St Thomas More High School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 30
Ofsted Rating: Good
St Thomas More High School
St Thomas More High School is a Catholic boys’ secondary school in Southend-on-Sea, known for its strong academic standards and nurturing Christian ethos. The school promotes both intellectual growth and personal development, ensuring pupils are supported in all aspects of their education.
Each year, the school admits a limited number of pupils into its selective stream, based on results from the CSSE 11 Plus exam. This process forms part of the wider Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, which manages entry to grammar and selective places across the region.
Pupils who secure a place in the selective stream follow an enhanced academic programme designed to challenge and inspire. Alongside this, they benefit from the inclusive and supportive environment that St Thomas More High School is known for, helping every child to reach their full potential.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for St Thomas More High School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for St Thomas More High School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at St Thomas More High School
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 St Thomas More High School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for St Thomas More High School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for St Thomas More High School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
St Thomas More High School Key Information
To help you keep informed 11 Plus Hero has compiled the school specific information and contacts details for St Thomas More High School.
School Address
Full Address:
St Thomas More High SchoolKenilworth Gardens
Westcliff-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 0BW
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- There is a car park on premises but this should only be used with the schools permission. Arrangements will be made for open events.Â
Additional parking off site
- North Street, 20 North Street, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1QE (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Elm Road, 69 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1SL (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
St Thomas More High School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: St Thomas More High School continues to be rated Good by Ofsted, maintaining its reputation for strong teaching, a caring ethos and positive pupil relationships.
Academic strength: Pupils thrive both academically and personally, supported by dedicated staff and a strong sense of community where respect and ambition are central.
Teaching and curriculum: The curriculum is ambitious and well planned, with effective teaching that helps pupils gain knowledge and achieve well across all subjects.
Behaviour and culture: Personal development is a clear strength, with extensive extracurricular options, leadership opportunities and strong careers education that prepares students for future success.
Leadership and safeguarding: Inspectors noted that safeguarding is effective, staff morale is high, and leaders are focused on improving pupils’ writing and communication to raise achievement even further.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test Format
St Thomas More High School is a member of the CSSE consortium, which sets a shared two-paper entrance exam used by several selective grammar schools across Essex.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test: Overview
The entrance exam consists of two written papers. Each paper lasts approximately one hour and is marked by the CSSE. The exams are not multiple choice, and scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness. There is no specific pass mark; instead, applicants are ranked according to their combined performance across both papers.
Paper One
English Paper: tests comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and creative writing.
Paper Two
Mathematics Paper: based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum.
The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test - 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English (Minor Verbal Reasoning Element) | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark, but pupils must meet the required standard to be considered for one of the selective places.
Catchment Area
Priority for selective places is given to boys living within the postcode areas SS0–SS9. In the event of a tie on score or within the same category, distance from the school acts as the deciding factor.
Additional Eligibility
For Year 7 entry in September 2026, the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) is 180. Up to 30 places are allocated to boys who pass the CSSE 11 Plus exam and live within the priority postcode areas SS0–SS9.
If there are more applications than places available, priority is given in the following order:
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Boys who pass the CSSE exam and live in the priority postcode areas (up to 30 selective places).
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Catholic looked-after and previously looked-after boys.
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Baptised Catholic boys living within the local Catholic parishes (including Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff, Southend, Shoebury, Eastwood, Rochford, South Benfleet, Rayleigh and Canvey Island).
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Other baptised Catholic boys.
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Boys attending Assisi Catholic Trust primary schools.
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Other looked-after and previously looked-after boys.
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Catechumens and members of Eastern Christian Churches.
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Children of other Christian denominations supported by a minister of religion.
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Other applicants whose families support the Catholic ethos of the school.
Click here to view the full St Thomas More High School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at St Thomas More High School
To help your child do well in the CSSE exam, it’s important to start early and focus on the right areas.
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 St Thomas More High School. 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.
St Thomas More High School Key Dates and Application Information
We at 11 Plus Hero regularly keep up to date with all of the key dates for St Thomas More High School to keep you informed!Â
Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
CSSE 11+ Test Date
Results Day
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
St Thomas More High School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at St Thomas More High School, 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 St Thomas More High School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
This is submitted online through the CSSE website during the registration window (May–June 2025).
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with St Thomas More High School 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.
St Thomas More High School FAQs
You’ll need to register your child for the CSSE 11 Plus exam on the CSSE website and list St Thomas More High School as a preference on your Common Application Form (CAF) before 31st October 2025.
The CSSE 11 Plus exam includes two papers: one in English, testing reading comprehension and writing, and one in maths, assessing arithmetic, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Each paper is marked out of 60 and standardised for age.
Entry is competitive, with up to 30 selective places available for boys who pass the CSSE 11 Plus exam and live within the SS0–SS9 postcode areas. Offers are made in rank order of results.
Yes. Priority is given to boys living within the SS0–SS9 postcode areas. If two or more candidates achieve the same score, distance from the school is used as a tiebreaker.