promotes academic achievement, personal development, and social responsibility among its students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every individual is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Resources:
Westcliff High School for Boys
Address: Westcliff High School for Boys, Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0BP, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1920.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: Westcliff High School for Boys, established in 1920, has a proud tradition of academic excellence, providing a rigorous and challenging curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond, while also fostering personal development, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community.
Resources:
Westcliff High School for Girls
Address: Westcliff High School for Girls, Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0BS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1919.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CSSE.
Notable Features: Westcliff High School for Girls, founded in 1919, is renowned for its academic excellence, supportive environment, and commitment to empowering young women, providing a comprehensive education that fosters personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of community.
Resources:
Woodford County High School For Girls
Address: Woodford County High School for Girls, High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 9LA, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1919.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment.
Notable Features: Woodford County High School for Girls, established in 1919, is celebrated for its academic excellence, supportive environment, and commitment to the holistic development of its students, providing a rigorous and enriching education that prepares them for success in higher education and beyond.
Resources: