CSSE registration for September 2027 entry is open. The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex says registration opened at 9am on Tuesday 12 May 2026 and closes at 5pm on Friday 19 June 2026. The CSSE examination date for 2027 entry is Saturday 19 September 2026.
That gives Essex and Southend families a short window to move from interest to a named school list. Before the form closes, check which CSSE schools you are really comparing and whether any non-CSSE Essex route also matters.
CSSE dates at a glance
| CSSE event for 2027 entry | Official date |
|---|---|
| Registration opened | 9am on Tuesday 12 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | 5pm on Friday 19 June 2026 |
| CSSE examination | Saturday 19 September 2026 |
Source checked on 6 June 2026: CSSE official website.
What the CSSE exam covers
CSSE says candidates sit two tests: one English paper and one mathematics paper. The English paper lasts 60 minutes with 10 minutes additional reading time, and the mathematics paper lasts 60 minutes.
The CSSE page also notes that, from September 2024 for 2025 entry, the English paper no longer contains Applied Reasoning questions. Use the current CSSE information guide rather than relying on older practice assumptions.
Which schools are in the comparison?
Start with the school list, not only the exam name. CSSE can be relevant for families comparing schools such as:
- Colchester Royal Grammar School
- Colchester County High School for Girls
- King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
- Southend High School for Boys
- Southend High School for Girls
- Westcliff High School for Boys
- Westcliff High School for Girls
Use Essex grammar schools for the local school group and CSSE score explained for score wording. If Chelmsford County High School for Girls is on your list, check its own admissions route separately through the school and Chelmsford County High School for Girls profile.
CSSE is not the school application
CSSE says its office deals with examination administration only. It has no involvement in school applications, admissions, appeals or waiting lists.
That matters. Registering for the CSSE exam does not replace:
- reading each school admissions policy
- naming schools on the local authority application by the secondary deadline
- checking whether a score is enough for eligibility, ranking or a realistic offer
Use grammar school admissions explained if the difference between the exam route and the school application is still unclear.
What to check before 19 June 2026
- Decide whether your real comparison is Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend, Westcliff, or a mix that is still practical from home.
- Open the individual school profiles and admissions links before assuming all CSSE schools work the same way.
- Keep the how to compare grammar schools framework beside the school list so results, travel and admissions rules stay connected.
- Save the official CSSE website and the individual school admissions pages for updates.