Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Write 3/10 as a percentage.
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 30%
How to work it out
- 3/10 = 0.3 as a decimal.
- Multiply by 100 to get 30%.
Southend High School for Boys: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Southend-on-Sea for boys, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Grammar school
- Pupils
- Boys
- Area
- Southend-on-Sea, East of England
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- CSSE (Essex & Southend)
- Tested
- Maths and English
- Competition
- Highly selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 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 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word is spelt incorrectly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, sincerly
How to work it out
- “sincerly” should be spelt “sincerely”.
- Keep the e of sincere, then add -ly.
Other selective schools in Southend-on-Sea
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Southend High School for Boys use?
Southend High School for Boys 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 Southend High School for Boys?
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 Southend High School for Boys?
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 Southend High School for Boys?
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.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Southend High School for Boys. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.