11+ Preparation
From 11+ Stress
to 11+ Success
The gap between the Year 5 curriculum and the 11+ entrance exams is often wider than parents expect. At Kip McGrath Chelmsford, we turn that mountain into a series of manageable steps.
Our 11+ Success Blueprint
Expert Prep. Calm Kids. Great Results.
We don't just build academic skills — we build the exam-room confidence your child needs to perform at their best under pressure. Whether your goal is KEGS, CCHS, or another Essex grammar school, we have the expertise to get them there.
Full Spectrum Coverage
Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, English, and Maths — all four disciplines covered, nothing left to chance.
Small Groups of 5
With only five students per teacher, we identify and close the specific blind spots that are often missed in larger classes.
Mock Exam Technique
We teach the art of the exam — time management, handling difficult questions, and staying calm and focused under pressure.
Personalised Pathways
A free assessment shows us exactly where your child is. We build a bespoke plan to get them where they need to be.
Planning Ahead
Your 11+ Countdown
Timing is everything when it comes to the 11+. While every child is different, here's the ideal timeline we recommend.
Year 4
The Foundation Year
Build core stamina in English and Maths. Introduce Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning without any exam pressure — this is the ideal time to begin.
Year 5
The Intensive Year
Deep focus on advanced vocabulary, complex problem-solving, and time management. This is where knowledge becomes exam-room precision.
Summer (Y5 → Y6)
The Home Stretch
Polish exam techniques, build mental resilience, and run full mock exams before the September test date. This is where confidence is won.
Year 4
The Foundation Year
Build core stamina in English and Maths. Introduce Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning without any exam pressure — this is the ideal time to begin.
Year 5
The Intensive Year
Deep focus on advanced vocabulary, complex problem-solving, and time management. This is where knowledge becomes exam-room precision.
Summer (Y5 → Y6)
The Home Stretch
Polish exam techniques, build mental resilience, and run full mock exams before the September test date. This is where confidence is won.
Starting later in Year 5?
It's not too late. We use our free initial assessment to create an accelerated plan focused on the areas that will make the biggest impact on your child's score.
Mock Exams
The First Timed Exam Shouldn't Be the Real Thing
We believe every child deserves a dress rehearsal. Our mock exams replicate the real CSSE experience so the big day holds no surprises.
Realistic Conditions
We replicate the atmosphere of the CSSE exam — quiet room, invigilator, strict timings. Children get used to the environment before it matters.
Targeted Feedback
We don't just give a score. We provide a detailed breakdown identifying which question types caused difficulty and why.
Building Resilience
Mocks allow students to make nervous mistakes in a safe environment. We teach them how to recover when they get stuck — so they stay calm on the day.
Post-Mock Strategy
After each mock we adjust your child's personalised learning plan to close the gaps identified — ensuring the final weeks of prep are as effective as possible.
For Parents
The 11+ Success Checklist
A guide to spot gaps before they become problems. How does your child measure up?
Vocabulary Range
Is your child reading a wide variety of classic and modern literature to build a sophisticated vocabulary?
Mathematical Speed
Can they recall times tables and perform mental arithmetic rapidly under pressure?
Reasoning Stamina
Are they familiar with the logic behind Verbal and Non-Verbal patterns — skills not taught in the standard school curriculum?
Time Management
Can they complete a high-pressure paper without leaving the final section blank?
Exam Resilience
Does your child have the bounce-back factor when they encounter a question they don't immediately understand?
The CSSE Factor
If aiming for Essex grammars, is your child prepared for the specific, rigorous style of the CSSE English and Maths papers?
CSSE English
Mastering CSSE Creative Writing
For many 11+ candidates, the creative writing task is the most intimidating part of the exam. We move beyond basic storytelling to teach the technical craft of writing — helping your child find their unique writer's voice and turn a blank page into a top-tier response.
Show, Don't Tell
Describe emotions and settings through sensory details, not simple adjectives — the mark of a confident, mature writer.
The VCOP Method
Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation — the framework that ensures every sentence is sophisticated and varied.
Structure Under Pressure
Clear frameworks for planning a story quickly — a strong opening, a clear climax, and a satisfying resolution, every time.
Proofreading Habits
We train students to save two minutes at the end to catch spelling and grammar errors that cost vital marks.
Start the Journey
Ready to Start Your Child's 11+ Journey?
Book a free assessment — we'll identify exactly where your child is and build a bespoke plan to get them where they need to be.
Book Free Assessment