Westcliff High School For Boys

Westcliff High School for Boys 11 Plus Guide

If you are considering applying to Westcliff High School for Boys, this 2026 admissions guide explains everything you need to know. It covers how the CSSE 11 Plus entrance exam works and offers guidance on how to help your child prepare effectively for the test.

At a Glance

Assessment: CSSE

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Boys Only

Places per year: 187

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

Introduction to

Westcliff High School for Boys

Westcliff High School for Boys is a selective grammar school in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, recognised for its academic success and long-standing traditions. The school provides an ambitious and supportive learning environment for motivated and high-achieving students.

Alongside strong academic teaching, Westcliff High School for Boys promotes personal growth through a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and leadership opportunities. Pupils are encouraged to aim high, work hard, and make a positive contribution to school life.

Entry into Year 7 is determined by results in the CSSE 11 Plus exam, the entrance test shared by a number of Essex grammar schools.

Location & Contact Info

Contact details, address and parking information for Westcliff High School for Boys

Ofsted Report

Ofsted report breakdown for Westcliff High School for Boys

Exam Format

Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Westcliff 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 Westcliff High School for Boys

How to Apply

Information on the application process for Westcliff High School for Boys

FAQs

Frequently asked questions and answers for Westcliff High School for Boys

Schools Nearby

Search for other schools in the local area

Westcliff High School For Boys Key Information

Here, we list key information regarding Westcliff 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:

Westcliff High School For Boys, Kenilworth Gardens
Westcliff-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 0BP

Contact Information

Email Address office@whsb.essex.sch.uk

Telephone (Main Office) 01702 475443

Website Address https://www.whsb.essex.sch.uk/

Parking in the school

There are no parking facilities at Westcliff High School for Boys. The school recommends not to drive to the area and instead take public transport. In the event driving is essential, parking can be found within a 30 minute walk.

Additional parking off site

North Street Car Park, 20 North Street, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1QE (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)

Elm Road Car Park, 69 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1SL (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)

Westcliff High School for Boys Ofsted Report

Outstanding

Based on the inspection date:

21 and 22 November 2023

View Report

The quality of education Outstanding

Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding

Personal development Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding

Sixth-form provision Outstanding

Quick Summary

Overall rating: Westcliff High School for Boys Academy has been rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, highlighting its exceptional standards and commitment to excellence.

Academic strength: Pupils achieve highly through an ambitious, challenging curriculum that prepares them well for university and beyond.

Teaching and curriculum: Expert teachers deliver engaging, well-planned lessons that encourage deep thinking and respectful debate.

Behaviour and culture: Pupils show exemplary conduct and pride in their school, supported by rich extracurricular and leadership opportunities.

Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is inspirational, safeguarding is strong, and governors provide clear direction to help every pupil succeed.

The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test Format

Westcliff High School for Boys 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

Verbal Reasoning	Non-verbal Reasoning	English (some verbal reasoning is included)	Maths	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

There is no official catchment area for Westcliff 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

Once CSSE 11 Plus results are released, places at Westcliff High School for Boys are offered in rank order according to the school’s admissions criteria:

Looked-after and previously looked-after children
Children with siblings already attending the school
Applicants living within the school’s priority area who meet the required score
Remaining candidates, ranked by CSSE score

The school allocates a portion of places based on postcode-defined catchment areas. Full details can be found in the official Westcliff High School for Boys admissions policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Westcliff High School for Boys

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.

COMING SOON

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 Westcliff 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.

Westcliff High School For Boys Key Dates and Application Information

Westcliff High School for Boys application and admission process requires strict adherence to key dates and deadlines. At 11 Plus Hero, we understand there can be alot to keep track of, especially with exam revision too. For this reason, we regularly update key dates below.

How to Apply

Westcliff High School for Boys Application Process

To apply for a Year 7 place at Westcliff 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 Westcliff High School for Boys Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.

View Admissions Policy

Entrance Test Entry Form

Visit the CSSE website during the registration window to complete the entrance test form.

Visit Council Website

Common Application Form (CAF)

This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Westcliff 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.

Westcliff High School For Boys FAQs

Apply through your local authority and register for the CSSE 11 Plus exam. Admission is based on your child’s performance and meeting the school’s published entry criteria.

The CSSE 11 Plus exam includes two papers: English and mathematics. Each paper tests core skills such as comprehension, vocabulary, problem-solving and reasoning, with standardised scores used for admission decisions.

Entry is highly competitive, as Westcliff High School for Boys consistently attracts many applicants for limited places. Offers are made in rank order based on CSSE 11 Plus exam performance and priority criteria.

Yes. The school uses postcode-based priority areas for part of its intake, giving preference to applicants who live within the defined catchment zone and meet the required CSSE score.

Schools Nearby

32 schools found within 25 miles of Westcliff-on-Sea

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Westcliff High School For Boys

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Westcliff High School for Boys 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance

Assessment: CSSE

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Boys Only

Places per year: 187

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

Westcliff High School for Boys

Location & Contact Info

Ofsted Report

Exam Format

Preparing for the 11 Plus

Key Dates

How to Apply

FAQs

Schools Nearby

Westcliff High School For Boys Key Information

School Address

Full Address:

Contact Information

Parking in the school

Additional parking off site

Westcliff High School for Boys Ofsted Report

Quick Summary

The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test Format

The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test: Overview

Paper One

Paper Two

The CSSE 11+ Entrance Test - 11 Plus Assessment Criteria

Pass Mark

Catchment Area

Additional Eligibility

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Westcliff High School for Boys

Useful Tips

Start Early

Use Exam Papers

Target Weak Areas

Encourage Daily Reading

Make Use of Online Resources

Best Chance of Success

11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area

Westcliff High School For Boys Key Dates and Application Information

Registration Opens

Registration Deadline

CSSE 11+ Test Date

Results Day

Common Application Form Deadline

Offer Day

Westcliff High School for Boys Application Process

Admissions Policy 2026

Entrance Test Entry Form

Common Application Form (CAF)

Westcliff High School For Boys FAQs

Schools Nearby

32 schools found within 25 miles of Westcliff-on-Sea

St Bernard’s High School, Westcliff-on-Sea

Assessment: CSSE

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Girls Only

Southend High School For Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea

Assessment: CSSE