Essex Grammar Schools: The Full CSSE List and How Entry Works

Essex grammar schools accept applications from families outside the county, so for many parents in East London they are a realistic option alongside the Redbridge schools. Most of them share a single entrance test set by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).

One test, ten schools and ten sets of admission rules: that is the CSSE system in a sentence, and most of the confusion comes from the last part. Unless stated otherwise, the dates and figures below come from the CSSE information guide for 2027 entry.

The CSSE schools list

St Bernard's, St Thomas More and Shoeburyness offer only part of their intake through the test. For the schools marked "See school", check the current admission number in each school's own admissions policy.

Southend grammar schools

Southend-on-Sea, including Westcliff and Shoeburyness, has the largest group of CSSE schools: two boys' and two girls' grammar schools, two partially selective Catholic schools and Shoeburyness High School's selective places. Each sets its own priority area and admission rules, so read each policy rather than assuming they are the same.

Colchester Royal Grammar School 11+

Colchester Royal Grammar School uses the CSSE test like the other consortium schools. CSSE's historical guidance sheet lists it with no priority area, which makes its published lowest offer scores especially useful for families applying from further away.

Chelmsford County High School for Girls: a separate 11+

Chelmsford County High School for Girls is not a CSSE school. Its admissions policy for 2027 entry describes its own test, covering Key Stage 2 subjects plus a creativity element, with registration open from 1 April to 3 June 2026. It has 180 places and a priority area within a 12.5-mile straight-line radius of the school. If you are considering both Chelmsford grammar schools, you will need to register for two separate tests.

How the CSSE 11+ works

The test

• English: 60 minutes, plus 10 minutes of reading time.

• Maths: 60 minutes.

• Content: based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum.

• Scoring: each paper is standardised and worth 50% of the total. Results are analysed by date of birth and an age adjustment is applied where needed.

CSSE's published past papers ask for written answers rather than multiple choice. The English paper includes comprehension and continuous writing; there are no verbal or non-verbal reasoning papers.

The minimum score

No offers are made to children with a total standardised score below 303. On CSSE's scale, a candidate with average marks on both papers scores around 300, so 303 is only a starting point. Each school fills its places from the highest scores downwards, so the lowest score offered at a school can be considerably higher.

Priority areas

Most CSSE schools give priority to children living in a defined priority area. CSSE's historical guidance sheet shows the lowest score offered at each school separately for children inside and outside those areas; Colchester Royal Grammar School is listed with no priority area. For families in East London, the "outside priority area" column is usually the one to look at.

The guidance sheets are published on CSSE's Freedom of Information page. Treat them as a guide only: CSSE itself stresses that scores needed for a place change every year.

Pupil premium places

Some CSSE schools reserve places for children who receive free school meals, are eligible for the pupil premium, or are or have been in care. Tick the relevant boxes when registering, and send each school's pupil premium form directly to that school by 31 October.

Key dates for 2027 entry

For 2028 entry, CSSE says registration will open in May 2027, with important dates published by Easter 2027.

Applying: the step families most often miss

Registering for the test is not an application. You must name each CSSE school you want on the secondary school application of the council where you live, even if that council is in London. List schools in your true order of preference: the council offers the highest-ranked school on your list where your child meets the admission criteria.

Practical points for East London families

• Test centre: you nominate one CSSE school as your test centre. Plan the journey and leave the whole day free, as morning or afternoon sittings are not confirmed in advance.

• Two tests in two days: in 2026 the Redbridge test fell on Friday 18 September and the CSSE test on Saturday 19 September. If your child is sitting both, prepare for both formats over the summer.

• Travel to school: think about the daily journey for seven years, not just test day.

Preparing for the CSSE test

Because the CSSE test has no reasoning papers, preparation centres on:

• reading comprehension with written, evidence-based answers;

• short pieces of descriptive and narrative writing;

• arithmetic and multi-step problem-solving without a calculator.

CSSE publishes free past papers with mark schemes, which are the best place to start. If you would rather have a teacher look at your child's maths and English first, Merit Tutors' free assessment is one option, and its list of 11+ schools and dates covers all ten CSSE schools alongside Redbridge, Bexley and Kent.

Frequently asked questions

How many grammar schools are in Essex?

Ten schools use the CSSE test, three of which offer only part of their places through it. Chelmsford County High School for Girls is also a grammar school but sets its own test.

Can children from London apply to Essex grammar schools?

Yes. Children in the right school year can register for the CSSE test wherever they live, and you apply through your own council. However, most schools prioritise children in their priority areas, so applicants from outside usually need higher scores.

What is the CSSE pass mark?

The minimum total score for an offer is 303. Reaching it does not guarantee a place.

If your child is in Year 5 now

Children in Year 5 this school year will sit the CSSE test in September 2027 for entry in 2028. CSSE says registration for that year opens in May 2027, with important dates published by Easter 2027. Between now and then:

1. Shortlist the Essex grammar schools you would genuinely accept, and find each one's priority area in its admissions policy.

2. Look up the lowest scores offered in recent years on CSSE's guidance sheets, inside and outside priority areas.

3. Work through at least one CSSE past paper so you know where your child stands.

4. If Chelmsford County High School for Girls is on the list, note its separate registration window.