King Edward VI School, Stratford
King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most historic and academically successful grammar schools in the United Kingdom. Commonly referred to as “KES Stratford,” the school is a selective boys’ grammar school for students aged 11–18 and is located in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.
The school is widely recognised for its exceptional academic standards, strong GCSE and A-Level performance, and long-standing educational tradition. It is also famously associated with William Shakespeare, who is believed to have attended the school during the 16th century.
King Edward VI School consistently attracts applications from across Warwickshire and surrounding counties due to its outstanding reputation and highly competitive admissions process.
School Address
King Edward VI School
Church Street
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6HB
Telephone: 01789 293812
Website: https://www.kes.net/
History of King Edward VI School, Stratford
King Edward VI School was founded in 1553 under a Royal Charter granted by King Edward VI, although the school’s educational origins date back even earlier.
The school is historically significant due to its association with William Shakespeare, who is widely believed to have been educated there. Located in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, the school remains closely linked to the town’s literary and cultural heritage.
Over the centuries, King Edward VI School has built a reputation for academic excellence, producing students who have progressed into careers in law, medicine, engineering, science, business, politics, and the arts.
Today, the school combines historic traditions with modern educational facilities, offering students a highly academic environment supported by strong extracurricular opportunities.
Academic Reputation & Awards
King Edward VI School is consistently ranked among the highest-performing grammar schools in Warwickshire and the wider UK.
The school is recognised for:
- Outstanding GCSE and A-Level results
- Excellent Oxbridge and Russell Group university progression
- High academic standards across STEM and humanities subjects
- Strong music, drama, debating, and sporting achievements
- Excellent pastoral care and enrichment opportunities
The school has an outstanding reputation for academic achievement and regularly performs significantly above national averages.
Students benefit from:
- Specialist subject teaching
- High academic expectations
- Extensive extracurricular programmes
- Leadership and enrichment opportunities
- Strong university preparation support
King Edward VI School continues to be regarded as one of the leading grammar schools in Warwickshire.
GCSE Results
King Edward VI School consistently achieves excellent GCSE outcomes.
Recent GCSE performance has included:
- High percentages of Grades 7–9
- Strong attainment in Mathematics, English, Sciences, and Humanities
- Significant numbers of students achieving Grade 8 and Grade 9 profiles
- GCSE results substantially above national averages
The school regularly achieves some of the strongest GCSE results within Warwickshire grammar schools.
A-Level Results
The school also achieves outstanding A-Level results each year.
Recent A-Level outcomes have included:
- Very high percentages of A* and A grades
- Excellent results across Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and Languages
- Strong Oxbridge success rates
- High progression into Russell Group universities and competitive professional courses
Students frequently progress into Medicine, Engineering, Law, Economics, Computer Science, and other highly competitive degree programmes.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
Admission into Year 7 at King Edward VI School is based on performance in the Warwickshire 11+ examination.
Eligibility
- Pupils must sit the Warwickshire Grammar Schools 11+ examination during Year 6.
- Applications are open to both local and out-of-area applicants.
Entrance Examination
The Warwickshire 11+ examination typically includes:
- English comprehension
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Mathematics
- Problem-solving questions
Scores are standardised according to age.
Allocation of Places
Places are allocated based primarily on examination performance and admissions criteria set by the school and Warwickshire County Council.
Due to the school being heavily oversubscribed, successful applicants generally achieve very strong standardised scores.
Application Process
Parents must:
- Register their child for the Warwickshire 11+ examination.
- Sit the examination during Year 6.
- Complete the Local Authority Secondary School Application Form.
- List King Edward VI School as a preferred school choice.
Early preparation for the 11+ examination is strongly recommended due to the competitive entry requirements.
Why Parents Choose King Edward VI School
Parents choose King Edward VI School because of its:
- Outstanding academic reputation
- Excellent GCSE and A-Level results
- Historic educational heritage
- Strong Oxbridge and university progression
- Excellent extracurricular opportunities
- Competitive academic environment
- Strong pastoral support
The school remains one of the most sought-after grammar schools in Warwickshire and across the Midlands.
Google Maps Location
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