Southend High School for Boys
School summary
A selective state grammar for boys in Southend-on-Sea, this school carries an Outstanding judgement from Ofsted across every category inspected, from quality of education through to its sixth form. With roughly 1,325 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,060, it operates well above its nominal size, reflecting strong and sustained demand for places. Its results sit far ahead of national figures, marking it out as a high-performing option for academically able boys. As a non-fee-paying grammar, it offers that calibre of education within the state sector.
How hard is it to get in?
Very competitive · 3 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Demand comfortably exceeds the 180 Year 7 places each year - a clear pass, not a borderline one, is what wins a place.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Key dates · 2028 entry
Free month · No payment needed
Latest results
Attainment 8
73.8
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
97%
National average 47%
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 12 June 2024
Teaching & academics
The headline numbers tell a clear story: an average Attainment 8 of 73.8 against a national average of 46.9, with 97% of pupils gaining grade 5 or above in English and Maths compared with 47% nationally. Ofsted rated quality of education Outstanding, and the same grade extends to the sixth form. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 18.1 is consistent with a large school of this kind.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 2.87%
- EHC plans
- 1.51%
- English as additional language
- 7.3%
- Free school meals
- 7.4%
Schools nearby
Westcliff High School for Boys Academy
Westcliff-on-Sea, East of England
Southend High School for Girls
Southend-on-Sea, East of England
Rainham Mark Grammar School
Gillingham, South East
Fort Pitt Grammar School
Chatham, South East
Holcombe Grammar School
Chatham, South East
Borden Grammar School
Sittingbourne, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
An academically formidable boys' grammar with an across-the-board Outstanding rating and entry that is keenly contested. Families confident of their son's ability in English and Maths will find a school operating at a very high standard.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Southend High School for Boys 11+: frequently asked questions
Passmate rating: benchmarked against every selective school in England using official admissions data. It measures demand for places, not school quality. Updated July 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.