Advice 11 Plus Year 6 Shoeburyness High School, Essex, 11 Plus (11+) CSSE Exam – Key Details 2026

Shoeburyness High School, Essex, 11 Plus (11+) CSSE Exam – Key Details 2026

Written by Louise Lang

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Introduction

Shoeburyness High School is a co-educational academy situated in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. It provides education for boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18 and has held academy status since 2011.

The curriculum provides a learning experience accessible to everyone. It caters to different educational and social backgrounds and stays mindful of students’ unique personalities. As a result, pupils leave the school with intellectual ambition, independent thinking, and a strong sense of pride in their accomplishments. Through their academic journey, students gain a strong foundation in core subjects such as science, English, mathematics, and arts. To ensure that every individual reaches their full potential, the curriculum focuses on subject knowledge and skill development, enrichment, and employability.

Shoeburyness High School also presents students with a well-rounded extracurricular programme each year, encompassing sports activities, drama, and music. Pupils can participate in a wide range of clubs, such as a pop band, flute club, acting troupe, basketball, netball, choir, etc.

The school aims to provide an extensive and challenging learning environment both within and beyond the classroom. This approach enables students to develop into talented individuals with a positive attitude and the ability to make meaningful contributions to their community. The Shoeburyness High School’s core values are family, resilience, respect, inclusiveness, and excellence. In addition, each pupil is offered pastoral support throughout their educational journey.

Shoeburyness High School has a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence, and the school continues to improve each year. Pupils have exceptional exam results and manage to secure spots at sought-after universities. Ofsted also recognised the school’s successful academic strategy and gave it a “Good with Outstanding” judgement. [1]

Shoeburyness High School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2026

Address: Caulfield Road, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9LL

Admissions info: schooloffice@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk, or (01702) 292286

School type: Co-educational academy

Number of pupils: 1770 (approx.)

Number of places in Year 7: 310

Open day date: July

11+ Exam date: September 2026

Pass mark: Aim for 80-85%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.

Exam type / Board: CSSE (Essex 11 Plus)


Shoeburyness High School 11 Plus (11+) Admissions

Each year, Shoeburyness High admits approximately 310 students into Year 7. The school acts as its own admissions authority to ensure that all applicants to the school are considered fairly.

In cases where there are more Year 7 applicants than available places, it gives priority to children with a statement of special educational needs (SEN), or Education, Health and Care (EHC) places. The school then gives priority to:

  • Looked After or previously Looked After children
  • Up to 31 pupils on the basis of their performance in the selection test procedure
  • Borderline students (on the basis of their scores and location)
  • Students who live in the catchment area and have a brother or sister at the school
  • Students who live in the catchment area
  • Students who live outside of the catchment area but have a sibling at the school.


For more information on the school’s oversubscription criteria and overall admissions process, please visit the admissions pages on their website. You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:


How to Apply for Year 7 Entry to Shoeburyness High School

Before applying for a Year 7 place at Shoeburyness High, prospective families are invited to visit the school during its Open Evening, which takes place in September. At the event, students and parents will have the chance to meet staff members and some current pupils.

To apply for a Year 7 school place at the school, parents need to complete two forms. Firstly, you will be asked to complete the Supplementary Information Form (SIF), which is available on the CSSE website. If you live in Essex, you will then need to state Shoeburyness High as your child’s preferred secondary school on the Essex Common Application Form (CAF).

Is Shoeburyness High School part of a Consortium?

Shoeburyness High School belongs to the Essex 11+ Consortium, a group of schools that use the same entrance exam format and share a very similar admissions process.

Essex 11 Plus CSSE Exam information


Does Shoeburyness High School have a catchment area?

Yes, Shoeburyness High School has a catchment area with priority based on location and distance from the school.

Shoeburyness High School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format

For all schools that are members of the CSSE, including Shoeburyness High School, there is only one selection test. This ensures that students don’t need to sit several exams for all the schools listed on their preference form.

The Shoeburyness High School 11+ assessment consists of two tests:

  • English – covering comprehension and creative writing
  • Mathematics – focusing on topics from the KS2 National Curriculum.


The test scores are age-standardised to ensure that older pupils don’t have an unfair advantage.


How to Prepare for the Shoeburyness High School 11 Plus (11+) Exam

At Exam Papers Plus, we strive to maximise the confidence and exam readiness of students. Accordingly, we offer practice papers that closely resemble the style and format of the CSSE 11 Plus exam.

By completing these practice tests, students can become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter in the actual assessment, improving their performance on the big day. Additionally, taking these practice tests under timed conditions helps students improve their time management skills and perform well under pressure.

Our practice tests are an invaluable resource for CSSE 11 Plus exam preparation and can lead to improved performance and long-term academic success. Whilst age-appropriate, they are challenging, and are successfully used by hundreds of thousands of students every year.

Shoeburyness High School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Pass Marks and Target Scores


Historical data shows that most schools in the area do not admit applicants who have a standardised score less than 303 in the CSSE. Exam results from previous years suggest this correlates with a score of roughly 80-85%+ in our 11+ Essex practice tests.

Whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Shoeburyness High School 11+ exam. Please click here to learn more.


Shoeburyness High School 11 Plus (11+) Practice Exam Papers

We have a number of practice tests specifically designed to help students prepare for the Shoeburyness High School 11+ exam.

Full Practice Tests Bundle

Essex CSSE 11+ exam preparation

You can now purchase a bundle of all of our CSSE Practice Tests for the Essex 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more.

Essex CSSE 11+ exam preparation

The CSSE 11+ English paper can include both multiple-choice and open-answer comprehension questions, as well as a writing section.

Practice Papers

  • 11+ English (Grammar Schools) Pack 1
  • 11+ English (Grammar Schools) Pack 2
  • 11+ English (Grammar Schools) Pack 3
  • 11+ English (Grammar Schools) Pack 4
  • 11+ English (Grammar Schools) Pack 5
  • 11+ English (Grammar Schools) Comprehension Pack 1
  • 11+ English (Grammar Schools) Comprehension Pack 2
  • 11+ English: Inference Skills Pack 1
  • 11+ English: Inference Skills Pack 2
  • 11+ English (Independent Schools) Pack 1
  • 11+ English (Independent Schools) Pack 2
  • 11+ English (Independent Schools) Pack 3
  • 11+ English (Independent Schools) Pack 4
  • 11+ English (Independent Schools) Pack 5
  • The Complete Guide to 11+ Comprehension
  • 11+ English: Poetry Comprehension
  • 11+ Reading Workbook
  • The Complete Guide to 11+ Writing
  • 11+ English: Writing Prompts
  • 11+ English: Rewrite & Improve
  • 11+ English: Spelling Pack 1
  • 11+ English: Spelling Pack 2
  • 11+ Essex (CSSE) Continuous Writing Guide

    • English Bundle

    best Essex 11+ English exam preparation

    You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended resources for the English section of the Essex 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more.

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    11+ GL English Comprehension Masterclass Bundle

    Complete practice resources for 11+ GL Assessment English Comprehension

    You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended Masterclasses for the English Comprehension section of the Essex 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the buttons below to learn more.

    Complete practice resources for 11+ GL Assessment English Comprehension

    The CSSE 11+ Maths paper covers the KS2 syllabus (including problem solving and arithmetic) as well as some non-verbal reasoning. The maths questions are not multiple-choice.

    Practice Papers

  • 11+ Mathematics (Independent Schools) Pack 1
  • 11+ Mathematics (Independent Schools) Pack 2
  • 11+ Mathematics (Independent Schools) Pack 3
  • 11+ Mathematics (Independent Schools) Pack 4
  • 11+ Mathematics: Problem Solving (Independent Schools) Pack 1
  • 11+ Mathematics: Problem Solving (Independent Schools) Pack 2
  • 11+ Mathematics: Mental Arithmetic
  • 11+ Mathematics: Algebra (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Angles & Degrees (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: BODMAS (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Estimation & Place Value (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Factors & Multiples (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Fractions, Decimals & Percentages (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Measurements (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Money (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Operations (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Perimeter, Area & Volume (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Position & Direction (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Probability (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Properties of Shapes (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Ratio & Proportion (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Reflection, Rotation & Symmetry (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Sequences (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Special Numbers (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Speed, Distance & Time (Independent Schools)
  • 11+ Mathematics: Statistics (Independent Schools)

    • Mathematics Bundle

    effective 11+ Essex Maths exam preparation

    You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended resources for the Maths section of the Essex 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more.

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    Video Masterclasses

  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Algebra Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Angles & Degrees Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: BODMAS Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Estimation, Rounding & Place Value Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Factors & Multiples Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Fractions, Decimals & Percentages Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Measurements Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Money Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Operations Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Perimeter, Area & Volume Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Position & Direction Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Probability & Combinations Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Problem Solving Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Properties of Shape Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Ratio & Proportion Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Reflection, Rotation & Symmetry Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Sequences Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Special Numbers Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Speed, Distance & Time Mini Masterclass
  • 11+ GL Mathematics: Statistics Mini Masterclass

    • 11+ GL Mathematics Mini Masterclass Bundle

    Complete practice resources for 11+ GL Assessment Mathematics

    You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended Masterclasses for the Mathematics section of the Essex 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the buttons below to learn more.

    Complete practice resources for 11+ GL Assessment Mathematics



    Don’t forget to use the code eppdiscount at checkout to get 10% off orders over £70 and 20% off orders over £250 if you don’t buy a bundle.


    Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions were included in Shoeburyness High School 11+ past papers. The information provided about Shoeburyness High School was believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, please be aware of future changes. We advise you to contact the school directly if you are unsure of anything. School contact details are provided within the post.

    Please note that Exam Papers Plus is an independent publisher of practice tests and resources, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Shoeburyness High School

    Why do some of the recommendations above show me independent school papers?


    The main difference between independent and grammar school papers is the question format. Independent schools usually assess with standard format questions, which means students need to write out full answers. Grammar schools usually use multiple-choice format questions.

    Whilst Shoeburyness High School is a grammar school, they actually use the independent school (standard) format for some of their exams, which is why they are included in the recommendations above.


    Frequently Asked Questions About 11+ Entry to Shoeburyness High School

     Shoeburyness High School converted to academy status in 2011.

    Shoeburyness High School hosts Open Day in July, welcoming prospective families on campus for an event packed with activities.

    Shoeburyness High School assesses prospective pupils through the standardised CSSE 11+ exam, also used by other schools in the Essex Grammar School Consortium. The assessment covers English and Mathematics.

    Parents applying to Shoeburyness High School must register their child for the 11+ exam by completing a Supplementary Information Form (SIF), which can be accessed through the CSSE website. Residents of Essex also need to state Shoeburyness High School as their preferred secondary school on the Common Application Form (CAF).

    Yes, you can. All CSSE schools that you wish to apply for must be named as preferences on the Local Authority Common Application Form.

    All 11+ applicants for entry to Shoeburyness High School will be asked to sit the Essex CSSE exam which tests English comprehension and creative writing, and mathematics topics from the KS2 National Curriculum.

    No, the Shoeburyness High School 11+ entrance exam does not test Non-Verbal Reasoning.

    One of the best ways to prepare for a challenging entrance exam, such as the CSSE, is to use practice tests. They will provide your child with the opportunity to become familiar with the format and question types that they will encounter in the actual exam. Our practice papers are used successfully every year by hundreds of thousands of students targeting schools with a competitive entrance exam.

    We recommend beginning with a few full practice tests, such as this one. These will act as diagnostics so you can quickly work out which areas your child needs to focus on. You can then select the relevant topic based material listed above to target weaker areas. Please get in touch if you need advice on how to prepare or what to focus on for each section and stage of the exam.

    Our 11+ CSSE practice tests replicate the format and style of the actual exam, effectively preparing students for success in this competitive assessment. Each practice test is designed to mimic the full examination experience, covering relevant Maths and English question types. More details are available on this page.

    Historical data shows that most schools in the area do not admit applicants who have a standardised score less than 303 in the CSSE. Exam results from previous years suggest this correlates with a score of roughly 80-85%+ in our 11+ Essex practice tests.




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    Author(s)

    Louise Lang

    Director of Learning

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