85% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the CSSE (Essex & Southend)
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.
How to prepare
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.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Between which two times did the temperature rise the most?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 10 am and 12 pm
How to work it out
Look for the steepest upward part of the line.
From 10 am and 12 pm it rose from 12°C to 17°C, a rise of 5 degrees, the biggest rise.
Why the other options are wrong
A (4 pm and 6 pm): The temperature fell between these times.
C (2 pm and 4 pm): The temperature fell between these times.
D (12 pm and 2 pm): It rose by 3 degrees here, less than 5.
E (8 am and 10 am): It rose by 4 degrees here, less than 5.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
In this sentence, what word class is “beside”?
The ancient castle stood beside a gloomy lake.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, preposition
How to work it out
“beside” is a preposition.
Prepositions show position or time (across, beside, before…).
What entrance test does Colchester Royal Grammar School use?
Colchester Royal Grammar School uses the CSSE (Essex & Southend), which tests maths and English and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Colchester Royal Grammar School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 85% consistently in practice for a highly selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Colchester Royal Grammar School?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for Colchester Royal Grammar School?
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.