CONSORTIUM FOR SELECTIVE SCHOOLS IN ESSEX

For many years the local grammar schools have been among the most over-subscribed and successful schools in the Eastern region. Parents know the value of being offered a place for their child at these outstanding schools. Changes to the 11+, required by the Government, will help inform parental choice. New arrangements are now taking effect across the whole of Essex for entry to our selective schools in September 2013.

Although pupils will now be sitting the tests much earlier in their final year at primary school, parents will know the results of those tests before choosing the best school for their son or daughter.

Paul Hayman, Executive Committee, CSSE: “Choosing a secondary school is always a tough decision for parents. We know how popular the selective schools in Southend and Essex are. These changes will be welcomed by parents who want to know if their child is right for a grammar school. We look forward to welcoming parents and pupils to our schools to find out more.”

Robin Bevan, Chairman, CSSE: “We would have preferred to be testing pupils much later in the year. The Government guidelines do not allow us to do this. The new arrangements will, however, be helpful to any parent struggling to make the right secondary school choice for their child.”

(Robin Bevan, Chairman, CSSE)