King Edward VI Grammar School

King Edward VI Grammar School is a highly selective boys' grammar school in Chelmsford that runs its own entrance examination using GL Assessment papers. The exam takes place in September and tests four areas: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English. You'll need to register by June of the year your son sits the exam — check the school's admissions page for the exact deadline each year, as dates can vary.

The exam is slightly harder than a standard GL paper, so your son will need thorough preparation. The Verbal Reasoning section is particularly demanding, with vocabulary that goes beyond typical primary school level; children who haven't actively built their vocabulary will find this challenging. The Mathematics paper focuses on problem-solving and applying concepts rather than simple recall, so your son should be confident with the full Key Stage 2 curriculum and a little beyond. English comprehension requires reading between the lines and making inferences, rather than just finding answers directly in the text.

You should expect a brisk pace throughout the exam. Most children manage the time pressure reasonably well, but slower readers or those who get stuck on difficult questions may feel rushed, particularly in Verbal Reasoning and English. Non-Verbal Reasoning follows standard GL format but with slightly trickier patterns, so make sure your son practises a range of difficulty levels rather than just easier papers. Overall, consistent, focused preparation across all four areas — with particular attention to vocabulary building and reasoning skills — will give him the best chance.