Private secondary schools in Essex offer exceptional educational opportunities, celebrated for their high academic standards and selective admissions processes.
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 rigour 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 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 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
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 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
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
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
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