Essex and Southend 11+: the CSSE test

CSSE is a group of 10Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): School countEssex and Southend (CSSE): School countCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The same selective test is utilised by ten CSSE selective schoolsView the official source state schools that share one selection test, so a child sits it once even when applying to several of them. The consortium was formed in 1993Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Founded yearEssex and Southend (CSSE): Founded yearCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The CSSE was formed in 1993 as a voluntary association.View the official source. Its member schools are Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, King Edward VI Grammar School, Shoeburyness High School, Southend High School for Boys, Southend High School for Girls, St. Bernard’s High School, St. Thomas More High School for Boys, Westcliff High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for GirlsSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Member schools information guide2027Essex and Southend (CSSE): Member schools information guide2027CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Colchester County High School for Girls – Girls Grammar ... Westcliff High School for Girls – Girls GrammarView the official source.

• What CSSE does and does not do: CSSE Office handles exam administration only; applications, admissions and appeals are for the LA and each schoolSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Csse role exam onlyEssex and Southend (CSSE): Csse role exam onlyCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The CSSE Office deals only with examination administration. It has no involvement in school applications, admissions or appeals.View the official source

The papers. Children sit 2Source for CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Paper countCSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Paper countCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The candidates sit two tests. One in English and one in Mathematics.View the official source papers, one in English and one in maths, based on the Key Stage 2 National CurriculumSource for CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Curriculum basisCSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Curriculum basisCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The Mathematics and English tests will ... be based on Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum.View the official source.

• Weighting: English and Mathematics weighted equally (1:1)Source for CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): How the test sections are weightedCSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): How the test sections are weightedCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Thus a candidate, born on 01/09/2014, with average marks on each paper will obtain a total of 300, comprising the results in the two papers weighted 1:1.View the official source
• Reading time: 10 minutes additional reading time (English paper)Source for CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Reading timeCSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Reading timeCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The English paper will last sixty minutes with ten minutes additional reading time.View the official source
• How one member school describes the papers: Two papers, English and Mathematics; each one hour (English plus reading time), 60 marks each; English includes two pieces of creative writing.Source for King Edward VI Grammar School: Test compositionKing Edward VI Grammar School: Test compositionCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford.The source says: The paper will last one hour, with some additional reading time, and will be worth 60 marks ... The paper will last one hour and will be worth 60 marksView the official source
• A recent change: From September 2024 (2025 entry) the English paper has no Applied Reasoning questionsSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Applied reasoning removedEssex and Southend (CSSE): Applied reasoning removedCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: PLEASE NOTE: With effect from September 2024 (2025 Entry) the English paper does not contain Applied Reasoning questions.View the official source
• Free practice material: Free downloadable familiarisation papers, plus free past papers (2021-2023 entry English, Continuous Writing and Maths with mark schemes) on csse.org.ukSource for CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Familiarisation materialsCSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Familiarisation materialsCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: FREE downloadable Familiarisation papers can be found by clicking on the CSSE 11+ Examination link above.View the official source
• Paid material from CSSE: Practice packs sold by CSSE via online order form (separate overseas order form)Source for CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Practice materials soldCSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): Practice materials soldCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Additional material can be purchased online by clicking on the Order Practice Packs link.View the official source

Entry is opt-in. Children are not entered automatically; a parent registers each child with CSSE during the window in Year 5.

• How registration works: Online form on csse.org.uk or paper form F1 posted to the CSSE Office; one form per childSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Registration routeEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Registration routeCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: This form must be returned to the CSSE office. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS FORM IF YOU HAVE USED THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM.View the official source
• Where children sit the test: The CSSE school nominated by the parent as test centre (CSSE may reallocate if a centre is full)Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Test venueEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Test venueCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Your child will take the tests in the selective school you as parents have nominated as your preferred test centre.View the official source
• Children outside their normal year group: Summer-born children admitted out of age group may sit if registered in Year 6; otherwise over-age applicants only in verified exceptional circumstancesSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Over age summer bornEssex and Southend (CSSE): Over age summer bornCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Consortium Schools do not otherwise accept over aged applicants unless there are verified exceptional circumstances.View the official source

Raw marks are not compared directly. CSSE turns each paper's raw mark into a standardised score, which shows how a child did compared with everyone who sat that paper. It then looks at results by date of birth and, where the data shows younger children are at a disadvantage, adds a small age adjustment. The two papers count equally and are combined into one total.

• CSSE's own summary: Raw scores standardised and analysed by date of birth to decide whether a statistical age adjustment is applied; formula published on the CSSE website after resultsSource for CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): StandardisationCSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics): StandardisationCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The formula for calculating the standardised score will be published on the CSSE website shortly after the results are despatched.View the official source
• The method used last year (2026 entry, a past year): Each paper standardised to mean 100, SD 15; total = 1.5 x [(std Maths + days younger x Maths age adj) + (std English + days younger x English age adj)]; age adjustment applied to both papers (English 0.016617024, Maths 0.00894304)Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Standardisation method2026 entryEssex and Southend (CSSE): Standardisation method2026 entryCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Each pupil's raw scores were standardised (μ=100, σ=15). ... Total score = 1·5 × [(standardised Mathematics + “days younger” × Maths age adjustment) + (standardised English + “days younger” × English age adjustment)]View the official source

The figures in that formula change every year, because they depend on how all the children did. We will add the 2027-entry version when CSSE publishes it.

How many children take the test. These are CSSE's own figures for past years:

CSSE's table goes back to 2010 entry, when it recorded 3572Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2010 entry: CandidatesEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2010 entry: CandidatesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Total Number of CSSE 11+ Examination Candidates Intake Year Total Number of Candidates ... 2010 3572View the official source candidates. It does not say whether its figures count children registered or children who sat. The 2026-entry figure is the number of scores in CSSE's standardisation report. Figures for 2027 entry are not published yet.

The number to know is 303Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Qualifying scoreEssex and Southend (CSSE): Qualifying scoreCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: CSSE secondary school offers are not made to any child who has scored under a total standardised score of 303.View the official source. It is the lowest total standardised score that can lead to an offer at any CSSE school.

• How CSSE describes it: A pass mark is set annually so the entrance standard stays comparable with 1990-1994.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Qualifying ruleEssex and Southend (CSSE): Qualifying ruleCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: A pass mark for the examination is set annually, which ensures that the entrance standard remains comparable with that obtained in the period 1990 – 1994.View the official source
• Below it: Below the pass mark: refused a place at a selective school and cannot join its selective waiting list.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Minimum score ruleEssex and Southend (CSSE): Minimum score ruleCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: If you use one of your preferences for a selective school and your child did not reach the pass mark you will be refused a place at the selective school. Children can only be on the waiting list for a selective place if they meet the pass mark.View the official source
• At or above it: Selection-test score determines allocation at each selective school; application varies by school (e.g. SS0-SS9 priority area at the four grammars).Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Score used for rankingEssex and Southend (CSSE): Score used for rankingCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: The allocation of places at each of the schools is determined by the score in the selection test, but how this is applied will vary between the schoolsView the official source

CSSE also notes that places won at appeal fall outside this rule. Reaching the minimum score makes a child eligible for a selective place; it is not a guarantee of a place. What happens next depends on the school.

The four Southend grammar schools. Southend High School for Boys, Southend High School for Girls, Westcliff High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for GirlsSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Southend grammar schoolsEssex and Southend (CSSE): Southend grammar schoolsCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: The four grammar schools, Southend High School for Boys, Southend High School for Girls, Westcliff High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for Girls only admit pupils through the selection test.View the official source all give priority to children living in the same area: Postcodes SS0 to SS9 inclusiveSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Grammar priority areaEssex and Southend (CSSE): Grammar priority areaCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: the four Southend Grammar schools give preference to those pupils living within a defined geographical area that includes all addresses with a postcode SS0 to SS9 inclusive.View the official source. Every child offered a place, in any category, must reach the minimum score. Most of their places are set aside for children in the priority area and filled in score order; children living outside the area compete for the rest, also in score order. In past years the places for children outside the area have gone at much higher scores (see past cut-offs).

• Southend council's advice: Council recommends applying to both same-sex Southend grammar schools.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Advice apply both grammarsEssex and Southend (CSSE): Advice apply both grammarsCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: If you are applying for a place at a grammar school in Southend, we recommend that you apply to both grammar schools.View the official source

King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford (boys). Places are split between boys inside a priority area and boys from anywhere, with higher scores usually needed from outside.

• Priority area, 2027 entry: Priority area: within 12.5 miles of the school (straight line). 120 places reserved for boys continuously resident there (permanent home address and primary carer) from 10 October in Year 6 to the start of Year 7.Source for King Edward VI Grammar School 2027 entry: DescriptionKing Edward VI Grammar School 2027 entry: DescriptionCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford.The source says: 120 places are reserved for boys who have been continuously living within the priority area ... within 12.5 miles from the schoolView the official source

Colchester County High School for Girls. It also splits its places by distance.

• Priority area, 2027 entry: Priority area: 25 miles from the school in a straight line. 154 of 192 places (including EHCP and criteria 1-3) go to girls living in it; the last 38 go to girls regardless of address.Source for Colchester County High School for Girls 2027 entry: DescriptionColchester County High School for Girls 2027 entry: DescriptionCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Colchester County High School for Girls.The source says: The priority area for CCHSG is defined as 25 miles from the school, in a straight line.View the official source

Its priority places for girls in care and for pupil premium and service pupil premium girls need a score of at least 320Source for Colchester County High School for Girls: Admissions 2027 priority group min scoreColchester County High School for Girls: Admissions 2027 priority group min scoreCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Colchester County High School for Girls.The source says: Looked After Children (LAC) or Previously Looked After Children (PLAC) who ... achieve a test score 320 or above.View the official source.

Colchester Royal Grammar School (boys). We have not yet been able to check its admission policy for 2027 entry; capturing it is on our list to do by hand. Its page will explain its rules once we have.

The three partially selective schools. Shoeburyness High School, St. Bernard’s High School and St. Thomas More High SchoolSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Partially selective schoolsEssex and Southend (CSSE): Partially selective schoolsCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: Three other schools in Southend, Shoeburyness High School, St. Bernard’s High School and St. Thomas More High School admit a proportion of their intake through the selection test.View the official source admit some children through the CSSE test, in addition to places under their main admission rules.

• How to apply for a selective place: For the three partially selective schools: one CAF preference, tick the selective-place box; also considered under main criteria.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Selective place applicationEssex and Southend (CSSE): Selective place applicationCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: Admission to these three schools through the selection test is in addition to admission through their main admission criteria. This means that if you are applying for a selective place at any of these schools you only need to put one preference for the school on your application. You should indicate on the application form in the tick box that you are applying for a selective place. You will automatically be considered through the main criteria as well as this does not count as an additional preference.View the official source
• St Bernard's High School (girls): up to 30Source for St Bernard’s High School: Selective places (2027)St Bernard’s High School: Selective places (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against St Bernard's High School.The source says: Up to 30 pupils granted priority admission on the basis of their performance in the selection test procedure organised by the Consortium of Selective Schools in EssexView the official source selective places, for girls living in SS0 to SS9.
• St Thomas More High School (boys): up to 30Source for St Thomas More High School: Selective places (2027)St Thomas More High School: Selective places (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against St Thomas More High School.The source says: Up to 30 places will be offered to boys who have passed the 11+ Exam Selective Test as administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in EssexView the official source selective places, for boys living in SS0 to SS9.
• Shoeburyness High School (mixed): Selective place: CSSE score of 303 or above and residence in the selective priority area. If selective places remain unfilled, borderline places for scores 295 to 302.99 in the priority area. Allocated in score order.Source for Shoeburyness High School: Qualifying rule (2027)Shoeburyness High School: Qualifying rule (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Shoeburyness High School.The source says: All selective places (scores of 303 and above in the 11+ examination) and borderline selective places (scores of between 295 and 302.99 in the 11+ examination) are allocated with preference given to those students with the highest scores, in order of merit and whose normal place of residence lies within the priority area (see map below).View the official source Sources disagree on how many selective places it has for 2027 entry, and we are checking.

Children with an EHCP or in care. The minimum score applies to them too, with some extra priority:

• EHCP: Children with an EHCP must meet the academic level for selective and partially selective schools, and the school must be named.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Ehcp selective ruleEssex and Southend (CSSE): Ehcp selective ruleCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: Ranking for Selective/partially selective schools differ slightly in that children with an EHCP/Statement are required to meet the required academic level before they can be considered for admission to selective and partially selective schools.View the official source
• Looked-after children: Looked after / previously looked after children must meet the academic level for selective and partially selective schools; priority if tied.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Looked after selective ruleEssex and Southend (CSSE): Looked after selective ruleCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: For selective schools: Looked after and previously looked after children are required to meet the academic level before they can be considered for admission to a selective and partially selective school. Priority is given to these children if they tie for a place with another applicant.View the official source

Each autumn CSSE publishes a historical guidance sheet showing the score of the last selective place offered at each school on National Offer Day.

• What the figures mean: Guidance sheet = total standardised score of the last selective place offered at each school on National Offer Day (1 March) of that entry year, split inside/outside priority area; rounded to whole numbers; excludes appeal and special-considerations placesSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Historical guidance sheet meaningEssex and Southend (CSSE): Historical guidance sheet meaningCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: This table provides the lowest score in the 2024 11+ Test to secure a place on March offer day in 2025 for entry in September 2025.View the official source

These describe past years only. They move from year to year and are not a target for 2027 entry. CSSE names each sheet after the entry year it is meant to help with, so the sheet called "2026 Entry" holds the figures for 2025 entry. The table below is labelled by the year the places were for.

A few figures come from the schools' own published lists rather than the CSSE sheet. Westcliff High School for Girls gives its scores to decimal places, and Colchester County High School for Girls gives a one-point range.

2026 entry so far. Until CSSE's next sheet appears, two schools have published their own figures for places offered on National Offer Day 2026:

How much demand there is. Southend-on-Sea City Council publishes how many applications named each Southend grammar school (at any preference) against the places offered. For 2026 entry:

CSSE runs the test; it does not offer places. Offers come from your home council on National Offer Day, Monday 1 March 2027Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: National Offer DayEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: National Offer DayCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: National Offer Day, when all that have applied receive the outcome for their application is 1 March 2027.View the official source, using the schools' ranked lists and your order of preference. Registering with CSSE is not an application: you still need to name each school on your council's form. For the grammar schools, the CSSE registration also stands in for a supplementary information form.

• If you live in Southend: apply to Southend-on-Sea City Council. Its form allows up to 5Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Max preferencesEssex and Southend (CSSE): Max preferencesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: You can apply for up to five schools including out of City schools and selective schools.View the official source schools, including schools outside the city. Contact: admissions@southend.gov.uk; 01702 212934Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Council admissions contactEssex and Southend (CSSE): Council admissions contactCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: admissions@southend.gov.uk or 01702 212934.View the official source.
• If you live in Essex: apply to Essex County Council. Its form allows up to 6Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Essex preferences allowedEssex and Southend (CSSE): Essex preferences allowedCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Essex County Council.The source says: The application form will allow parents/carers to express a preference for up to six secondary schools in order of preference (including any non-Essex schools).View the official source schools.
• Essex and the test: Essex County Council does not run grammar testing; CSSE manages itSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Essex not responsible for testingEssex and Southend (CSSE): Essex not responsible for testingCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Essex County Council.The source says: Essex County Council is not responsible for ... selective /grammar testing for any school in ... Essex. This is managed by the ‘Consortium for ... Selective Schools in Essex’ (CSSE).View the official source
• Late Essex applications: Essex treats an application received by Friday 20 November 2026Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Essex late application exceptional deadlineEssex and Southend (CSSE): Essex late application exceptional deadlineCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Essex County Council.The source says: However, if a late application is received on or before 20 November 2026 and the LA considers the circumstances for late submission to be exceptional, the applications will be considered as on time.View the official source as on time only if it accepts the reason for lateness as exceptional.
• How offers arrive: Offers viewable online and emailed on National Offer Day (1 March 2027), usually by 5pm; letters by 2nd class post where no email.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Offer methodEssex and Southend (CSSE): Offer methodCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: You can log in and view your child's school offer on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027. Offers are emailed to applicants during the day and usually by 5pm, at the latest.View the official source
• If none of your preferences can be met: Council's no-preference alternative offers are never to selective or faith schools unless arranged.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Alternative offer not selectiveEssex and Southend (CSSE): Alternative offer not selectiveCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: Where no offer is possible the Council will offer a place at a school in the City nearest to the home address with vacancies at that time. Such offers will not be made to selective or faith schools (unless arranged with the school/s).View the official source
• Waiting lists: Selective and test-using schools keep separate lists per category (e.g. priority area and outside).Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Waiting list categoriesEssex and Southend (CSSE): Waiting list categoriesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: Selective schools and schools using selective tests or aptitude tests have more than one list relating to the different numbers allocated to different categories, for example, pupils living in the priority area and those outside the area.View the official source
• Waiting lists and the minimum score: Waiting lists exclude selective places where the child has not sat/passed the 11+.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Waiting list selectiveEssex and Southend (CSSE): Waiting list selectiveCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: This does not include the selective places at schools or at the grammar schools where your child has not sat/passed the 11+ exam.View the official source

Sources disagree about who holds the Southend waiting lists and for how long, and we are checking.

Which address counts. The date that fixes your address depends on the school:

• Southend's four grammar schools: your address on Friday 20 November 2026Source for Southend High School for Boys: Address date (where your child must live) (2027)Southend High School for Boys: Address date (where your child must live) (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: For secondary school admissions, the address used is the child’s normal residence on or before 20 November.View the official source, the date in Southend council's booklet.
• King Edward VI Grammar School: priority-area residence counts from Saturday 10 October 2026Source for King Edward VI Grammar School: Address date (where your child must live) (2027)King Edward VI Grammar School: Address date (where your child must live) (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford.The source says: With regards to entry into the school in Year 7 from September 2027 onwards: for an application to be considered as ‘in area’ (i.e. living within the priority area), families must be continuously resident at their permanent home address within the priority area between 10 October during Year 6View the official source.
• Colchester County High School for Girls: Saturday 31 October 2026Source for Colchester County High School for Girls: Address date (where your child must live) (2027)Colchester County High School for Girls: Address date (where your child must live) (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Colchester County High School for Girls.The source says: continuously living in their permanent home address in the priority area between the dates of 31 October 2026, which is the deadline for applications to the Local Authority (LA), and the start date for Year 7 at CCHSG in September 2027.View the official source.
• The three partially selective schools: their own policies and the council's booklet give different dates, and we are checking.

Pupil premium rules differ from school to school, and so does the paperwork.

• What CSSE's guide says: Some CSSE schools reserve places for FSM / Pupil Premium / looked-after childrenSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Reserved placesEssex and Southend (CSSE): Reserved placesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: A number of the CSSE schools ... reserve places for pupils who receive ... free school meals, are entitled to ... Pupil Premium, and those who are or ... have been in social care.View the official source
• Who counts: Current income-based FSM; FSM in last six years; Service Pupil Premium; in or previously in public careSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): EligibilityEssex and Southend (CSSE): EligibilityCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: A child is eligible for Pupil Premium if at least one of the following applies: They are currently in receipt of free school meals by virtue of their household income.View the official source
• How priority is claimed: Preferential consideration at grammar schools for children who pass and are FSM/Pupil Premium recipients at test registration, indicated on the CSSE Supplementary Information Form when registering.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Form requiredEssex and Southend (CSSE): Form requiredCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: Preferential consideration: Grammar school admission criteria are available to children who pass the selection tests, are in any of the following categories and indicated this on the CSSE Supplementary Information Form when registering for the tests: Children in receipt of Free School Meals or identified as recipients of the Pupil Premium Grant (note D), at the time of test registration.View the official source
• The CSSE pupil premium form: it goes to the schools, not to the CSSE Office, and must arrive by Saturday 31 October 2026Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Form deadlineEssex and Southend (CSSE): Form deadlineCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The deadline for the schools to receive completed forms is 31st October 2026.View the official source. CSSE's own documents disagree about which schools need it, and we are checking. Until that is settled, ask each school you are naming.
• A second form for one school: Colchester County High School for Girls also requires its own SIF for LAC/PLAC and FSM/Pupil Premium/Service Premium applicantsSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Cchsg own sifEssex and Southend (CSSE): Cchsg own sifCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: *(In addition to this form Colchester County High School for Girls own Supplementary Information Form (SIF) must be completed for Looked After Children, Previously Looked After Children and for students in receipt of free school meals by virtue of their household income at the agreed government threshold at any point in the last 6 years from the date the test is takenView the official source

How each school uses pupil premium priority for 2027 entry:

• Southend High School for Boys: 15Source for Southend High School for Boys: Pp places in areaSouthend High School for Boys: Pp places in areaCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend High School for Boys.The source says: 10% of this quota (15 out of 150) is designated for children from within the catchment area who are entitled to ‘preferential consideration’ (note A).View the official source places for children in the priority area and 3Source for Southend High School for Boys: Pp places out of areaSouthend High School for Boys: Pp places out of areaCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend High School for Boys.The source says: 10% of the places remaining after the local quota has been deducted from the PAN (3 out of 30), is designated for children from outside the catchment area who are entitled to ‘preferential consideration’ (note A).View the official source for children outside it, filled first by score.
• Westcliff High School for Boys: up to 15Source for Westcliff High School for Boys: Pp places in areaWestcliff High School for Boys: Pp places in areaCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Westcliff High School for Boys.The source says: Up to 10% of this quota (15 out of 148) is designated for other children from within the catchment area who are entitled to ‘preferential consideration’ (note A).View the official source places inside the priority area and up to 4Source for Westcliff High School for Boys: Pp places out of areaWestcliff High School for Boys: Pp places out of areaCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Westcliff High School for Boys.The source says: Up to 10% of the places remaining after the full local quota has been deducted from the PAN (4 out of 37), is designated for other children from outside the catchment area who are entitled to ‘preferential consideration’ (note A).View the official source outside it.
• Southend High School for Girls: Preferential consideration (FSM or Pupil Premium at test registration; also LAC/PLAC): up to 17 places for SS0-SS9 residents (criterion 2) and up to 4 for residents outside SS0-SS9 (criterion 4); also first tie-breaker.Source for Southend High School for Girls: Pp priority (2027)Southend High School for Girls: Pp priority (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend High School for Girls.The source says: A quota of up to 17 places is designated for children in this category ... A quota of up to 4 places is designated at this school for children in this category ... Children in receipt of Free School Meals or identified as recipients of the Pupil Premium Grant (note C), at the time of test registration.View the official source
• Westcliff High School for Girls: separate categories for these children inside and outside the priority area; we have not confirmed how many places they cover.
• King Edward VI Grammar School: some priority-area places, and a few open to any address, for pupil premium and looked-after boys who reach higher scores than the CSSE minimum; see its page.
• Colchester County High School for Girls: Up to 20 places for the highest-scoring girls eligible for the pupil premium (FSM by household income now or in the previous 6 years) who score 320+; this criterion has no priority-area condition (unlike SPP criterion 3). The CCHSG additional form must reach the school by 31 Oct 2026.Source for Colchester County High School for Girls: Pp priority (2027)Colchester County High School for Girls: Pp priority (2027)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Colchester County High School for Girls.The source says: Up to 20 places will be available to the highest scoring applicants who are eligible for the pupil premium ... who achieve a test score of 320 or more.View the official source

We have not yet confirmed pupil premium rules for Colchester Royal Grammar School or the three partially selective schools. CSSE's website also points families of eligible children to free online familiarisation through a partner platform.

This section is general information, not legal advice. Each step has strict deadlines, so check the council's and the school's own guidance.

There is no review stage after the CSSE test:

• Re-marking: No re-marking of test papersSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): RemarkingEssex and Southend (CSSE): RemarkingCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The CSSE schools have a joint policy to not re-mark test papers.View the official source
• Special consideration: No special consideration or score adjustments; circumstances can be presented to an independent appeal panel after 1 March 2027Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Special considerationEssex and Southend (CSSE): Special considerationCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: The CSSE does not give special consideration to pupils’ circumstances when papers are marked and adjustments to scores will not be made. Parents may present their child’s particular circumstances to an independent appeal panel at any of their chosen schools after March Offer Day (1st March 2027)View the official source

Admission appeals. If a school cannot offer your child a place, you can appeal after National Offer Day.

• Who hears them: Independent appeal panel at each chosen school after National Offer DaySource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): RouteEssex and Southend (CSSE): RouteCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: Parents may present their child’s particular circumstances to an independent appeal panel at any of their chosen schools after March Offer Day (1st March 2027)View the official source
• Deadline for 2027 entry: Tuesday 13 April 2027Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Appeal deadlineEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Appeal deadlineCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: 13 April 2027 Closing date for 'on time' admission appeals to be submitted to schools.View the official source for appeals through Southend council, according to its booklet. Essex County Council's brochure also gives Tuesday 13 April 2027Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Essex lodging deadlineEssex and Southend (CSSE): Essex lodging deadlineCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Essex County Council.The source says: 13 April 2027 Deadline for lodging appeals to be heard before summer holidays.View the official source.
• An earlier deadline at one school: King Edward VI Grammar School asks for appeals by Thursday 1 April 2027Source for King Edward VI Grammar School: Appeals 2027 lodge deadlineKing Edward VI Grammar School: Appeals 2027 lodge deadlineCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford.The source says: Admission Timetable for Year 7 2027 Entry ... Deadline date for parents wishing to lodge an appeal ** Appeals received after this 1 April 2027View the official source.
• When hearings happen: Main-round appeals heard within 40 school days of the deadline for lodging appeals.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): TimescaleEssex and Southend (CSSE): TimescaleCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: main round appeals (to start R, yr 3 and yr7): 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appealsView the official source Southend's booklet says on-time appeals will be finished by Wednesday 16 June 2027Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): On time appeals completed by 2027Essex and Southend (CSSE): On time appeals completed by 2027CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: 16 June 2027 | All on-time appeals completed for all Secondary schools in the City.View the official source.
• Evidence for selective places: For grammar/selective places parents may use school reports as evidence of academic ability; no primary-school letter needed.Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Selective evidenceEssex and Southend (CSSE): Selective evidenceCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Southend-on-Sea City Council.The source says: If you are appealing for a grammar or selective place you can use school reports for evidence of academic ability.View the official source

Sources disagree on when late appeals are heard, and we are checking. No consortium-wide appeal figures are published, but school figures show how hard appeals for full grammar schools can be. For example, Colchester County High School for Girls heard 3Source for Colchester County High School for Girls 2025 entry: Appeals heardColchester County High School for Girls 2025 entry: Appeals heardCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Colchester County High School for Girls.The source says: There were 3 appeals heard in 2025 for September 2025 entry, none of which were successful.View the official source appeals for 2025 entry and upheld 0Source for Colchester County High School for Girls 2025 entry: Appeals upheldColchester County High School for Girls 2025 entry: Appeals upheldCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Colchester County High School for Girls.The source says: There were 3 appeals heard in 2025 for September 2025 entry, none of which were successful.View the official source. It helps to keep a realistic alternative on your application. Our 11+ appeals guide explains the process.

Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CCHS) is a girls' grammar school in Chelmsford, but it is not a CSSE member and does not use CSSE scores.

• Essex County Council's summary: Essex LA: entry to Essex grammar schools is based on the entrance test; CCHS has its own separate registrationSource for Essex and Southend (CSSE): Essex grammar entryEssex and Southend (CSSE): Essex grammar entryCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Essex County Council.The source says: Entry to Essex grammar schools is based on the results of the entrance test. If your child took the test and was assessed as suitable, the Essex grammar school will consider your application.View the official source
• Its own test: CCHS has used the FSCE-provided entrance test since September 2023 (2024 entry onward)Source for Chelmsford County High School for Girls: Fsce sinceChelmsford County High School for Girls: Fsce sinceCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Chelmsford County High School for Girls.The source says: Since September 2023, we have been using a new CCHS Entrance Test, provided by our FSCE partners.View the official source
• Test provider: FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise)Source for CCHS entrance test (FSCE): Test providerCCHS entrance test (FSCE): Test providerCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Chelmsford County High School for Girls.The source says: we have adopted the Future Stories Community Enterprise Ltd (FSCE) Test as our Year 7 Entrance Test.View the official source
• Its own registration: for 2027 entry, on the school's website from Monday 13 April 2026, 9amSource for Chelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: Registration opensChelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: Registration opensCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Chelmsford County High School for Girls.The source says: Registration opened at 9am on Monday 13th April 2026 and closed at 4pm on Wednesday 3rd June 2026.View the official source to Wednesday 3 June 2026, 4pmSource for Chelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: Registration closesChelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: Registration closesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Chelmsford County High School for Girls.The source says: Registration opened at 9am on Monday 13th April 2026 and closed at 4pm on Wednesday 3rd June 2026.View the official source. A CSSE registration does not count.
• Its own test day: Thursday 3 September 2026Source for Chelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: Test dateChelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: Test dateCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Chelmsford County High School for Girls.The source says: The CCHS Entrance Test took place on Thursday 3rd September 2026.View the official source, before the CSSE test.
• No fixed qualifying mark: No pre-defined pass mark; the Admissions Committee sets an eligible score each year from cohort performance (qualifying standard on marked papers, then minimum Creativity standard)Source for CCHS entrance test (FSCE): Pass mark methodCCHS entrance test (FSCE): Pass mark methodCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Chelmsford County High School for Girls.The source says: The Admissions Committee will then meet to determine an eligible score and a rank order of girls who should be offered a place. This score will be determined based on the cohort’s performance each year.View the official source
• One attempt only: A girl may only take the test once; no alternative day for clashes with another school's testSource for Chelmsford County High School for Girls: Sit onceChelmsford County High School for Girls: Sit onceCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Chelmsford County High School for Girls.The source says: A girl may only take the test once.View the official source

Like the CSSE schools, CCHS offers places through your home council on Monday 1 March 2027Source for Chelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: National Offer DayChelmsford County High School for Girls 2027 entry: National Offer DayCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Essex County Council.The source says: Emails for online applicants will be sent on 1 March 2027.View the official source. Its scores are on a different scale from CSSE's, so the two cannot be compared. Full details are on our Chelmsford County High School for Girls page.

If your child is in Year 5, they are in the 2028-entry group. CSSE has not published its dates yet, and we have seen no announcement of a change to the test itself for 2028 entry.

• When dates should appear: Important dates to be published by Easter 2027Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2028 entry: Dates published byEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2028 entry: Dates published byCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: CSSE EXAMINATION – 2028 ENTRY Registration will open next year. Important dates will be published by Easter 2027.View the official source
• What one member school says: Registration for the September 2027 test (2028 entry) is via the CSSE website, open for a limited period in May/June.Source for Colchester County High School for Girls: Year5 registration windowColchester County High School for Girls: Year5 registration windowCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Colchester County High School for Girls.The source says: The 11+ test for admission in September 2028 will take place in September 2027. CCHSG is part of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex www.csse.org.uk Registration for the test is via the CSSE website for schools within the CSSE and opens for a limited period in May/June.View the official source

As a guide, this year's registration ran from Tuesday 12 May 2026Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Registration opensEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Registration opensCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: 12th May 2026 CSSE registration will open for 2027 Entry.View the official source to Friday 19 June 2026Source for Essex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Registration closesEssex and Southend (CSSE) 2027 entry: Registration closesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).The source says: 19th June 2026 Absolute CSSE deadline to register online OR by post.View the official source, in the summer term of Year 5, so it is worth checking the CSSE website from the spring. King Edward VI Grammar School is consulting on changes to its admission rules for 2028 entry, including more places for boys in its priority area; its page has the details. Chelmsford County High School for Girls runs its own timetable, so check its website separately.