Southend High School for Boys
Southend High School for Boys is one of the highest-performing grammar schools in Essex and is widely recognised for its outstanding academic standards, strong extracurricular programmes, and excellent university progression.
The school is a selective boys’ grammar school located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, for students aged 11–18. It consistently achieves exceptional GCSE and A-Level results and has built a strong reputation for academic excellence both regionally and nationally.
Southend High School for Boys is heavily oversubscribed each year and attracts applicants from across Essex and neighbouring counties.
School Address
Southend High School for Boys
Prittlewell Chase
Westcliff-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 0RG
Telephone: 01702 606200
Website: https://www.shsb.org.uk/
History of Southend High School for Boys
Southend High School for Boys was established in 1913 and has a long-standing history of academic excellence and student achievement.
Originally founded to provide selective secondary education for boys within Essex, the school has developed into one of the leading grammar schools in the South East of England.
Over the years, the school has built a reputation for producing high-achieving students who progress into careers across medicine, engineering, science, business, law, and academia.
Today, Southend High School for Boys combines traditional grammar school values with modern teaching facilities, advanced learning resources, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
Academic Reputation & Awards
Southend High School for Boys is consistently ranked among the top grammar schools in Essex and regularly achieves examination results significantly above national averages.
The school is recognised for:
- Outstanding GCSE and A-Level results
- Excellent Oxbridge and Russell Group university progression
- High academic standards across STEM and humanities subjects
- Exceptional extracurricular activities including debating, music, sport, and coding
- Strong pastoral care and student support
- Excellent sixth form provision
Students benefit from:
- Specialist teaching staff
- High academic expectations
- Extensive enrichment opportunities
- Leadership and development programmes
- Strong university and career preparation
The school has received excellent Ofsted inspections and maintains a reputation for academic excellence throughout the UK.
GCSE Results
Southend High School for Boys consistently achieves exceptional GCSE outcomes.
Recent GCSE performance has included:
- Very high percentages of Grades 7–9
- Strong attainment in Mathematics, English, and Sciences
- GCSE results significantly above national averages
- Excellent overall student progress scores
Students regularly achieve outstanding results across a broad range of academic subjects.
A-Level Results
The school also achieves consistently excellent A-Level results.
Recent A-Level outcomes have included:
- High percentages of A* and A grades
- Outstanding performance in STEM subjects
- Excellent university progression rates
- Strong Oxbridge and Russell Group placements
Many students progress into competitive university courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, and Law.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
Admission into Year 7 at Southend High School for Boys is based on performance in the Southend Selective Eligibility Test (SET).
Eligibility
- Pupils must sit the Southend SET examination during Year 6.
- Applications are open to local and out-of-area applicants.
Entrance Examination
The Southend SET examination typically assesses:
- English comprehension
- Mathematics
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
The examination is designed to assess academic ability and selective school suitability.
Allocation of Places
Approximately 150 places are available annually for Year 7 entry.
Places are allocated based on:
- Performance in the SET examination
- The school’s admissions policy
- Catchment and eligibility criteria where applicable
Due to the competitive nature of admissions, successful applicants generally achieve very strong examination scores.
Application Process
Parents must:
- Register their child for the Southend SET examination.
- Ensure the examination is completed during Year 6.
- Complete the Local Authority Secondary School Application Form.
- List Southend High School for Boys as a preferred school choice.
Preparation for the 11+ examination is strongly recommended due to the competitive standard required for entry.
Why Parents Choose Southend High School for Boys
Parents choose Southend High School for Boys because of its:
- Outstanding academic reputation
- Exceptional GCSE and A-Level results
- Excellent university progression
- Strong pastoral care
- Competitive academic environment
- Extensive extracurricular opportunities
- Reputation as one of Essex’s leading grammar schools
The school continues to be one of the most sought-after selective schools in Essex and the South East of England.
Google Maps Location
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