The hardest schools to get into in Essex

What is the hardest school to get into in Essex?

For secondary places, 280 families put Colchester Royal Grammar School first in 2026 and 63 of them (23%) were offered a place - places depend on the 11-plus. For Reception, 33 families put Stisted Church of England Primary Academy first and 15 of them (46%) were offered a place.

Colchester Royal Grammar SchoolStisted Church of England Primary Academy

How many families in Essex get their first-choice school?

83.4% of families applying for a secondary place got their first preference, and 90.3% of those applying for Reception did (offers for September 2026).

Does putting a school first improve our chances?

Not at the other schools you name. Councils in England use an equal-preference system: every school you list is considered against its own admissions criteria, and if more than one could offer a place you get the one you ranked highest. So list schools in your genuine order of preference, and include at least one you are very likely to get.

What does "last distance offered" mean?

For schools that give places by distance, it is how far from the school the last child offered a place under that criterion lived. It changes every year with the number and location of applicants, so treat it as a guide, not a guarantee. We show it where Essex published it in its admissions booklet.