Exam boards
CSSE test format: the Essex and Southend papers
By ExamKind Editorial TeamFacts checked 19 October 2026Last reviewed 19 October 2026
In short
The CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) runs one 11+ test for ten schools in Essex and Southend. Children sit two papers, English and maths, each worth half the marks and based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Results come by email with raw marks and an overall standardised score. This page explains the format; dates, minimum scores and past cut-offs are on our CSSE area page.
Who uses CSSE, by entry year
Built from each area's and school's checked admissions information. A school is listed when its own record names the test for that year; areas list the schools on their own pages.
September 2027 entry(Year 6 now)
Areas
- Essex and Southend (CSSE): CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics)
Schools with a checked record (10)
Essex and Southend (CSSE)
For 15 of the areas we cover, the test provider for September 2027 entry is not confirmed yet, so they are not listed here. See every area's test.
September 2028 entry(Year 5 now)
Areas
- Essex and Southend (CSSE): CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics)
Schools with a checked record (7)
For 28 of the areas we cover, the test provider for September 2028 entry is not confirmed yet, so they are not listed here. See every area's test.
The format
What the source says
- English (60 minutes plus 10 minutes reading) and maths (60 minutes)Source: CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex), checked
- based on Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum, and that children only need a limited amount of practice to get used to the questions and timingSource: CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex), checked
The same provider can set a different test in each area. These are the tests it writes for the areas we cover.
CSSE 11+ examination (English and Mathematics)
Essex and Southend (CSSE); September 2027 and 2028 entry.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | English (60 minutes); Mathematics (60 minutes) | Source: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), checked |
| Number of papers | 2 | Source: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), checked |
| Reading time | 10 minutes additional reading time (English paper) | Source: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), checked |
| How it is marked | 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 results | Source: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), checked |
| Official practice material | Free downloadable familiarisation papers, plus free past papers (2021-2023 entry English, Continuous Writing and Maths with mark schemes) on csse.org.uk | Source: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), checked |
Does CSSE publish past papers?
Free English and maths familiarisation papers on the CSSE website (practice material is also sold there).Source: CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex), checked
Which schools use the CSSE test?
The CSSE test gives entry to ten schools in Essex and SouthendCSSE (Essex and Southend): SchoolsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).The source says: To gain entry to the following selective schools ONLY:
View the official source: 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 GirlsCSSE (Essex and Southend): School listChecked 9 Oct 2026 against CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).The source says: To gain entry to the following ... selective schools ONLY: ... Colchester County High School for Girls ... Colchester Royal Grammar School ... King Edward VI Grammar School
View the official source. Not every place at every one of these schools is selective, so check each school's own admission policy to see how its places are decided.
The Essex and Southend (CSSE) 11+ guide has the schools, dates and admission details for each entry year.
What are the CSSE papers like?
The test has two papers: English (60 minutes plus 10 minutes reading) and maths (60 minutes)CSSE (Essex and Southend): the two test papersChecked 9 Oct 2026 against CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).The source says: Candidates will sit two tests. One in English
View the official source. CSSE says its tests are based on Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum, and that children only need a limited amount of practice to get used to the questions and timingCSSE (Essex and Southend): what the tests coverChecked 9 Oct 2026 against CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).The source says: remember that children only need a ... limited amount of practice to familiarise ... themselves with the types of questions and ... timing. The Mathematics and English tests will ... be based on Key Stage 2 of the National ... Curriculum.
View the official source.
Unlike many GL Assessment areas, CSSE does not test verbal or non-verbal reasoning as separate subjects. That changes how families prepare: reading and writing confidently, and secure Key Stage 2 maths, matter most.
How are CSSE results reported?
Results are emailed to every candidate, with the raw score for each subject and an overall standardised scoreCSSE (Essex and Southend): how results are sentChecked 9 Oct 2026 against CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).The source says: You will be notified of the raw scores for each subject as well as the overall standardised score.
View the official source. The two papers are each worth half of the total. CSSE also uses a minimum total standardised score below which its schools do not make offers; the figure and the history of past cut-offs are on our CSSE area page. Note that test papers are not re-markedCSSE (Essex and Southend): No remarkChecked 9 Oct 2026 against CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).The source says: The CSSE schools have a joint policy to not re-mark test papers.
View the official source.
A score above the minimum does not by itself mean a place. Places follow each school's admission rules, and you must still name the schools on your home council's application by 31 OctoberSchool place applications close (common application form, CAF)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against GOV.UK.The source says: You must apply for a secondary school place by 31 October.
View the official source.
What official CSSE materials are there?
CSSE offers free English and maths familiarisation papers on the CSSE website (practice material is also sold there)CSSE (Essex and Southend): free practice papersChecked 9 Oct 2026 against CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex).The source says: FREE ENGLISH AND MATHS FAMILIARISATION PAPERS CAN BE ... DOWNLOADED FROM THE CSSE WEBSITE: www.csse.org.uk
View the official source. Familiarisation papers show the style and timing; they are not past papers.
How can you prepare calmly for the CSSE test?
- Start with the free familiarisation papers to see the layout and timing.
- Read widely and talk about what you read. Comprehension and vocabulary carry a lot of weight in an English paper.
- Practise writing clearly and in full sentences, checking spelling and punctuation at the end.
- Make Key Stage 2 maths secure, including multi-step word problems.
- Practise under time gently, later on, using the timings in CSSE's own guide.
Related pages
- Essex and Southend (CSSE) 11+ guide
- 11+ exam boards explained
- The 11+ formats compared
- Standardised scores explained
Sources
Facts on this page come from the CSSE Information Guide for 2027 entry, archived on 9 October 2026, and the GOV.UK school admissions guidance.
ExamKind is independent and is not connected with CSSE or any school. How we make our content.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page