Which 11+ test is used in Essex and Southend?

Grammar schools in Essex and Southend select pupils through the CSSE 11+ test, run by Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).

Which grammar schools are in Essex and Southend?

We list 8 grammar schools in Essex and Southend: Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, Southend High School for Boys, Southend High School for Girls, Westcliff High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for Girls.

When do Essex and Southend grammar school applications close?

For September 2027 entry, apply through your local council by 31 October 2026, the deadline for secondary school applications in England, listing the grammar schools you want. Registering for the 11+ test is a separate step with its own deadline.

When are grammar school places offered in Essex and Southend?

Councils in England send offers on National Offer Day, which for September 2027 entry is 1 March 2027.

South East and East of England

The 11+ in Essex and Southend

The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) runs one 11+ test in English and maths for the selective schools in Essex and Southend. Results are a total standardised score, and each school has its own cut-off.

Test: 1
Grammar schools: 8
Entry: Sept 2027

Which test?

CSSE 11+ test
Run by:
Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE)
Area:
Essex and Southend
Used by:
8 schools we list
Test guide csse.org.uk(opens in a new tab)

Key dates for September 2027 entry

Key dates

Dates for September 2027 entry

National dates for England

31 October 2026
Secondary school application deadlineNext
Apply through your local council, listing the grammar schools you want.
1 March 2027
National Offer Day
Councils tell families which secondary school place they have been offered.

The CSSE 11+ test dates for this year haven't been confirmed on our site yet — see the official Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) page.

See the typical 11+ timeline

Grammar schools in Essex and Southend

8 grammar schools use the CSSE 11+ test. Open a school for its own page.

Guides for Essex and Southend parents

Practise for the CSSE 11+ test

Common questions about the 11+ in Essex and Southend

Which 11+ test is used in Essex and Southend?: Grammar schools in Essex and Southend select pupils through the CSSE 11+ test, run by Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).
Which grammar schools are in Essex and Southend?: We list 8 grammar schools in Essex and Southend: Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, Southend High School for Boys, Southend High School for Girls, Westcliff High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for Girls.
When do Essex and Southend grammar school applications close?: For September 2027 entry, apply through your local council by 31 October 2026, the deadline for secondary school applications in England, listing the grammar schools you want. Registering for the 11+ test is a separate step with its own deadline.
When are grammar school places offered in Essex and Southend?: Councils in England send offers on National Offer Day, which for September 2027 entry is 1 March 2027.