Southend High School for Girls 11+

How to get into Southend High School for Girls

Southend High School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Essex. To get into Southend High School for Girls children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Southend High School for Girls with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Southend High School for Girls is a selective grammar school for girls that admits 224 students into Year 7 in September 2025^[1]. The school is a selective girls' school with admission determined through a selection procedure administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).

The offer of a place is dependent upon passing the selection tests, and students are admitted on passing the selection tests regardless of SEN or disabilities. However, passing the selection tests is not a guarantee of being offered a place, as a pass mark is set annually.

Children must take the CSSE 11+ examination to be eligible for admission. The deadline to register for the CSSE 11+ exam is 27th June 2025, with the exam taking place on Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates).

Catchment Area and Priority System

Southend High School for Girls operates a 'priority area' covering the postcode areas SS0, SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4, SS5, SS6, SS7, SS8 and SS9. Children living within this area receive preferential consideration for places.

Southend High School for Girls allocates places in this order of priority: 'Looked after' and 'previously looked after' children who have passed the CSSE selection test, children who passed the exam and live within the priority area with 'preferential consideration', children who passed the exam and live within the priority area, children who passed the exam and live outside the priority area with 'preferential consideration', and children who passed the exam and live outside the priority area.

Preferential consideration is given to girls who are looked after or previously looked after, who receive Free School Meals, or who receive Pupil Premium at the time of registration ^[1].

Application Process

Families must complete two separate processes to apply for admission. First, they must register for the CSSE 11+ exam by 27th June 2025 (see key dates) through the CSSE website.

To apply for a school place, families need to name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, which will be available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by 31st October (see key dates).

• Register for the CSSE 11+ examination by 27th June 2025 through the CSSE website
• Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority
• Submit the CAF by 31st October 2024 (see key dates)
• Name Southend High School for Girls as a preferred school choice
• Provide proof of address and other required documentation

Examination Format and Requirements

The Southend High School for Girls 11+ assessment consists of two tests: English covering comprehension and creative writing, and Mathematics focusing on topics from the KS2 National Curriculum. Each of the two CSSE papers are worth up to 60 marks (120 in total), with final marks being standardised and weighted.

The English paper lasts for 60 minutes with an additional 10 minutes for reading, consisting of multiple choice comprehension, standard format comprehension, continuous writing and applied reasoning. The Mathematics paper lasts for 60 minutes and is in standard format.

In 2023, a total standardised score of 303 was the lowest score for which girls who live within the priority area were offered a place, while a score of 324 was the lowest score for girls who live outside the priority area. These pass marks vary annually ^[1].

Important Dates and Timeline

The key dates for families planning to apply include 27th June 2025 for CSSE registration closure (see key dates), 20th September 2025 for the exam date (see key dates), and 31st October 2024 for the school application deadline (see key dates).

• 27th June 2025: CSSE 11+ registration deadline and special arrangements requests (see key dates)
• 16th July 2025: Parents receive test centre information (see key dates)
• 20th September 2025: CSSE 11+ examination date (see key dates)
• Mid-October 2025: Exam results released (see key dates)
• 3rd March 2025: National Offer Day (see key dates)

Preparation Guidance

Families should begin preparation well in advance, with many experts recommending starting preparation at least one year before the examination. The CSSE 11+ tests core academic skills in English and Mathematics based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

For comprehensive preparation resources, families should explore practice 11+ papers and consider professional support through 11+ tutoring. Regular practice with timed conditions helps children develop essential exam techniques and time management skills.

• Start preparation 12-18 months before the exam date
• Focus on English comprehension and creative writing skills
• Practice KS2 Mathematics topics thoroughly
• Use practice papers that replicate the CSSE 11+ format
• Establish a consistent study schedule with regular practice sessions
• Take practice tests under timed conditions to build exam stamina

Practical Advice for Exam Day

On examination day, children should arrive early at their designated test centre with all required materials. The school recommends that families ensure children are well-rested and have eaten a proper breakfast before the exam.

Test centres are allocated by the CSSE, and families receive this information by 16th July 2025 (see key dates). Children typically take the exam at one of the CSSE member schools, which may not be their preferred school choice.

• Arrive at the test centre 30 minutes early
• Bring required identification documents and stationery
• Ensure children are well-rested and have eaten breakfast
• Practice relaxation techniques to manage exam stress
• Review time management strategies for each paper
• Familiarise children with the test centre location in advance

Alternative Options and Appeals

Families should consider applying to multiple grammar schools within Essex to maximise their chances of success. Other CSSE schools include Westcliff High School for Girls and Colchester County High School for Girls.

Appeals cannot be submitted until after National Offer Day on 3rd March 2025, and any parent whose child is not offered a place has the right to appeal providing they have named this school as one of their choices. The closing date for appeal forms is midday on Tuesday 1st April, with appeals held during the week commencing Monday 12th May 2025.

For specific contact information and additional support, families should refer to the school information section where current admissions contact details are provided ^[1].

^[1]Southend High School for Girls official website

CSSE 11+ Information

In order to get into Southend High School for Girls, children need to pass the CSSE 11+. This 11+ test is written by CSSE for use by the school's admissions process.

CSSE 11+ Subjects & Structure

The CSSE 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English
• Maths

The CSSE 11 plus exam, required for entry into Southend High School for Girls, is a rigorous assessment of a student's academic abilities. The exam is divided into two separate papers, each lasting approximately one hour.

The English paper evaluates a student's reading comprehension skills and their ability to engage in creative writing tasks. This section aims to gauge the student's proficiency in understanding and analyzing written texts, as well as their capacity to express themselves effectively through original composition.

The Maths paper assesses the student's mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills, based on the content covered in the Key Stage 2 maths curriculum. This section tests the student's understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to solve a variety of problems.

Other Schools using CSSE 11+

As well as Southend High School for Girls, several other schools also use CSSE 11+. These are:

• Colchester County High School for Girls
• Colchester Royal Grammar School
• King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
• Southend High School for Boys
• Westcliff High School for Boys Academy
• Westcliff High School for Girls

CSSE 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Southend High School for Girls is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

CSSE 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the CSSE 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Southend High School for Girls, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Southend High School for Girls 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Southend High School for Girls) as well as other relevant dates.

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Southend High School for Girls as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Southend High School for Girls

As the CSSE 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the CSSE 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the Southend High School for Girls 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Southend High School for Girls 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for Southend High School for Girls

Unfortunately, Southend High School for Girls has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.

11+ Practice Papers for Southend High School for Girls

School Information

Below you will find further information about Southend High School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.

Southend High School for Girls is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,245 pupils attend Southend High School for Girls and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Jason Carey.

Southend High School for Girls Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Southend High School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 08/12/2011 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 10/01/2012, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Southend High School for Girls for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Southend High School for Girls per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)