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CSSE Essex 11+ mock exams and practice papers
The CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) sets its own 11+ test for selective schools in Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend and Westcliff. It tests just two subjects, English and Maths, so every mark comes from the core curriculum. Our 13 full CSSE-style sets let your child practise both, against the clock, and see straight away where marks were lost.
Independent practice papers in the CSSE style — not official CSSE papers.
Looking for CSSE past papers?
Many parents search for CSSE past papers first, so here is the honest picture. The CSSE does not publish a full set of recent past papers. It shares a small amount of free familiarisation material on its own website, csse.org.uk — do that first, because it shows the real layout and instructions.
Once your child has done the official material, they need more full papers in the same shape to build speed and confidence. That is what our sets are for: 13 complete CSSE-style sets, each with an English and a Maths paper of an hour each, marked the moment your child finishes, with a worked explanation for every question. Our papers are our own, written in the CSSE style — they are not real CSSE past papers, and we never claim they are.
For the test dates, the ten schools and how scores work, read our Essex 11+ guide.
About the CSSE 11+
Which schools
King Edward VI Grammar School (Chelmsford), Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, Southend High School for Boys, Southend High School for Girls, Westcliff High School for Boys, Westcliff High School for Girls, St Bernard’s High School, St Thomas More High School and Shoeburyness High School. Check the CSSE website for the current list.
What it tests
English and Maths only. There is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
The format
Two papers. Maths lasts 60 minutes, with answers written in boxes. English lasts 60 minutes plus 10 minutes’ reading time: a reading comprehension with written answers, followed by a short creative writing task.
When it’s sat
Usually in mid-September, at the start of Year 6. Registration normally opens in May and closes in mid-to-late June of Year 5.
What’s in our CSSE mock sets
There are 13 complete sets, A to M. Every set contains these papers, all timed and marked the moment your child finishes, with a worked explanation for every question and a breakdown by topic.
| Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| English | 46 | 60 min |
| Maths | 50 | 60 min |
| Whole set | 96 | 120 min |
How our papers compare to the real test
Tips for practising
- Make comprehension a habit. It carries a big share of the English marks. Regular reading, and talking about why a character acts as they do, builds the inference skills the questions test.
- Show working in Maths. CSSE Maths gives space for working. Practising written methods makes multi-step questions more reliable.
- Use the full hour. With about 72 seconds per question in our Maths paper, there is time to check answers. Teach your child to go back over flagged questions at the end.
- Practise the writing task. The English paper ends with a short piece of creative writing, so practise planning and writing a short description against the clock.
Questions parents ask
Are these official CSSE papers?
No. They are independent practice papers in the style of the CSSE test. We are not connected with the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex.
Does the CSSE test include reasoning?
No. The CSSE tests English and Maths only. Applied reasoning questions were removed from the English paper from 2025 entry.
Why are your CSSE papers multiple-choice?
So they can be marked the moment your child finishes, with a worked explanation for every question. Use them to build accuracy and pace, alongside practice writing answers out in full.
Where can I find CSSE past papers?
The CSSE does not publish a full set of recent past papers. Start with the free familiarisation material on the CSSE website, csse.org.uk. After that, full exam-style practice papers like ours give your child fresh papers in the same format — but they are independent practice papers, not real past papers.
When should my child start CSSE mock exams?
The test is usually sat in mid-September at the start of Year 6, so many families start timed mocks in the spring or summer of Year 5. Try a free sample first to see how your child copes with the timing.
Try a free sample first
Every CSSE paper has a free sample, so your child can try the format before you buy.