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 16 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 academically demanding, but they now differ significantly in structure and style.
The CSSE exam continues to consist of two traditional papers:
- one Mathematics paper
- one English paper, including comprehension and extended writing.
The new CCHS entrance exam, developed by FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise), has moved towards a broader curriculum-based assessment that focuses on creativity, application of knowledge, and problem-solving across a wide range of Key Stage 2 subjects.
For 2026 entry, the CCHS exam is divided into four sections:
- Adventure Paper – multiple choice questions
- Beacon Paper – short written responses
- Compass Paper – multiple choice questions
- Discovery Paper – a creative written response task
Unlike more traditional 11+ formats, the CCHS assessment is designed to test how children apply their learning rather than simply recall facts. The exam may include content drawn from a broad range of KS2 subjects including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Languages, Computing, Design Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education.
The CSSE exam remains more traditionally focused on English and Maths attainment. The Mathematics paper tests fluency, reasoning and multi-step problem solving, while the English paper assesses comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and extended writing skills.
In both exams, success depends on secure subject knowledge, strong reading skills, mathematical confidence, and the ability to apply learning in unfamiliar situations. However, the newer CCHS format places even greater emphasis on adaptability, curiosity, critical thinking and creativity across the wider curriculum.
At Kip McGrath, our tutoring approach focuses on building deep academic understanding rather than teaching narrow exam techniques. We develop confident readers, capable mathematicians and thoughtful writers, ensuring students are fully prepared not only for the 11+ exams, but also for long-term success at grammar school and beyond.
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.
