Southend High School For Boys 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Southend High School For Boys
Southend High School for Boys (SHSB) is a prestigious selective grammar school for boys aged 11–18, located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Established in 1895, it has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, dedicated teaching and exceptional pastoral care.
The school combines traditional grammar school values with modern, dynamic teaching to provide a well-rounded education. Students are encouraged to achieve their potential in a supportive yet ambitious environment. SHSB also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama and leadership opportunities, helping pupils develop confidence and character.
Academically, SHSB consistently achieves excellent GCSE and A-level results, with many pupils progressing to leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. The curriculum is broad and challenging, covering both core subjects and enrichment options across the arts, sciences and humanities. Admission into Year 7 is highly competitive and based on results in the CSSE 11 Plus exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Southend High School For Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Southend High School For Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Southend High School For Boys
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Southend High School For Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Southend High School For Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Southend High School For Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Southend High School For Boys Key Information
Under this section we keep key information regarding Southend High School for Boys, including addresses and contact details. This is to be used by students and parents in their school selection and application process.
School Address
Full Address:
Southend High School For Boys, Prittlewell ChaseSouthend-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 0RG
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is some parking available on site at Southend High School For Boys. In the event parking is limited or full, please use the sites listed below, all within a 30 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
Tesco, Prince Avenue, Southend-on-sea SS0 0JP (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 06:00-00:00, Sun 10:00-16:00)
Hamlet Court Road, 257 Hamlet Court Road, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7UA (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Southend High School For Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Rated Outstanding in every category, Southend High School for Boys provides an exceptional education where pupils thrive academically, socially and personally within a supportive and aspirational community
Academic strength: The school delivers world-class academic standards, with students consistently achieving some of the best results nationally. Lessons often go beyond the national curriculum, challenging pupils to think critically and explore subjects in depth.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is inspiring and expertly delivered by passionate subject specialists. The curriculum is broad, ambitious and intellectually stimulating, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve their full potential.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour and attitudes are exemplary. Pupils are respectful, self-disciplined and take pride in their community. A strong moral ethos promotes tolerance, leadership and personal responsibility throughout school life.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is visionary and deeply committed to excellence. Governors and staff work together effectively, creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritised.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test Format
Admission to Year 7 at Southend High School for Boys (SHSB) is determined by performance in the CSSE 11 Plus exam, which is used by all grammar schools within the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test: Overview
The CSSE 11 Plus Exam is held in September of Year 6 and consists of two papers. Each paper is scored out of 60 and standardised for age. There is no consistent pass mark published by the school, but successful applicants typically achieve a standardised score of around 303-350, depending on the year.
Paper One
English: Includes reading comprehension and a continuous writing task.
Paper Two
Mathematics: Based on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum, testing arithmetic, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test - 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | English (some verbal reasoning is included) | Maths | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
SHSB does not publish an official pass mark, successful candidates typically achieve a standardised score between 303 and 350, depending on the year.
Catchment Area
There is no official catchment area for Southend High School For Boys. However, the oversubscription criteria DOES operate on priority postcodes. This means that boys who pass the test and live in the priority postcodes have a higher chance of admission. The priority postcodes are outlined below:
- SS0, SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4, SS5, SS6, SS7, SS8 and SS9
Additional Eligibility
Places are offered to pupils who reach the required standard in the CSSE exam, following the school’s published oversubscription rules.
Oversubscription Criteria:
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Looked-after and previously looked-after children meeting the required score
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium who reach the standard mark
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Applicants with a sibling currently attending the school
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Children living within the defined catchment area, based on home address at the time of application
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Other applicants ranked by descending test score
The school operates a defined priority catchment area, and distance from the school is used as a tie-breaker when scores are equal. Full details about admissions and catchment boundaries can be found on the CSSE website and in the school’s admissions policy.
Click here to view Southend High School For Boys admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Southend High School For Boys
Here are some tips to support your daughter’s preparation for the CSSE entrance exam:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Southend High School For Boys. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Southend High School For Boys Key Dates and Application Information
In the application process to Southend High School for Boys, and all schools in the Essex consortium of grammar schools, key deadlines are essential to keep to. At 11 Plus Hero, we understand there can be a lot to keep track of, especially with exam revision too. For this reason, we regularly update key dates below.
CSSE Registration Opens
CSSE Registration Deadline
CSSE Exam Date
Results Published
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Southend High School For Boys Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Southend High School For Boys, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Southend High School For Boys Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
This is submitted via the CSSE website and must be completed by the deadline. It allows your child to sit the 11 Plus exam.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Southend High School For Boys listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed, failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Southend High School For Boys FAQs
You must register your child for the CSSE 11 Plus exam and list Southend High School for Boys on your Common Application Form (CAF). Both forms must be submitted before the deadlines in Year 6.
The CSSE 11 Plus exam includes two papers, English and mathematics, each marked out of 60 and standardised for age. The combined total score out of 300 is used to rank applicants.
Admission is highly competitive, with around 150 places available each year. Successful candidates usually achieve a standardised score between 303 and 350 in the CSSE 11 Plus exam.
Yes, the school has a defined priority catchment area. When candidates achieve the same score, distance from the school is used as a tie-breaker to determine offers.