Essex CSSE: format and practice

• The CSSE has two tests: English (60 minutes, plus 10 minutes of additional reading time) and Mathematics (60 minutes).
• From September 2024 (2025 entry) the English paper no longer includes Applied Reasoning questions.

Tests, stages and dates are set by the school or council and change every year. This page is a summary, not the official rules.

Practice covers English and maths. Older materials that include applied reasoning no longer match the current English paper.

• English: 3 topics
• Maths: 8 topics
• Extension: English: 1 topic
• Extension: Maths: 8 topics

Practice questions are original and are not real papers. Practice scores are not admissions scores, and eligibility and places are decided by the school or authority.

Read the parent guide for this route, try sample questions without an account, or create a free account to try more.

CSSE: official examination information. Always check it for current dates and rules before you plan.