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King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford

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File:Kegschelmsford-front2005.jpg
Front view of school, early 2005

King Edward VI Grammar School, or KEGS, is a British grammar school located in the town of Chelmsford, roughly in the middle of the county of Essex. It takes pupils from the ages of 11 (Year 7) to 18 (Year 13), although it becomes mixed in the sixth form (Year 12 and Year 13).

It was one of many grammar schools founded by King Edward VI, and its origin resulted from a royal warrant dated March 24, 1551.[1]. The school was moved to its present site on Broomfield Road in 1892 [2].

Anthony Tuckwell, headmaster of KEGS from 1984 to 1999, is the author of a history of the school, entitled, 'That honourable and gentlemanlike House', a history of King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, 1551-2001.

The present headmaster is Dr. Mike Walker, who succeeded Mr. Tuckwell in 1999, having previously taught history at the school as senior deputy headmaster.

The school has been very successful over recent years, ranking in the top 20 schools in the country in national examination league tables. KEGS is a Foundation and Leading Edge school, and has also recently become a science specialist school.

In 2001 the school was named as the Sunday Times Best School of the Year.

In 2003 the Daily Mail called the school "one of England's most ancient and traditional grammar schools". Nonetheless, the school is at the forefront of pedagogical research and pioneers the latest teaching techniques, while still abiding by its proven ethos of working hard and playing hard.

House System

In 1907, headmaster Frank Rogers set up the system of "Houses" — Holland, named for Philemon Holland; Mildmay, (probably) for Sir Walter; Strutt, for Joseph Strutt; and Tindal, for Nicholas Conyngham Tindal, dividing the school into four forms in each year. Which house a first-year is placed in is decided alphabetically, although a member of the same family as an elder student is placed in the same house regardless of surname; students who join after Year 7 are assigned to a house as appropriate. The four houses, each with a staff housemaster and a team of sixth formers and house officials, including a House Captain and deputy/ies, compete throughout the year in sporting, musical and theatrical events, among others, to gain points towards the house championship. Each House has a colour: Holland has blue, Mildmay is yellow, Tindal red, and Strutt's colour is green.

The current (OCT 2005) House Masters are:

Holland — Mr Bob Birke

Mildmay — Mr Keith Milliken

Strutt — Ms Jean Campbell

Tindal — Ms Helen Wiltshire

House Events

At the end of the House Year (in June) there is Standards. This is when large amounts of each house partake in various events, such as 100m and 1000m, and attempt to get a time under the set time. Points are then awarded depending on these times. 3 points is the maximum with at least 1 point for 'taking part'.

House Music is the largest event of the school calendar. Each house is designated 30 minutes to present a musical extravaganza, with all genres such as: rap, soul, country, techno, classical. A house choir always performs at the end.

House Drama is also a major event. It generally takes the form of 'theatre in the round' and is enjoyed by all the school. There are many different categories, such as: monologue, duologue and house piece.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Combined Cadet Forces & Corps of Drums

The school maintains an Army contingent of the Combined Cadet Forces (CCF), which is also open to students of Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CHS or CCHS). The contingent's band, a Corps of Drums playing drums, flutes and bugles, wears the full dress scarlet tunics of The Essex Regiment, incorporating the purple facings which gave the Essex Regiment its nickname 'The Pompadours'. It carries the drums of the 4/5th Battalion (Territorial Army) emblazoned with the Regiment's battle honours. The current officers are Capt. Alison Brown, Contingent Commander & Head of Technology; 2/Lt. Tim Worrall, Assistant Director of Music, and Col. Gordon Brown (Retd.)

KEGS Music

The school has a Junior Orchestra and Senior Orchestra, which both include members from other schools, though the majority are from KEGS and Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CHS or CCHS). There are also various other ensembles which normally comprise only KEGS pupils, including the Chamber Ensemble, KEGS Strings (the junior string ensemble), and the Wind Band. These musical societies are conducted by Director of Music Mr. David Sparrow, and Mr. Tim Worrall.

Duke of Edinburgh

KEGS has a number of pupils currently preparing for their DoE silver award. The DoE at KEGS is run mainly by Ms Sharpe and Mr Greenwood.

World Challenge

World Challenge is run by Mr Bob Birke. Many students go on this and a major part of their time is devoted to fund raising. The customary 'Wash The Cars' day takes place in February.


Noted Alumni

Of the Chelmsford Chantry School (before the Royal Charter of 1551)

  • John Dee, noted mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, geographer, occultist, and consultant to Queen Elizabeth I.


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