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
A florist has 5 bunches with 22 tulips in each. 50 tulips are sold. How many tulips are left?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 60
How to work it out
5 × 22 = 110 tulips to start with.
110 − 50 = 60.
Why the other options are wrong
A (82): This is 22 too many; check the subtraction.
B (110): This is how many there were before any were sold, 110; take the 50 away.
D (28): This takes 50 from 22 (one bunche) instead of from all 110.
E (160): This adds the 50 instead of taking them away.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a punctuation mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, Graces favourite
How to work it out
“Grace’s” shows that something belongs to someone, so it needs an apostrophe.
Why the other options are wrong
B (vegetable is sweetcorn,): The comma is in the right place. The mistake is in another part.
C (although her brother): “although her brother” carries on the sentence, so small letters and no mark are right here. The mistake is in another part.
D (thinks it tastes strange.): The full stop ends the sentence. The mistake is in another part.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “Grace’s” shows that something belongs to someone, so it needs an apostrophe.
What entrance test does St Thomas More High School use?
St Thomas More 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 Thomas More 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 Thomas More 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 Thomas More 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.