King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon (KES) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Selective Grammar School for Boys | Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire | Ages 11–18 | State-funded Academy
📚 History of King Edward VI School (KES)
King Edward VI School (KES), Stratford-upon-Avon, is one of the most historic and prestigious grammar schools in the UK. Founded in the 13th century, it received a royal charter in 1553 from King Edward VI. The school’s most famous alumnus is William Shakespeare, who is believed to have attended KES in the 1570s — hence the nickname “Shakespeare’s School.”
KES is set in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, surrounded by historic architecture, including its original Guildhall, where Shakespeare likely received his education. It became a state-funded academy and continues to uphold a proud tradition of academic excellence, character development, and heritage education.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure
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Total Pupils: ~830
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Year 7 Intake: ~96 boys
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Sixth Form: ~270 (co-educational — girls admitted in Sixth Form only)
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Gender: Boys only (Years 7–11), Co-ed in Sixth Form
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Age Range: 11–18
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Type: Selective state grammar school
🎓 Academic Reputation
KES is consistently ranked among the top grammar schools in the UK and is renowned for its exceptional academic results, high standards, and commitment to developing students’ intellectual curiosity and leadership.
✅ Academic Highlights:
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Excellence in STEM, Languages, Humanities, and the Arts
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High-performing at GCSE and A-Level
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Frequent entries to Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, and top global institutions
📊 Academic Results (Typical Year):
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GCSEs:
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100% of students achieve 5+ Grades 9–4 including English & Maths
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~80–90% of grades at Grades 7–9 (A–A*)
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A-Levels:
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~85% of grades at A–B*
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Large number of students go on to Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Oxbridge
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🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
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Named a Top 20 Grammar School nationally (Sunday Times Parent Power)
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Winners of:
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UK Maths Challenge (multiple Gold awards)
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National Science Olympiads
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Young Economist of the Year competitions
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Regional and national debating & public speaking competitions
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🏫 King Edward VI School (KES), Stratford-upon-Avon – Contact Information
School Name: King Edward VI School (KES)
Also Known As: Shakespeare’s School
Type: Selective Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
📍 Address:
King Edward VI School
Church Street
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6HB
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1789 293351
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Twitter/X: @KES_Stratford
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Facebook: @KESStratford
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Instagram: @kes_stratford
📝 Exam Board: West Midlands Partnership GL Assessment
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the King Edward VI Shakespeare’s School (KES) 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at King Edward VI Shakespeare’s School (KES) is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the King Edward VI Shakespeare’s School (KES) entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the King Edward VI Shakespeare’s School (KES) 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Shakespeare’s School (KES) Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
King Edward VI Shakespeare’s School (KES) Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to King Edward VI Shakespeare’s School (KES).
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
✏️ Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
✅ Entry via Warwickshire 11+ (GL Assessment)
KES is part of the South Warwickshire Grammar Schools Consortium, alongside:
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Stratford Girls’ Grammar School
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Alcester Grammar School
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King Edward VI Camp Hill Schools (for some shared coordination)
Admission is based entirely on performance in the 11+ exam, which is organised by Warwickshire County Council and uses GL Assessment.
🧪 11+ Test Format (GL Assessment)
The Warwickshire 11+ test includes:
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English Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning
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Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning
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Multiple choice format
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Students take two papers in September of Year 6
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Scores are standardised, and places are allocated according to rank order
🎯 Typical qualifying score for KES: ~215+ (varies year by year and by area)
📋 Oversubscription Criteria
If more candidates qualify than there are places:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children
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Eligible for Pupil Premium (FSM)
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Ranked by 11+ score, with preference by priority areas:
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Priority Area 1: Stratford-upon-Avon and immediate surroundings
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Priority Area 2: Wider Warwickshire and parts of neighbouring counties
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Out of Area Applicants considered by score rank after Priority Areas
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📅 Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| 11+ Registration Opens | May |
| Registration Closes | June |
| 11+ Test Date | September |
| Results Issued | October |
| CAF Deadline | 31 October |
| National Offer Day | 1 March |
📌 Apply via: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/grammar-schools
📝 Application Process Summary
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Register for the 11+ test via Warwickshire County Council (May–June)
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Sit the test in September
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Receive results in October
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Submit Common Application Form (CAF) via your local authority by 31 October
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Receive offer on National Offer Day (1 March)
