Essex is not only home to many famous faces, but many celebrities have even been educated right here in Essex. But for this academy school, they educated a massive range of famous faces from a Formula 1 driver to BBC presenters.
King Edward VI Grammar School, or KEGS, is a British grammar school with academy status located in the city of Chelmsford, Essex, England. It takes pupils between the ages of 11 and 18. KEGS has been focused on "providing world-class education for nearly 500 years and mixes a strong history of academic excellence with a deep commitment to helping every child achieve," they say.
The school has been ranked in the top 50 schools in the country in national examination league tables. It is no surprise, therefore, that some of KEGS' alumni have gone incredibly far in their careers. Here are some of the most notable alumni that we all love to see on our screens today.
### Oliver (Ollie) Bearman
Oliver Bearman of Great Britain and Ferrari talks to the media in the Paddock after the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit (Image: Getty Images)
Ollie Bearman is about to take centre stage on our screens, driving for Haas Formula 1 team next year. He was brought up in Chelmsford, but took a huge step last year by making history an becoming the youngest British driver to take part in a Formula 1 weekend at just 17 years old.
He drove for Ferrari last year, with his F1 debut in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix ended with an impressive seventh-place finish - ahead of the likes of McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. Despite balancing school and racing, he still managed As and A-stars in his strongest subjects, leving KEGS in 2021.
### Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas in Fresh Meat (Image: Channel 4)
Joe Thomas is most famous for playing Simon Cooper in the E4 sitcom The Inbetweeners and its two film adaptations, The Inbetweeners Movie and The Inbetweeners 2. Joe was born in Chelmsford in 1983, and attended KEGS as a teenager before proceeding to the Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge, where he studied History.
### Eamonn Dolan
Eamonn Dolan was an Irish professional footballer and coach, educated in Chelmsford, who sadly passed away in 2016. Dolan played as a striker, beginning his professional career with West Ham United.
He went on to play for Birmingham City and Exeter. In September 2004, he moved to Reading FC where he was academy manager for twelve years until his passing.
### Dave Monk
Dave Monk broadcast for the BBC both on radio and television for more than 20 years and is proud to be a well-known name in his native county. He is now a freelance speaker, according to his Twitter. Dave was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex and moved at age 10 to the White Horse Inn, Ramsden Heath where his parents became publicans.
Dave attended KEGS as a teen and thereafter gained an honours degree in Law from the University of London. He also had a side quest hobby as “The Mad Monk” DJ, where Dave won a formidable reputation for fun in Essex and surrounding areas.
His daily magazine show on BBC Essex had a large and loyal following. Dave has interviewed hundreds of celebrities, writers, actors, musicians and politicians over the years but still maintains that some of the most interesting stories come from his listeners recounting their life experiences.