Support & Guidance

Is there a pass mark for the 11+ CSSE exam?

It’s not a straightforward question, as it depends on the school and the year.

Across Essex, a score of 303 is generally seen as the baseline for grammar school entry. Without at least this mark, it’s very unlikely a place would be offered at any of the schools.

However, Colchester is considered “super-selective”, which means the scores needed here are quite a bit higher.

• Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) offers places to the top 128 boys.

• Colchester County High School for Girls (CCHSG) offers places to the top 192 girls.

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There are also some important differences between the two schools:

• CRGS keeps 12 places for looked-after or previously looked-after children. To qualify, these pupils need to score 320 or above.

• CCHSG now has a catchment area, so girls living locally can sometimes be offered a place with a slightly lower mark.

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In recent years, the scores needed for a place have been roughly:

• Girls (CCHSG): 325 and above

• Boys (CRGS): 340 and above

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These figures can vary a little each year, but they give a good idea of what to aim for.

✨ If you’d like help understanding what these scores mean for your child or how best to prepare, I’m always happy to chat it through.

How much homework should my child be doing to prepare for the 11+?

For 11+ preparation, balance is really important — you want steady progress without overwhelming your child.

In Year 4, around 30 minutes a day is a good amount, with at least one full day off each week to rest.By Year 5, this can gradually increase to about 45 minutes to an hour a day.

What matters most is consistency. Doing a little bit regularly is far more effective than trying to cram in hours on one day.

It can really help to create a simple timetable for homework each week. That way, your child knows what to expect — and you don’t have to fit everything in at once.

Can my child pass the 11+ without a tutor?

It’s certainly possible to prepare for the 11+ without a tutor — but it can be quite challenging. The CSSE exam has a very specific format and covers topics that often go beyond the standard primary curriculum.

Many parents do a great job supporting their child at home, but having a tutor can make the process easier and more structured. A good tutor will know the exam style, help identify any gaps, and build confidence along the way.

In short — yes, you can prepare without a tutor, but having one often makes the journey smoother and less stressful for both parent and child.

✨ If you’d like to chat about what tutoring might look like, or how to get started with home prep, I’d be happy to help.

Should I choose 1:1 tutoring or a small group?

It really depends on your child and how they learn best.

Group tuition can be great for children who are confident and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. Working alongside others can keep them motivated and help them learn from their peers.

1:1 tutoring, on the other hand, is often better for children who are less confident, need a bit more individual attention, or are neurodivergent and benefit from a quieter, more personalised setting.

Both options can be highly effective — it’s all about finding the right environment to help your child feel comfortable, supported, and able to shine.

✨ If you’re unsure which approach would suit your child best, I’m happy to chat it through and help you decide.

My child is neurodivergent. Will they be able to pass the 11+?

Yes — neurodivergent children absolutely can pass the 11+. It may take a little more time and support, but many go on to do brilliantly.

Having a diagnosis from a qualified professional can really help, as it allows you to access the right guidance and adjustments. Support from your child’s school is also valuable, both for day-to-day learning and when applying for exam arrangements.

The CSSE does make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent pupils — but it’s important to start gathering evidence early (such as reports or recommendations) to make sure everything is in place ahead of the exam.

✨ If you’d like advice on what evidence to collect or how to apply for adjustments, I can help guide you through the process.