About Westcliff High School for Boys
Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) is a selective state grammar school for boys aged 11–18, with a co-educational Sixth Form, in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. It is a state-funded academy — not an independent, fee-paying school — founded in 1920, with the motto ‘Fide Et Fortitudine’ (by faith and fortitude).
Admission at 11 is by the CSSE 11+, the shared Essex consortium selection test, so there are no fees. A member of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, WHSB was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2023 and is known for its strengths in the humanities, STEM and a wide co-curricular programme.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Westcliff High School for Boys
Westcliff High School for Boys Admissions Criteria
Westcliff High School for Boys is a selective state grammar school — a state-funded academy, not an independent, fee-paying school. Admission at 11 is by the CSSE 11+, the shared Essex consortium test in English and Mathematics, administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). You register your son for the CSSE 11+ with the CSSE and name the school on your home Local Authority’s Common Application Form; there are no fees.
- ✓Step 1 — Visit: Look round at an Open Day or arranged tour to get a feel for the school. This is not part of any selection process.
- ✓Step 2 — Register for the CSSE 11+: Register your son for the CSSE 11+ with the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) via its Supplementary Information Form. Registration usually closes in late June.
- ✓Step 3 — Sit the CSSE 11+: The CSSE 11+ (English and Mathematics) is sat in September of Year 6 and shared across the Essex consortium, so it is taken only once.
- ✓Step 4 — Apply through your Local Authority: Name the school on your home Local Authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October. There is no fee.
- ✓Step 5 — Offers: Your Local Authority makes offers on National Offer Day (1 March of Year 6), against the criteria below.
As a state-funded school there are no tuition fees. Support such as free school meals and pupil premium funding is available to eligible families — contact the school for details.
How Places Are Allocated at Westcliff High School for Boys
- Looked-after and previously looked-after boys who have reached the qualifying standard.
- Boys living within the priority area who have reached the qualifying standard — up to around 80% of places are reserved for the priority area.
- Boys living outside the priority area who have reached the qualifying standard.
- Within the criteria, around 10% of places are reserved for ‘preferential consideration’, and distance from the school is the tie-breaker.
- A qualifying score is set each year; in 2024 the lowest qualifying scores were roughly 303–310 (in-area) and around 349–351 (out-of-area). The Published Admission Number is 185.
Admissions & Catchment for Westcliff High School for Boys
WHSB is a selective state grammar, so admission depends on the CSSE 11+ rather than fees — with a priority area and distance used within the criteria.
There is no fixed catchment, but the oversubscription criteria use priority postcodes; confirm the current priority area, qualifying scores and deadlines with the CSSE and the Southend admissions booklet.
Academic Performance at Westcliff High School for Boys (GCSE & A-Level Results)
As a selective grammar school, WHSB achieves consistently high results, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
- GCSE: excellent results across a broad curriculum, with strengths in the humanities and STEM.
- A-Level: excellent results in a co-educational Sixth Form, with strong university progression.
- Progression: the great majority of leavers progress to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1920, Westcliff High School for Boys is a selective state grammar school for boys aged 11–18 (with a co-educational Sixth Form) in Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, with the motto ‘Fide Et Fortitudine’ (by faith and fortitude) and a focus on developing character and intellect. Organised into houses (Osprey, Merlin, Harrier and Kestrel), it offers a strong, supportive community.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, with a strong sporting tradition (rugby, football, basketball, cricket and athletics) alongside music, drama and many clubs. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Westcliff High School for Boys
How do I apply to Westcliff High School for Boys for Year 7?
Register your son for the CSSE 11+ with the CSSE (usually by late June) and name the school on your home Local Authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October. There is no fee.
What is the entrance exam for WHSB?
Admission at 11 is by the CSSE 11+, the shared Essex consortium test in English and Mathematics, sat in September of Year 6 and taken only once across the consortium.
Does WHSB charge fees?
No. WHSB is a state-funded grammar school, not an independent, fee-paying school.
What score is needed and is there a catchment?
There is no fixed catchment, but priority postcodes apply, with up to around 80% of places reserved for the priority area. A qualifying score is set each year — in 2024 roughly 303–310 in-area and around 349–351 out-of-area.
How many Year 7 places are there?
The Published Admission Number is 185 boys in Year 7.
Does WHSB have a Sixth Form?
Yes — a selective, co-educational Sixth Form (around 200 places), with entry based on GCSE results meeting the school’s threshold.
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