Essex & Southend – CSSE
English (incl. writing, 60 min + 10 min reading) and maths (60 min); no reasoning
Last checked 12 October 2026 · Always confirm details with the school
Key dates
Sept 2028 (tests in 2027)
Not yet announced- Registration closes
- Not yet announced
- Registration opens
- Not yet announced
- Test
- Not yet announced
- Results
- Not yet announced
CSSE says 2028-entry dates will be published by Easter 2027.Source: Official (opens in a new tab) · Verified 12 October 2026
Sept 2027 (tests in 2026)
Taken place- Registration closes
- 19 Jun 2026Registration closed
- Registration opens
- 12 May 2026
- Test
- 19 Sep 2026 (alternative 29 Sep)
- Results
- 12 Oct 2026
Source: Official (opens in a new tab) · Verified 12 October 2026
Applications for all grammar schools go through your home council by 31 October. Offers arrive on 1 March.
Paper format
| Section | Questions | Minutes | Answer format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension + creative writing | Marked out of 60 (tutoring guide) | 60 + 10 reading | Written |
| Section | Questions | Minutes | Answer format |
|---|---|---|---|
| KS2 maths | Marked out of 60 (tutoring guide) | 60 | Written |
Sample paper
Schools using this test (9)
- King Edward VI Grammar SchoolChelmsford · Boys
- Colchester County High School for GirlsColchester · Girls
- Colchester Royal Grammar SchoolColchester · Boys
- Southend High School for BoysSouthend-on-Sea · Boys
- Southend High School for GirlsSouthend-on-Sea · Girls
- Westcliff High School for BoysWestcliff-on-Sea · Boys
- Westcliff High School for GirlsWestcliff-on-Sea · Girls
- St Bernard's High SchoolWestcliff-on-Sea · Girls
- St Thomas More High SchoolWestcliff-on-Sea · Boys
Notes
Shoeburyness High (not in this list) also uses CSSE.
Frequently asked questions
What is in the Essex & Southend – CSSE 11+ test?
The Essex & Southend – CSSE 11+ test is set by CSSE (own test). English (incl. writing, 60 min + 10 min reading) and maths (60 min); no reasoning.
How long is the Essex & Southend – CSSE 11+ test?
Timings in minutes. English: 60 + 10 reading; Maths: 60.
When is the registration deadline for the Essex & Southend – CSSE 11+ test?
For Sept 2028 (tests in 2027), registration closes: Not yet announced. Test: Not yet announced. Status: Not yet announced. Applications for all grammar schools go through your home council by 31 October. Offers arrive on 1 March.
Which schools use the Essex & Southend – CSSE 11+ test?
King Edward VI Grammar School (Chelmsford), Colchester County High School for Girls (Colchester), Colchester Royal Grammar School (Colchester), Southend High School for Boys (Southend-on-Sea), Southend High School for Girls (Southend-on-Sea), Westcliff High School for Boys (Westcliff-on-Sea), Westcliff High School for Girls (Westcliff-on-Sea), St Bernard's High School (Westcliff-on-Sea), St Thomas More High School (Westcliff-on-Sea).