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
Which of these is the net of a cube?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B
How to work it out
A cube has 6 faces, and every net has 6 squares, but not every arrangement folds.
Imagine folding up the sides around one square as the base: each face must land in a different place.
Nets with a 2 by 2 block, five in a row, or two squares side by side on the same side of a row never close into a cube.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Five squares in a row: the first and fifth would land on the same face.
C: It contains a 2 by 2 block of squares, which can never fold round a cube.
D: A 2 by 3 block: folding it, two faces land on top of each other and one face of the cube is left open.
E: An L shape: the end square folds onto a face already covered by the column, and one side of the cube is left open.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a spelling mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, Perhapse the answer
How to work it out
“Perhapse” should be spelt “Perhaps”.
Why the other options are wrong
B (to the question): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
C (is hidden somewhere): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
D (in the first sentence.): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “Perhapse” should be spelt “Perhaps”.
What entrance test does Southend High School for Girls use?
Southend High School for Girls 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 Girls?
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 Girls?
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 Girls?
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.