The Tuition Blog – Expert Tips on 11+, Exam Prep & Private Tuition

The newly released FSCE Familiarisation Guide for 2026/27 makes one thing very clear: this test is no longer just about English and Maths. The examiners are on a mission to find children who truly love learning, and their new "tutor-proof" format is designed to find them.

The CSSE 11+ exam is used by many of the selective grammar schools in Essex, including King Edward VI Grammar, Colchester County High School for Girls, and others.

Essex is home to some of the most prestigious and high-performing grammar schools in the United Kingdom. Institutions like King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) and Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) consistently dominate national league tables, often outperforming the country’s most expensive private schools.

Think of your paper as three sweeps: Pass 1: Quick Wins Answer everything you know straight away. Skip anything that makes you hesitate for more than ~15 seconds. Put a small mark (like a dot) next to it so you can return later.

Reading List: Age-Appropriate and Skill-Rated for Exam Preparation (Ages 9–11)

Be Exam ready in Essex with TutorElite with David Bell Bespoke 11 Plus Tuition!