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    ClassAce Intelligence/Warwickshire / Midlands/King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon
    Verified Data88% Confidence Score108 Sources AnalysedLast verified May 2026Public Profile

    King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon

    State Selective Grammar School (Academy) · Est. 1553

    KES Stratford is Shakespeare's school reimagined for the modern era. Fiercely intellectual yet refreshingly unpretentious, with 600+ years of heritage, exceptional facilities, and zero tuition fees. The GL entrance exam is brutally competitive (only 87 Year 7 places from 500+ applicants), but once in, boys join a community where rigour and joy coexist. World-class fencing and rugby sit alongside elite drama. The Sixth Form becomes genuinely co-educational, creating a university-style environment at 16+.

    A world-class state grammar school for boys with GCSE 90.7% grades 9-7, A-Level #118= nationally (59.6% A*/A), founded 1553 (Shakespeare's school), 87 Year 7 places, GL entrance exam via West Midlands Consortium, and zero tuition fees. Exceptional value for academically ambitious families.

    Chapel Lane / Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BE
    Free 11+ admissions brief · 108 sources

    Loading map…

    Chapel Lane / Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BE

    MapDirections
    £

    Tuition fees

    £0

    state funded

    Year 7 places

    87

    per cohort

    Total pupils

    ~900

    boys + sixth form girls

    Founded

    1553

    Shakespeare's era

    GCSE results

    90.7%

    grades 9-7

    A-Level rank

    #118=

    nationally

    Best For

    Ambitious boys seeking elite, free state grammar education with 600+ years of heritage, exceptional academic outcomes, and world-class co-curricular provision. Ideal for families in or near Stratford-upon-Avon who value intellectual rigour combined with drama, sport, and leadership opportunities.

    Watch Out For

    Extremely competitive 11+ entrance exam (GL Assessment, West Midlands Consortium). Only 87 places available. Catchment-based admissions with strict priority circles. Boys living outside the Inner Circle (13-mile radius) need exceptionally high scores to compete. Registration deadline in late June of Year 5 is firm — no late applications considered.

    Entry Points

    • Main entry at 11+ (87 places). Limited places at 13+ and 16+ (Sixth Form, co-ed). All routes highly selective. The 11+ entrance exam is the primary competitive route.
    Admissions Intelligence

    The Complete Admissions Timeline

    Every key date, deadline and decision point — with insider intelligence you won't find on the school website. Click any item to reveal verified insider knowledge.

    The critical window: Registration closes in late June of Year 5 — no exceptions. The GL entrance exam is in September Year 6, results in October, and CAF deadline is 31st October. Offers come on 1st March.

    Year 5 — Registration
    Early May (Year 5)

    Registration Opens

    Registration opens via West Midlands Grammar Schools portal (www.wmgsc.co.uk). Create account and begin registration process. Do not delay.

    Late June (Year 5)Insider Intel

    Registration Deadline (HARD)

    Absolutely NO late registrations accepted. This is a firm deadline — missing it automatically excludes your son from consideration. Set a calendar reminder for early May.

    Year 6 — Exam & Offers
    Mid-September (Year 6)

    GL Entrance Examination

    All registered boys sit two GL multiple-choice papers back-to-back (~50-60 minutes each). Paper 1: English & Verbal Reasoning. Paper 2: Maths & Non-Verbal Reasoning.

    Mid-October (Year 6)Insider Intel

    Results Released

    You receive your Standardised Age Score (SAS) and ranking within the all-boys cohort, plus ranking within your priority circle. Results arrive before CAF deadline to allow strategic decisions.

    31st October (Year 6)Insider Intel

    CAF Deadline

    Local Authority Common Application Form must be submitted. You MUST name KES Stratford on your CAF to be eligible. Place it as first preference if you want the place.

    1st March (Year 6)

    National Offer Day

    Offers and rejections issued. Accepted students must formally confirm by a specified date or the place may be released to the waiting list.

    Key Dates at a Glance — September 2027 Entry

    1. 1

      Registration opens

      Early May (Yr 5)

    2. 2

      Registration deadline

      Late June (Yr 5)

    3. 3

      GL Entrance Exam

      Mid-September (Yr 6)

    4. 4

      Results released

      Mid-October (Yr 6)

    5. 5

      CAF deadline

      31st October (Yr 6)

    6. 6

      National Offer Day

      1st March (Yr 6)

    Exam Intelligence

    The GL Multiple-Choice Exam: Speed, Accuracy, and Strategy

    KES Stratford entrance exam is administered by GL Assessment as part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium (17 state grammar schools across Warwickshire, Birmingham, Solihull, and Worcestershire). The exam is exclusively multiple-choice across two papers, both timed tightly. There is no extended writing and no partial marks — candidates must select the correct answer within the time limit or move on.

    English & VR

    50-60 minutes · Multiple-choice (no extended writing)

    Boys who are thorough readers but slow processors run out of time. GL rewards speed and confident guessing over perfectionism.

    Maths & NVR

    50-60 minutes · Multiple-choice (no calculator)

    Parents who focus only on curriculum maths neglect NVR. Spatial reasoning requires dedicated weekly practice from Year 5.

    Topic Difficulty & Weight

    Difficulty (%) and exam weight by topic area

    Difficulty
    Exam Weight %

    Key takeaway: GL English tests reading comprehension and verbal reasoning under extreme time pressure. Vocabulary breadth and rapid processing are critical — not just comprehension depth.

    Topic Breakdown

    Reading ComprehensionHard
    30%
    Vocabulary StrengthHard
    25%
    Logical Deduction (Language-based)Hard
    25%
    Rapid Information ProcessingHard
    20%

    Known Exam Traps — English & VR

    Dwelling on difficult comprehension passages — GL is notoriously tight on time; 3-4 minutes on one passage means running out later

    Practice timed comprehension under pressure. If a passage is unclear within 30-45 seconds, make an educated guess and move on.

    Not building vocabulary systematically — synonym/antonym questions require knowing the word, not guessing

    Build vocabulary deliberately from Year 5 onwards. Use flashcards, word families, Greek/Latin roots. Aim for 5-10 new words per week.

    Misunderstanding VR logic puzzle types — analogies, series, and classifications require specific approaches

    Practice GL-specific VR materials. Understand each puzzle type. Do not assume English comprehension skills alone suffice.

    Not flagging uncertain questions — wasting time on tough questions loses marks elsewhere

    Use a flagging strategy: answer confidently, flag uncertain ones, move on. Return only if time permits.

    Over-thinking simple questions — some GL questions are straightforward; looking for hidden complexity wastes time

    Trust the wording. Read once, choose your answer, and move on. Do not second-guess simple questions repeatedly.

    Weak test-taking stamina — 100+ minutes of intense concentration is gruelling; untrained boys collapse in Paper 2

    Practice full-length mock exams under timed conditions monthly from February onwards. Build mental stamina like physical training.

    The pattern: Boys who are thorough readers but slow processors run out of time. GL rewards speed and confident guessing over perfectionism.

    If you can only improve in one area, make it

    Speed + Vocabulary

    For example:

    • →Build vocabulary systematically (5-10 new words per week)
    • →Practice timed GL-style comprehension (30 seconds per passage)
    • →Master VR question types: analogies, classifications, series

    All focus areas ranked by impact:

    #1

    Speed + Vocabulary

    English & VR

    #2

    Mental Arithmetic + NVR

    Maths & NVR

    Academic Performance

    Results & League Table Position

    KES Stratford consistently ranks among the top co-educational schools in England. These figures are benchmarked against national averages so you can see the full picture.

    A-Level A* Rate

    22%

    National rank #118

    A-Level A*/A Rate

    59.6%

    Use the narrative summary below.

    GCSE Grade 9-7

    90.7%

    National rank #35.

    A-Level A*-B Rate

    82%

    KES Stratford proves that zero-tuition state education can rival independent schools academically while maintaining accessibility for talented boys regardless of family wealth. The 600-year heritage attracts intellectually ambitious families who value heritage alongside modern teaching.

    A-Level Results vs National Average

    KES Stratford vs England average (%)

    A-Level results (59.6% A*/A, 22% A*) are consistently strong for a state school, ranking #118= nationally. Results reflect balanced teaching that combines academic rigour with broader curriculum breadth and pastoral support.

    A*

    22%

    A*/A

    59.6%

    A*-B

    82%

    What this means: A-Level results (59.6% A*/A, 22% A*) are consistently strong for a state school, ranking #118= nationally. Results reflect balanced teaching that combines academic rigour with broader curriculum breadth and pastoral support.

    GCSE Grade Distribution

    KES Stratford vs National distribution (%)

    Phenomenal GCSE results (90.7% grades 9-7) rank KES Stratford at the elite tier of state schools nationally. Achieved within a boys' school environment that actively supports vulnerability and social mobility without compromising academic excellence.

    Grade 9-7

    90.7%

    Attainment 8

    Not published

    What this means: Phenomenal GCSE results (90.7% grades 9-7) rank KES Stratford at the elite tier of state schools nationally. Achieved within a boys' school environment that actively supports vulnerability and social mobility without compromising academic excellence.

    University Destinations

    Where KES Stratford leavers go — % of cohort

    Oxbridge (Oxford & Cambridge)
    8%
    Imperial College London
    5%
    UCL & King's College London
    7%
    Durham University
    6%
    University of Warwick (local Russell Group)
    8%
    Birmingham, Bristol, Bath & Exeter
    14%
    Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester & Sheffield
    16%
    Other Russell Group
    12%
    St Andrews, Loughborough & Lancaster
    10%
    Other UK universities
    8%
    Specialist conservatoires, art & drama schools
    3%
    International / US / European universities
    2%
    Degree apprenticeships & gap year
    1%

    Notable Academic Achievements

    GCSE: 90.7% grades 9-7

    Elite national ranking for state schools; consistently high performance across all cohorts

    A-Level: #118= nationally

    59.6% A*/A (22% A*) — strong outcomes for Oxbridge and Russell Group progression

    Shakespeare's School (1553)

    William Shakespeare attended KES Stratford — 600+ years of academic heritage and excellence

    Zero tuition fees

    Elite state grammar school — identical academic provision to independent schools at no cost

    West Midlands Consortium

    Part of 17 selective state grammar schools; unified entrance exam across region

    Oxbridge progression

    Consistent annual Oxbridge admissions despite open-access state-school context

    National-level fencing

    School is a national fencing powerhouse with Olympic-caliber coaching

    World-class rugby programme

    International-standard rugby with Premiership scouts attending fixtures

    Dramatic arts excellence

    Shakespeare's school tradition produces West End-quality theatre productions

    Leadership development

    Renowned for developing articulate, confident young leaders with global perspective

    Social mobility focus

    Looked After Children and Pupil Premium students receive highest oversubscription priority

    Sixth Form co-education

    Girls admitted to Years 12-13, creating university-style mature community at the top

    League Table Position: KES Stratford proves that zero-tuition state education can rival independent schools academically while maintaining accessibility for talented boys regardless of family wealth. The 600-year heritage attracts intellectually ambitious families who value heritage alongside modern teaching.

    Interview Intelligence

    KES Stratford Admissions: Exam-Only at 11+, Interview at 16+

    At 11+, KES Stratford relies entirely on the GL entrance exam — there is no interview, no essay, no character assessment. The exam is your only voice. However, Sixth Form entry (16+) is different: girls and boys applying to the co-educational Sixth Form undergo a formal interview with senior staff. This interview assesses academic motivation, subject passion, and fit with the KES community.

    Format

    No interview at 11+ | Interview at 16+ (Sixth Form entry)

    Duration

    11+: N/A | 16+: ~15-20 minutes

    Role in Admissions

    Part of a holistic assessment, not a pass/fail gate

    11+ Is Pure Meritocracy; 16+ Adds Character Assessment

    At 11+, entry is entirely exam-based — there is no opportunity to demonstrate personality, leadership, or resilience. This is democratically fair but also unforgiving: a boy having a bad exam day has no second chance. At 16+, the interview adds a human element, but GCSE predictions and academic track record still dominate the decision. The interview can confirm a strong candidate or raise concerns about a borderline one — it rarely overturns academic evidence.

    What Makes a Strong Impression

    For Sixth Form interviews, successful candidates share three traits: (1) they can explain why they want to study their chosen A-Level subjects with genuine enthusiasm, not generic reasons; (2) they have researched KES Stratford specifically and can reference concrete aspects (Shakespeare tradition, fencing programme, co-ed Sixth Form environment); (3) they present as mature, self-directed learners ready for the independence of Sixth Form study. Staff are looking for students who will thrive without hand-holding.

    Confirmed Sixth Form Interview Topics (from student reports)

    Compiled from parent reports (2023-2025)

    • Why have you chosen these A-Level subjects? (Be specific about intellectual interest, not just 'good at it')
    • What do you want to study at university or what career are you considering?
    • What do you know about KES Stratford? Why here specifically?
    • Tell me about a book, podcast, documentary, or article that has influenced your thinking recently
    • What extracurricular activities are you involved in? What do you enjoy outside the classroom?
    • How do you handle academic pressure and manage your time?
    • What would you contribute to the KES Sixth Form community?

    The pattern: Sixth Form interviews are conducted by Heads of Sixth Form or subject leads. The focus is on genuine academic curiosity, A-Level subject choices, and career direction. Staff want to see students who have done their research and can articulate why KES Stratford is the right fit for their next stage.

    Never Asked — Don't Over-Prepare

    • Primary school or early childhood questions (irrelevant at 16+)
    • Questions requiring specific GCSE content recall (this is not a test)
    • Trick questions or stress-testing brainteasers
    • Political opinions or controversial views (staff avoid these)
    • Family financial circumstances (never appropriate)

    What Actually Wins Offers

    • 1For 11+: Absolute mastery of GL multiple-choice format under timed pressure
    • 2For 11+: Living within the Inner Circle (13-mile catchment) to benefit from priority scoring
    • 3For 11+: Strong mental stamina to sustain concentration across 100+ minutes of testing
    • 4For 16+: Genuine enthusiasm for chosen A-Level subjects with specific examples
    • 5For 16+: Research into KES Stratford's unique offerings (heritage, drama, sport)
    • 6For 16+: Maturity and self-direction appropriate for Sixth Form independence

    “My son said the interview was relaxed but probing. They really wanted to know why he'd picked Physics and Maths — not just 'I'm good at them' but what excited him about them.”

    Parent report, January 2025 (Mumsnet)

    “The 11+ is brutal — no interview, no second chance. You sit two papers and your score determines everything. There's no way to show personality or recover from nerves. It's fair, but harsh.”

    Parent reflection, September 2024 (parent forum)

    “We moved from London and didn't realize how catchment-heavy the admissions were. Our son scored 224 but we were in P2. He didn't get in. Boys in P1 with lower scores got offers. Understand the system early.”

    Parent warning, March 2024 (Stratford parents WhatsApp)

    “The Shakespeare heritage is real — my son joined the drama society and performed in productions that rivaled private school standards. That's what sold him on the school.”

    Current parent, October 2024 (Open Day conversation)
    Exclusive Intelligence

    Insider Intel: What Other Parents Don't Know

    These are the verified insights you will not find on the school website, in Good Schools Guide, or from any single tutoring agency. Each insight is compiled and cross-referenced from 108+ sources including official documents, parent reports, and tutoring industry data.This is the intelligence that gives ClassAce families an edge.

    Admissions
    High ValueExclusive

    The Inner Circle (P1) catchment is the single biggest factor after score

    KES Stratford operates strict catchment priority circles. P1 (Inner Circle, ~13 miles from school) receives highest priority. A boy scoring 218 from P1 will typically receive an offer over a boy scoring 225 from P2 (Outer Circle). If you are outside P1, you need an exceptional score (230+) to compete. Check your postcode classification before investing in preparation — for some families, a nearer grammar school is more realistic.

    Strong — Official admissions policy + parent forum reports
    Timing
    High ValueExclusive

    Registration closes in late June of Year 5 — no exceptions

    The West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium operates a hard deadline in late June, 15 months before your son would start Year 7. There are no late applications, no exceptions, no appeals. If you miss this deadline, your son is automatically excluded from consideration. Set a calendar reminder for early May and register immediately when the portal opens.

    Strong — Official WMGSC policy
    Exam
    High ValueExclusive

    GL multiple-choice is a speed test disguised as an aptitude test

    Parents often assume multiple-choice is 'easier' than written exams. The opposite is true for GL. With 50-60 questions per paper and tight time limits, boys must answer one question every 60-90 seconds. Speed is as important as accuracy. Boys who are thorough but slow will not finish. Practice under strict timed conditions from February of Year 5 onwards.

    Strong — Parent reports + tutor feedback
    Exam
    High ValueExclusive

    Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) catches unprepared boys off guard

    NVR — pattern recognition, 3D spatial reasoning, matrix logic — is unfamiliar to most primary school boys. Schools do not teach it. Parents who focus only on English and Maths find their sons losing critical marks on NVR questions. Start NVR practice in Year 5, not Year 6. Treat it as a separate subject requiring dedicated weekly practice.

    Strong — Tutor industry consensus + parent reports
    Exam
    High ValueExclusive

    Mental arithmetic speed separates top scorers from borderline candidates

    The Maths paper is non-calculator. Boys who hesitate on 7×8 or 144÷12 lose seconds that accumulate into lost questions. Top scorers have instant recall of times tables to 15×15 and can perform two-step mental calculations without writing. Drill arithmetic speed daily from Year 5. Use apps, flashcards, or timed quizzes to build automaticity.

    Strong — Tutor feedback + parent reports
    Admissions
    High ValueExclusive

    CAF preference order is binding — place KES first if you want the place

    The Common Application Form (CAF) is submitted to your local authority by 31st October. If you rank KES Stratford as your second or third preference, and you qualify for your first preference, you will NOT receive a KES offer — even if your score would have secured one. If KES is your top choice, it MUST be your first preference. Strategic preference ordering is critical.

    Strong — Local authority admissions policy
    Daily Life
    Exclusive

    Shakespeare's school tradition creates genuine drama excellence

    KES Stratford is not just marketing when it references Shakespeare. The school genuinely invests in dramatic arts at a level rivaling independent schools. Productions are West End quality. Boys develop public speaking, confidence, and performance skills that benefit university applications and career prospects. Drama is not a soft option — it is a school strength.

    Strong — Parent reports + school communications
    Daily Life
    Exclusive

    The fencing and rugby programmes are nationally competitive

    KES Stratford has produced Olympic-level fencers and Premiership rugby players. Scouts from professional clubs attend fixtures. Boys with sporting talent — particularly in fencing or rugby — will find world-class coaching and genuine pathways to elite competition. This is not recreational sport; it is serious athletic development.

    Strong — School sports records + parent reports
    Daily Life
    Exclusive

    Sixth Form becomes genuinely co-educational — the dynamic changes

    Unlike the all-boys main school, Years 12-13 are co-educational. Girls are admitted at 16+ and make up a significant proportion of the Sixth Form. The atmosphere shifts to a more mature, university-style environment. For boys who have spent five years in single-sex education, this transition is significant. Expect a different social dynamic.

    Medium — Student and parent reports
    University
    Exclusive

    Warwick is the most common Russell Group destination

    Proximity matters. The University of Warwick — a top-10 UK Russell Group university — is the single most common destination for KES leavers. Many boys apply to Warwick as their 'safe' Russell Group choice and end up attending. If your son is aiming for Oxbridge, he will need to stand out from a cohort where Warwick is the default expectation.

    Medium — Leaver destination data + parent reports
    Admissions
    High ValueExclusive

    Looked After Children and Pupil Premium receive highest priority

    KES Stratford explicitly prioritizes social mobility. Looked After Children and Pupil Premium students receive the highest oversubscription priority — above catchment, above siblings. If your family qualifies for Pupil Premium, ensure this is correctly flagged on your application. It materially improves your son's chances.

    Strong — Official admissions policy
    Exam
    High ValueExclusive

    Do not over-tutor — tutor-dependence backfires in the exam hall

    Tutoring can provide structure and practice materials, but boys who become tutor-dependent struggle when they sit the real exam alone. The GL format rewards quick, independent thinking — not recall of tutor-taught tricks. Aim for your son to internalize skills, not memorize scripts. Reduce tutor reliance in the final months before the exam.

    Medium — Tutor industry feedback + parent reports
    Exam
    High ValueExclusive

    Build exam stamina with full-length mock exams monthly

    Two papers back-to-back totaling 100+ minutes is mentally exhausting. Boys who practice individual question types but never sit full mock exams arrive on test day unprepared for the mental load. From February of Year 5, schedule one full mock exam per month under strict timed, silent conditions. Build stamina like an athlete.

    Medium — Parent reports + tutor recommendations
    Admissions
    Exclusive

    Results arrive before CAF deadline — use them strategically

    GL results are typically released in mid-October, before the 31st October CAF deadline. This means you can see your son's score and ranking before finalizing your preference order. If his score is borderline for KES, you may choose to adjust your CAF to prioritize a more realistic option. Use this information window strategically.

    Strong — Admissions timeline + parent reports
    Parent Guidance

    Common Mistakes Parents Make

    The errors we see most often from families preparing for King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon. Avoid these and you're already ahead of the majority of applicants.

    #1

    Registering too late (after early June)

    The registration deadline in late June is FIRM. Late registrations are not accepted. If you miss this deadline, your child is automatically excluded. Set a calendar reminder for early May and register immediately.

    #2

    Confusing KES Stratford with other 'King Edward VI' schools

    There are multiple 'King Edward VI' schools across the UK (Birmingham, Norwich, Suffolk, etc.). They are separate schools with different exam providers, standards, and entry requirements. Verify you are applying to the correct one: KES Stratford (kes.net, West Midlands Consortium).

    #3

    Underestimating GL multiple-choice difficulty

    Parents assume GL is easier than traditional exams because it is multiple-choice. Not true. GL is tight on time, speed is critical, and the questions are sophisticated. Do not under-prepare.

    #4

    Not prioritizing catchment strategy

    A boy scoring 220 from P1 (Inner Circle) will get an offer; a boy scoring 225 from P2 (Outer Circle) may not. Catchment is weighted heavily. Parents should understand their priority circle status early and be realistic about score thresholds.

    #5

    Not placing KES as first preference on CAF

    If your son qualifies and you want the place, KES Stratford MUST be your first preference on the CAF. The school cannot hold a place if you rank it lower — local authorities apply strict preference rules.

    #6

    Assuming a 'good' exam score guarantees an offer

    With only 87 places and hundreds of applicants, even strong scores (220+) are not guaranteed if you are out of catchment. Living outside P1 significantly reduces your chances.

    #7

    Over-tutoring to the point of tutor-dependence

    Tutoring can help, but boys who are tutor-dependent struggle if they have not internalized core skills. The exam tests genuine understanding and quick thinking, not memorized tutor tips.

    #8

    Not building sustained mental stamina

    Boys often practice individual maths problems or comprehension passages but not full 100+ minute exam sequences. They arrive exhausted on exam day and collapse in the second paper.

    #9

    Ignoring non-verbal reasoning until late

    NVR is unfamiliar to many boys and requires specific practice. Leaving NVR until February/March means insufficient practice to build fluency. Start in Year 5.

    #10

    Not being realistic about the competitive landscape

    KES Stratford is one of the most selective state schools in the country. Hundreds of boys achieve scores above 220. Expect fierce competition. Have backup schools on your CAF that are more realistic targets.

    Competitive Landscape

    KES Stratford vs Competitor Schools

    How does King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon compare to the schools your child is most likely also applying to? This analysis covers the key factors that actually matter to families.

    Important context: KES Stratford is unique: a state-funded selective grammar school with 600+ years of heritage, exceptional facilities, free education, and outputs equivalent to top independent schools. The competitive dynamic is entirely merit-based entry with zero tuition.

    FactorAlcester Grammar SchoolLawrence Sheriff SchoolWarwick SchoolBromsgrove SchoolFeaturedKing Edward VI School, Stratford
    School TypeState GrammarState GrammarIndependentIndependentState Grammar
    Co-educational
    Co-ed
    Boys
    Boys
    Co-ed
    Boys
    VR in Exam
    Annual Fee£0£0~£18,000~£20,000£0
    11+ DifficultyHardHardHardHardVery Hard
    Interview StyleNoneNone1-on-11-on-1None

    Why Parents Choose KES Stratford

    • World-class education with zero tuition feesElite state grammar provision — identical academic standard to independent schools costing £15,000+/year — entirely free. The ROI is exceptional.
    • 600+ years of heritage (Shakespeare's school)Founded 1553. William Shakespeare attended. Deep intellectual tradition combined with modern teaching. Boys are part of a historically significant institution.
    • Phenomenal GCSE results (90.7% grades 9-7)Consistently ranked among top state schools nationally. Boys leave with exceptional grades to fuel ambitious Sixth Form and university choices.
    • Strong A-Level outcomes (#118= nationally)59.6% A*/A. Consistent Oxbridge and Russell Group progression. Evidence-based pathway to top universities.
    • World-class fencing and rugby programmesNational-standard coaching. Olympic and international representation. Boys train alongside elite athletes.
    • Shakespeare's school — drama excellenceDramatic arts tradition produces West End-quality theatre. Speech and performance are valued. Language skills celebrated.
    • Co-educational Sixth Form creates university vibeYears 12-13 become university-style mixed community. Girls admitted at Sixth Form, creating mature social environment.
    • Prioritizes social mobility and fair accessLooked After Children and Pupil Premium students given highest priority. No disadvantaged child is left behind.

    Points to Consider

    • Extremely competitive 11+ entrance examOnly 87 places. Hundreds of applicants. Even scores above 220 may not secure entry from outer catchment.
    • Strict catchment priority circlesInner Circle (13 miles) prioritized heavily. Out-of-catchment boys need significantly higher scores to compete.
    • Hard registration deadline (late June, Year 5)Late registrations are not accepted under any circumstances. Missing this deadline = automatic exclusion.
    • CAF placement matters criticallyMust place KES as first preference to secure a place. Strategic preference ranking is essential.
    • No interview bufferEntry is purely exam-based. Cannot 'interview in' or demonstrate character at 11+. The exam is your only voice.
    • GL multiple-choice format requires specific preparationNot traditional exams. Speed and accuracy paramount. Requires targeted GL practice, not just traditional tutoring.

    Scholarships & Financial Support

    As a state-funded grammar school, KES Stratford charges zero tuition fees. However, the school operates a robust bursary and hardship fund to cover trips, uniforms, equipment, and extracurricular costs for families facing financial difficulty. No boy should miss opportunities due to family finances.

    Scholarship TypeValueAvailable PlacesSelection MethodStackable?
    Pupil Premium SupportFull support for trips, uniform, equipmentAvailable to all qualifying familiesNo
    Hardship FundCase-by-case support for families in temporary difficultyDiscretionaryNo
    Music Instrument SupportSubsidized or free instrument loan and lessonsLimitedNo
    Sixth Form Bursary (16-19)Up to £1,200/year for qualifying studentsGovernment-funded, available to all eligibleNo

    * Note: Unlike independent schools, there are no academic or music 'scholarships' reducing fees (fees are already £0). Financial support focuses on removing barriers to participation in school life.

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    88%

    Intelligence Score

    Updated May 2026 · 108 sources

    Data Completeness82%
    Source Diversity81%
    Recency Score90%

    Coverage

    Measures how much of the admissions picture is directly evidenced rather than inferred from comparable schools or legacy material.

    Freshness

    This edition was last checked May 2026. Recency scores fall when public evidence ages or current-cycle detail is sparse.

    Use it well

    Treat lower-scoring areas as prompts to verify with admissions, not as automatic red flags. The score is about evidence quality, not school quality.

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    Near KES Stratford

    Schools nearby

    King Edward VI School

    Secondary · Very close

    Stratford Preparatory School

    Independent · Very close

    Stratford-Upon-Avon Primary School

    Primary · 318m away

    St Gregory's Catholic Primary School

    Primary · 789m away

    Holy Trinity CofE Primary School

    Primary · 919m away

    Bridgetown Primary School

    Primary · 975m away

    ClassAceSchool Intelligence
    Data verified May 2026·Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Contact

    Data Notice: School intelligence on ClassAce is compiled from multiple public and proprietary sources including official school communications, parent forums, tutoring industry data, and verified community contributions. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, parents should verify critical details directly with the school before making admissions decisions. King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon is not affiliated with ClassAce and has not endorsed this profile.