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CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) 11+ - exam format & mock papers
CSSE is the 11+ exam used by the 10 grammar schools in the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. Unlike most 11+ tests, it is entirely written: one English paper and one Maths paper, both around an hour, standardised and weighted equally - with no multiple choice and no Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning at all. Because the real exam has no multiple-choice component, CSSE preparation on 11Plus-Help lives in Worded Problems (written maths) and Written Comprehension, not the multiple-choice mock.
Made for London and nearby grammars · Stage 2 written papers where schools set them · school-specific formats · "show your working" style maths
The papers
One test day, two written papers: English (60 min) and Maths (60 min). No Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning.
English - 60 minutes
- English: written comprehension, and in most years a writing element - full written answers, not multiple choice
Mathematics - 60 minutes
- Maths: written arithmetic and multi-step problem solving, working shown, non-calculator
What it tests
Written English comprehension · Written Maths
What to work on
- writing full, evidenced answers rather than choosing from options
- showing complete written working in maths - marks are lost for an unexplained answer
- sustaining accuracy and handwriting speed across two full hours of written papers
Worth knowing
- No multiple choice anywhere - every answer is written out in full.
- No Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning component at all.
- Both papers are standardised and weighted 50/50.
The CSSE mock on 11Plus-Help
CSSE has no multiple-choice round to mock. Practise the real written format on 11Plus-Help under Worded Problems (written maths, full working required) and Written Comprehension (evidence-based written answers), using the CSSE style for this school.
Original practice in a GL-informed format. Not an official or past paper.
FAQs
Is CSSE multiple choice?
No - CSSE is a written, free-response assessment throughout. Multiple-choice practice for CSSE is supplementary extra practice only, not a representation of the real exam.
Does passing CSSE guarantee a place?
It depends on the participating school - CSSE is a consortium test, but admissions criteria (including any catchment or priority area) are set by each individual school. Check the specific school's current admissions policy.
Admissions arrangements change. Always check the current policy and admissions page on the school (or local authority) website before relying on this information - especially catchment areas, score thresholds and registration deadlines.
Other schools
11Plus-Help - adaptive 11+ practice and school-specific mock exams for Greater London grammar schools.
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Practice materials are original and independently produced. They are not official school papers and do not guarantee admission. School arrangements can change; parents should check each school’s current admissions information.