There are two exam formats used within Essex. The majority of grammar schools are part of the CSSE (The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) and the exam is written by the schools involved. Chelmsford County High School for Girls administer a separate exam which has changed from the previously used CEM tests to FSCE (Future Schools Community Enterprise Ltd).
At Kip McGrath Billericay and Wickford, we take a unique and honest approach to 11+ exam preparation. Unlike some tutors who view 11+ tutoring as a quick business opportunity, we prioritise what is genuinely best for your child. We have been tutoring children for the 11+ for over 15 years - with a huge amount of success.
Our method is holistic and tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. We understand that every student has a unique starting point, so we focus on strengthening the specific areas where your child needs the most support. This ensures they’re fully prepared not just for the 11+ exam but for grammar school success.
1. Knowledge-Based Learning:
We prioritise a strong foundation in key subjects, ensuring your child has the deep understanding needed to perform well in both the 11+ exam and their future studies. Children need to be learning curriculum material that would not be introduced in school for at least a year or two.
2. Targeted Practice:
We do not tutor just to pass an exam - we want our students to be able to thrive within a Grammar school environment. We believe in introducing exam techniques and mock tests at the right time -typically the second half of Year 5. This gradual approach builds confidence and academic ability before introducing timed exams.
3. Realistic Expectations:
Success in the 11+ requires more than 70 minutes of tuition per week. While we guide and support your child, independent study is essential for mastering advanced concepts and staying ahead of the school curriculum. We’ll provide you with the tools and advice to help your child excel beyond tutoring sessions.
4. Honesty and Integrity: From the initial assessment to the end of your child’s time with us, we are committed to providing honesty and integrity. We give parents and students clear guidance, realistic expectations, and full transparency throughout the process.
By working with us, you’re choosing a service that genuinely cares about your child’s long-term development, whether or not the 11+ is the ultimate goal. If, at any point, you decide that the 11+ journey isn’t the right path, that’s okay! Any preparation that enhances your child’s knowledge and confidence will still benefit them in the long run.
What does the exam involve?
The CCHS and CSSE 11+ exams are both designed to be highly challenging but differ in their structure. The CCHS exam consists of three parts: two timed mixed papers and a non-graded continuous writing piece (Paper 3), which is only reviewed if high scores are achieved in Papers 1 and 2. In contrast, the CSSE exam is made up of two papers: one maths paper and one English paper that includes both comprehension and continuous writing.
The main emphasis of each test lies in English and maths. Over the last couple of years, there has also been an increased focus on writing skills, while both exams have moved away from the more traditional verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning sections. The CCHS paper consists of a separate question paper and answer sheet, while the CSSE paper combines the question paper and answer sheet in a single format.
In parts, the CSSE maths paper is comparable to a Foundation GCSE in difficulty, requiring a solid grasp of mathematical principles. The English paper assesses both comprehension and writing, demanding a broad vocabulary and the ability to interpret older, more complex texts.
In both exams, success depends on deep subject knowledge. Our tutoring approach prioritizes building a strong academic foundation, preparing students not only for the 11+ exams but also for long-term success in grammar school.
Next steps...
If your child is in Years 4 or 5, we will begin with a free assessment to understand their current academic level. Based on the results, if they are working at a potentially suitable level, we will create a personalised plan to support their 11+ preparation and progress. For children in Year 3 or below, our focus is on building their knowledge and helping them stay ahead in their everyday learning. At this stage, the focus isn’t specifically on 11+ tutoring, but on boosting your child's overall academic development.
After the assessment, we will provide you with an honest and constructive recommendation on whether focusing on 11+ preparation is the right path, or if it would be more beneficial to explore other areas of development that align better with your child's strengths and needs.
You can book an assessment directly with the Billericay center by emailing billericay@kipmcgrath.co.uk or calling 01277 621515. You can book directly with the Wickford centre on wickford@kipmcgrath.co.uk or calling 01268 762815.
Alternatively, you can book by clicking the button below.
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