11+ tutoring for Essex grammar schools
The Essex grammar schools (Southend, Westcliff, Chelmsford and Colchester) test through the CSSE consortium: written English and maths papers with a continuous writing task, not multiple choice. Families from Rayleigh, Wickford, Basildon and across south Essex prepare for exactly that format with us.
One-to-one from £16 a class · billed in USD
Essex (Rayleigh, Wickford, Basildon, Southend) - online 1-to-1
What every programme includes
- ✓ CSSE English paper: comprehension and the writing task
- ✓ CSSE maths paper: full written method, not guesswork
- ✓ Weekly timed practice against the CSSE format
- ✓ Mocks with marking from spring of Year 5
- ✓ Registration-window reminders for your target schools
Lesson times in your time zone
Weekdays 3pm-9pm after school · Weekends 8am-8pm, your local time. Pick the slot when you book.
The CSSE test and the schools that use it
Ten Essex grammar schools admit through the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE): King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford, Colchester Royal Grammar School, Colchester County High School for Girls, Southend High School for Boys, Southend High School for Girls, Westcliff High School for Boys, Westcliff High School for Girls, St Bernard's High School, St Thomas More High School and Shoeburyness High School. Children sit one CSSE test even if they apply to several of these schools.
Unlike most grammar areas, the CSSE test has no verbal or non-verbal reasoning papers. It is an English paper, with comprehension and usually a writing task, and a maths paper. Preparation therefore looks more like stretched Key Stage 2 English and maths than puzzle-style reasoning.
Key dates for the CSSE test
For entry in September 2027, registration ran from 12 May to 19 June 2026, the test was sat on Saturday 19 September 2026, and results are emailed from 12 October 2026, ahead of the 31 October deadline for the secondary school application.
Families aiming for 2028 entry should expect registration to open in May 2027 and the test in September 2027. The CSSE publishes exact dates each spring, and we send reminders to the families we work with.
How we prepare Essex children
CSSE preparation concentrates on the two papers and the habits behind them:
- ✓ Comprehension: inference, explaining the writer's choices and answering in full sentences
- ✓ Writing: planning quickly, varied sentences and accurate punctuation under time pressure
- ✓ Maths: written methods with working shown, and multi-step problems
- ✓ Timed CSSE-style practice from the spring of Year 5
- ✓ Registration reminders for your target schools
A CSSE plan from Year 4 to the test
- 1
Year 4
Reading widely, writing short pieces regularly and making arithmetic quick and accurate.
- 2
Year 5, autumn
Comprehension technique and the upper Key Stage 2 maths the CSSE paper draws on.
- 3
Year 5, spring and summer
Timed English and maths papers in the CSSE style, with written pieces marked for structure and accuracy.
- 4
Year 6, before the September test
Full mock tests under timing and a calm test-day routine.
Tutors for this programme
IYAMAH SUNDAY EMMANUEL
Bachelors of Science in Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University
15 yrs experience
GCSE · A-Level · 11+
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Muhammad Mahmood Aslam Bhutta
PhD-qualified Mechanical Engineer, Graz University of technology, Graz , Austria
25 yrs experience
US school
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Abdi Musa
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, University of Washington Bothell
4 yrs experience
GCSE / A-Level (UK)
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What tutoring costs in the UK
EagleTeach, one-to-one online
From £16 a class
Billed in USD, converted at an approximate rate. Two free demo classes first.
Common questions
Is the Essex 11+ different from other grammar tests?＋
Yes, in format: CSSE schools set written papers rather than multiple choice, including creative writing. Children used only to GL-style drilling need explicit practice writing full maths methods and sustained compositions.
We are in Wickford - which schools can we target?＋
Most CSSE grammars accept cross-area applications; distance criteria vary by school. Tell us your shortlist at booking and the plan follows each school's format and the CSSE timetable.
Which schools use the CSSE test?＋
Ten grammar schools: KEGS Chelmsford, Colchester Royal Grammar School, Colchester County High School for Girls, the Southend High Schools for Boys and Girls, the Westcliff High Schools for Boys and Girls, St Bernard's, St Thomas More and Shoeburyness High School.
Is there verbal reasoning in the Essex 11+?＋
No. The CSSE test is an English paper and a maths paper, so preparation focuses on comprehension, writing and maths rather than reasoning puzzles.
When are CSSE results released?＋
For 2027 entry, results are emailed from 12 October 2026, in time for the 31 October secondary school application deadline.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 2026-10-02.
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