CSSE Essex 11+ Practice Papers

What is the CSSE Essex Test?

The consortium of selective schools in Essex requires children to sit two tests (one English, one Maths) to determine whether they are suited to a grammar school.

This test is structured slightly differently to 11 plus tests in other geographical areas of the UK.

How is the CSSE Essex Test Assessed?

The English part of the test is made up of the following three sections:

The Maths part of the test is made up of various numerical reasoning type questions, covering topics such as:

• The tests are designed to cover the types of topics that your child has been studying at key stage two.
• They assess various skills in English and Maths and how well pupils can demonstrate these skills under timed conditions.
• They are intended to give pupils equal opportunity to pass and achieve a place at a grammar school of their choosing.

How Long is the CSSE Essex Test?

The English test will be divided into three main sections:

1. Comprehension
2. Applied reasoning.
3. Continuous writing.

Pupils are given a total of one hour and ten minutes to complete the English exam.

Recommended allocated time slots are provided for each of the three sections in the English test, as follows:

Comprehension

It is advised that pupils spend a total of forty minutes on this section. Furthermore it is recommended that their time is split up as follows:

• Ten minutes reading the extract that is given.
• A further thirty minutes answering the questions relating to the extract.

Applied reasoning

• It is advised that pupils spend ten minutes on this section. The questions are in a ‘quick-fire’ style.

Continuous writing

• Pupils are advised to spend twenty minutes on this section.
• There are two questions in this section and thus it is recommended that pupils split their time equally (ten minutes per question).

Mathematics

• The maths test is comprised of one complete test which pupils are given sixty minutes to complete.
• There are sixty marks available in the maths assessment.
• Pupils are advised to answer the questions quickly but carefully.
• If there is a question they are struggling on they are advised to move on and come back to it at the end of the test should they have time.

Where does my child take the CSSE Essex Test?

The CSSE Essex test is only for those applying to grammar schools in Essex. Schools in different areas will have slightly different 11 plus examinations.

Students will take the Maths and English 11 plus tests in the selective school that parents have chosen as their favoured examination centre.

If an examination centre is filled up to its maximum number of pupils, an alternative centre will be assigned, or a different date will be given.

CSSE recommend registering your child as soon as possible to ensure your preferred date and examination centre.

What are the schools that can my child apply to?

There is a choice of ten grammar schools that are part of the consortium in Essex.

These schools are as follows:

1. Colchester County High School for Girls.
2. Colchester Royal Grammar School.
3. King Edward VI Grammar School.
4. Shoeburyness High School.
5. Southend High School for Boys.
6. Southend High School for Girls.
7. St. Bernard’s High School for Girls.
8. St. Thomas More High School for Boys.
9. Westcliff High School for Boys.
10. Westcliff High School for Girls.

The CSSE Essex 11 plus test applies to these ten schools only.

You should consider the following when applying to grammar schools:

• How close you live to that grammar school;
• What the grammar school’s admission requirements are;
• Whether any of their siblings attend the same grammar school.

How do I register for the CSSE Essex Test?

Registering for the CSSE Essex Test is relatively easy. For details on how to register for the Kent Test, please watch the following video:

The key CSSE Essex Test dates

One of the most important things you should remember regarding the CSSE Essex Test is the key dates.

There are a few dates that you should make a note of in your calendar:

*Please note, these test dates are based on applications for 2020 entry. Generally these dates will be around the same time each year.

What should my child bring to their exams?

• The only thing that children sitting the exams need to bring with them are pencils, pens and an eraser if they wish.
• Children do not need to wear school uniform when sitting the exams.
• Calculators and dictionaries are not permitted.
• Mobile phones should not be brought with children and won’t be allowed in the room in which the exams take place.
• Food and drink are also not permitted unless CSSE have been notified of a medical condition that specifically requires them.
• Pupils will be given refreshment break times which will be confirmed when the letters are sent out.

CSSE Essex Test: Results

The marks for the CSSE Essex 11 plus test are standardised each year. Once the total marks are calculated, averages and pass marks for the year will be set.

Your child’s results will be further explained in the letter that is sent out with the offers.

Can I appeal an outcome?

When secondary school offers are sent out in March, the local authorities will also send information on the appeals process along with them.

A parental appeal can be heard by the school if a pupil has not been successful in their application. This will be conducted by an independent appeals panel for the school in question.

Preparation and Revision tips for Parents

1. Encourage and assist your child’s revision:

Although children will be prepared to some extent by their school for their upcoming exams, it has been shown that supporting and encouraging them to do even a small amount of practise outside of school can really improve their performance. Make sure you don’t leave revision to the last minute.

2. Don’t overload your child:

On the same note, revision is best served in manageable chunks rather than lengthy sessions. Overwhelming your child will only serve to discourage them. You can always increase the length of revision sessions gradually. It is also generally best to focus on one topic per session to avoid confusion.

3. Allow time for rest and reward your child:

Positive reinforcement can go a long way with revision. This doesn’t mean buying an extravagant gift when your child is doing well. It can simply mean allowing them time to do their favourite things. Let your child know when they are doing well and that you are proud of them no matter what the outcome. This eases the stresses that they will inevitably be feeling.

4. Healthy Environment:

Ensure your child is not distracted when revising. Turn off the television and mobile phone. Your child should be getting adequate sleep, the right nutrition and some form of exercise.