78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the CSSE (Essex & Southend)
The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex sets two written papers in September of Year 6, each counting for half: maths (60 minutes) and English (60 minutes plus 10 minutes reading time), which has comprehension questions and a continuous writing task.
Stage
Paper
How it is answered
Prism practice paper
CSSE
Maths (written)
Written answers
40 questions, 60 minutes
CSSE
English (written)
Written answers
12 questions, 70 minutes
Test setters rarely publish how many questions a paper has, so the question counts are the length of Prism’s practice papers; timings follow the setter’s published guidance where there is any. Arrangements change from year to year: always check them 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.
Some answers are written, not chosen, so practise without options to fall back on: write the number or the words yourself, show the working where the paper asks for it, and check each answer against the question.
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
On a map, 1 cm stands for 10 km. Two villages are 8 cm apart on the map. How far apart are they in real life?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 80 km
How to work it out
Each centimetre is 10 km, so 8 cm is 8 × 10 = 80 km.
Why the other options are wrong
B (0.8 km): This divides by the scale; it should multiply.
C (800 km): One zero too many.
D (81 km): This is 1 more than the right answer. No common slip leads to it, so recheck the working.
E (18 km): This adds the numbers; each centimetre is worth the scale.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “generous” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, happy to give more than is needed
How to work it out
“Generous” (adjective) means happy to give more than is needed.
For example: Our generous aunt bought ice creams for everyone.
Why the other options are wrong
A (in short supply): That is what “scarce” means, an unrelated word. “generous” means happy to give more than is needed.
B (weak and hard to see or hear): That is what “faint” means, an unrelated word. “generous” means happy to give more than is needed.
D (not caring about danger): That is what “reckless” means, an unrelated word. “generous” means happy to give more than is needed.
What entrance test does St Bernard’s High School use?
St Bernard’s High School uses the CSSE (Essex & Southend), which tests maths and English and includes a piece of writing. It is answered with written answers. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for St Bernard’s High School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a 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 St Bernard’s High 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 St Bernard’s High School?
Practise straight away at your child’s school year in maths and English, with verbal and non-verbal reasoning for the 11 Plus, and every answer explained. A free check, whenever you like, shows what to practise next and builds a weekly plan, for their year or for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.