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11+ Preparation

Grammar School Success Starts Here

GL Assessment and CSSE only. The exam is sat in the middle of September in Year 6, so Year 5 is the window that counts.

GL + CSSEThe two we prepare for
SeptemberSat in Year 6
Year 5The decisive year

11+ Exam Information

GL Assessment (for Ilford County High School and Woodford County High School)

This exam tests your child on Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning through multiple choice assessments.

CSSE Assessment (for the Essex Grammar Schools)

This exam tests your child on English and Maths. Unlike the GL Assessment, the CSSE exam is a written assessment, not multiple choice. The English paper tests Comprehension, Applied Reasoning and Continuous Writing skills, while the Maths paper focuses more on complex, worded questions.

Timeline for Success

Drag the slider, or pick a year, to see what preparation looks like at each stage.

Year 4 introduction to the 11+

We introduce core 11+ concepts in Maths, English and Reasoning to build steady confidence, key vocabulary and problem-solving skills early on.

Year 5 the most crucial part of preparation

We move into more focused 11+ preparation, mastering advanced topics, exam techniques and timed practice across Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Year 6 the exam

The final stretch before the September exams. We focus on timed mock exam practice, refining exam technique and polishing weak areas to build peak confidence for test day.

What We Cover

English Comprehension and Vocabulary
Creative and Persuasive Writing
Applied Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
Core and Advanced Mathematics
Numerical Reasoning and Problem Solving
Verbal Reasoning (GL and CSSE Formats)
Non-Verbal Reasoning
CSSE Applied Literacy and Numeracy Techniques
Timed Exam Technique and Paper Strategy
Mock Exams and Performance Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we start 11+ preparation? ▾
The exam is sat in mid-September of Year 6, so Year 4 and Year 5 are the preparation years and Year 5 is the most important of them. Year 4 gives a relaxed two-year run; the start of Year 5 is the latest point to begin a full programme. If your child is already in Year 6 the exam is only weeks away, so talk to us and we will be honest about what is realistic.
Do you offer mock exams? ▾
Yes. Mock exams under timed conditions are a core part of our 11+ programme. We review results with parents and use them to target remaining gaps.
Which Redbridge grammar schools do you prepare for? ▾
Ilford County High School for Boys and Woodford County High School for Girls are the two Redbridge grammars, and both use GL Assessment papers. We prepare for both.
What about CSSE schools in Essex? ▾
We prepare for the CSSE paper as well. It is a different format to GL: English covers comprehension, SPaG and continuous writing, alongside maths and applied reasoning. Plenty of Redbridge families sit both, and we cover each on its own terms.
Can you help with other entrance exams? ▾
Yes. Independent schools such as Bancroft's set their own papers, which have no published syllabus, so we work from the school's past papers and questions in the same style. Tell us which schools you are applying to and we will build around them.
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