SOUTHEND Council is urging young pupils to register for the 11 plus.

The council is running its second annual campaign to encourage more year five age children in the borough to register to take the exam.

It is hoped that in 2019/20, even more of the available places at Southend’s four grammar schools will be filled by pupils from within the borough.

Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children and learning said: “The 11 plus test is aimed at those children performing in the top 25 per cent in year five.

"If you are considering taking the test, we would like to encourage you to register and see what you can achieve.

"Taking and passing the test does not mean you have to go to a grammar school, but it does give you the choice.

"If you don’t take the test, that choice is removed.

“The deadline to register is July 20, so please do head to our website now, where you will find full information on how to register as well as dates for summer sessions where you can visit the schools, along with a variety of other articles, news and information for parents and pupils.

"If you would like to attend one of the summer maths sessions, then please head to the southend11plus.uk website where we’ve put all the details.

"For those pupils in the borough who have already registered – here’s a big ‘Good Luck’ from me.”