The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex sets a maths paper and an English paper (comprehension plus continuous writing).
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSSE | Maths | 40 | 60 minutes |
| CSSE | English | 12 | 60 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
The CSSE (Essex & Southend) covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
Ella buys 4 pens at 72p each and a notebook for £1.67. They pay with £5. How much change do they get?
Answer: E, £0.45
Which part has a spelling mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Answer: C, sufficiant for most
“sufficiant” should be spelt “sufficient”.
The CSSE tests maths and English, and includes a piece of writing.
The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the CSSE format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
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