East of England · selective school directory
11+ schools and tests in Essex
September 2027 entryEvidence reviewed 24 October 2026For September 2027 entry, Essex County Council describes two grammar-school test routes in its administrative area: the CSSE 11+ and Chelmsford County High School for Girls' separate test. The CSSE route also includes Southend schools, but Southend-on-Sea is outside the Essex County Council area. Test registration does not replace an application through your home council.
- Schools listed
- 4
- Verified routes
- 2
Selective schools in Essex
4 schools with complete admissions guides across Chelmsford, Colchester. School addresses come from the official school register. Check each school's admissions policy for current dates and eligibility.
| School | Selection type | Boys, girls or mixed intake | Where | Admissions guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford County High School for Girls | Selection typeFully selective state school | Boys, girls or mixed intakeGirls for Year 7 admission | WhereChelmsford, CM1 1RW · Essex | Admissions guideVerified admissions guide |
| Colchester County High School for Girls | Selection typeFully selective state school | Boys, girls or mixed intakeGirls for Year 7 admission | WhereColchester, CO3 3US · Essex | Admissions guideVerified admissions guide |
| Colchester Royal Grammar School | Selection typeFully selective state school | Boys, girls or mixed intakeBoys for Year 7 admission | WhereColchester, CO3 3ND · Essex | Admissions guideVerified admissions guide |
| King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | Selection typeFully selective state school | Boys, girls or mixed intakeMixed Year 7 admission | WhereChelmsford, CM1 3SX · Essex | Admissions guideVerified admissions guide |
Assessment routes used by these schools
| Route | Type | Schools using this route |
|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford County High School for Girls entrance test | TypeSchool-specific assessment | Schools using this route1 of 4 schools listed on this area page use this assessment route. |
| Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex 11 Plus | TypeFormal consortium | Schools using this route3 of 4 schools listed on this area page use this assessment route. |
Current results and applications
Choose the result guide for the assessment route your child took. Each school applies its own admissions policy, and the home council application is a separate step.
Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex 11 Plus
CSSE Essex results 2026: what to do next
Relevant skills and exercises
These practice links cover subjects used by different local routes. Check your chosen school's subject list before deciding which to use.
- Build English comprehension skills
Draw one supported conclusion that is not directly stated.
- Try Comprehension X-Ray
Free interactive practice relevant to English comprehension.
- Build maths and numerical reasoning skills
Select and perform a short sequence of operations in context.
- Try Step Builder
Free interactive practice relevant to maths and numerical reasoning.
Questions families ask
How many selective schools are listed in Essex?
The current directory lists 4 schools with selective admissions in Essex: Chelmsford County High School for Girls, King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, Colchester County High School for Girls, and Colchester Royal Grammar School.
Which 11+ routes are verified for Essex?
Chelmsford County High School for Girls entrance test: Chelmsford County High School for Girls; Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex 11 Plus: Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, and King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford. Check each school's admissions policy before registering.
Are all Essex schools covered by one test?
More than one assessment route is linked to Essex: Chelmsford County High School for Girls entrance test: Chelmsford County High School for Girls; Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex 11 Plus: Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, and King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford. Check the route and school guide for the school you are considering before registering.
How current is the information for Essex?
Smart Cub Learning reviewed 10 attached evidence sources by 2026-10-24. Unknown facts stay labelled and should be checked again before applying.
Official sources
- CCHS admission to Year 7 September 2027
Chelmsford County High School for Girls. Accessed 1 October 2026. September 2027 entry.
- CCHS determined admissions policy for entry in 2027
Chelmsford County High School for Girls. Accessed 1 October 2026. September 2027 entry.
- CSSE Information Guide: 2027 Entry
Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. Accessed 20 October 2026. September 2027 entry.
- CSSE 11+ Examination: 2027 entry
Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. Accessed 20 October 2026. September 2027 entry.
- Grammar school places in Essex
Essex County Council. Accessed 21 October 2026. September 2027 entry.
- Essex and neighbouring councils
Essex County Council. Accessed 21 October 2026. Essex County Council administrative area as stated on 21 October 2026.
- Open state-funded school fields CSV
Department for Education. Accessed 21 October 2026. GIAS register snapshot on 20 October 2026.
Explore the verified directory
- Schools near a town
Compare nearby state selective schools and their entrance routes.
- Applications and offers
Compare historic DfE school preferences and offers.
- Schools
Compare verified selective schools.
- Areas
Compare selective schools by area, with assessment routes shown only where verified.
- Tests and consortiums
See which schools share each assessment route.
Turn the shortlist into a preparation plan
Start with a free four-subject diagnostic, then focus practice on the skills that need attention.