Key Facts
| School | Southend High School for Boys (SHSB) |
|---|---|
| Location | Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RG |
| Type | Selective grammar school for boys, ages 11-18 |
| Students | Approximately 1,300 pupils (420+ in Sixth Form) |
| Year 7 Places | 180 places available |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Academy Status | Academy since February 2011 |
| Admission | Via CSSE 11+ examination |
Figures correct at the time of writing. Confirm current fees and deadlines with the school or university directly.
Key Information Summary
- School: Southend High School for Boys (SHSB)
- Location: Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RG
- Type: Selective grammar school for boys, ages 11-18
- Students: Approximately 1,300 pupils (420+ in Sixth Form)
- Year 7 Places: 180 places available
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
- Academy Status: Academy since February 2011
- Admission: Via CSSE 11+ examination
About Southend High School for Boys
Established in 1895, Southend High School for Boys has built an exceptional reputation for academic excellence over more than a century. This selective grammar school consistently achieves outstanding results, with over 95% of students attaining five GCSEs at grades A*-C annually. As a member of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), SHSB maintains rigorous academic standards whilst fostering personal development and character building.
The school's commitment to excellence extends beyond academics, with a thriving house system that encourages leadership, teamwork, and healthy competition. SHSB's strong tradition of sport, music, and drama provides boys with comprehensive opportunities to develop their talents. The school's location in Southend-on-Sea offers excellent transport links whilst maintaining a focused learning environment away from London's distractions.
With over 420 students in the Sixth Form, SHSB demonstrates exceptional retention rates, reflecting both student satisfaction and the quality of A-Level provision. The school's robust alumni network and active parents' association create a supportive community that extends well beyond the school years.
11+ tutors
Hannah
Master TutorI am a UK-qualified teacher with 15+ years across private and state schools in the UK and abroad, and hold a BSc from LSE and a PGCE with QTS. I teach English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, 11+ and Common Entrance preparation. My approach is personalised, confidence-building and rigorous.
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Sochima
Master TutorI'm a qualified teacher in a London classroom every day, with a BSc in Computer Science from Brunel and a PGCE with QTS. I teach Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science to A-Level, plus 11+ preparation, through project-based work that suits SEND learners well.
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Robert
Master TutorI am a qualified teacher with over twenty years' experience in the UK, Gulf and New Zealand, holding an MA in History and PGCE. I teach English, History, Geography and French from KS2 to A-Level and IB, preparing 11+/13+ candidates. My approach is student-led, focused and diagnostic.
Enquire about this tutorThe 11+ Assessment Process
Southend High School for Boys uses the CSSE 11+ examination, a rigorous two-paper assessment designed to identify the most academically able candidates. The examination comprises:
English Paper
- Reading comprehension passages testing analytical skills
- Creative writing component assessing expression and vocabulary
- Grammar and language skills evaluation
- Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Mathematics Paper
- Key Stage 2 curriculum coverage with extension elements
- Problem-solving and reasoning questions
- Mental arithmetic and calculation skills
- Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Each paper is scored out of 60 marks, creating a total possible score of 120. Results are standardised to account for variations between test sessions. Recent qualifying scores have been approximately 303 for local applicants and 342 for those outside the priority catchment area.
Priority Admissions
SHSB allocates up to 150 places based on proximity, prioritising students living within Southend-on-Sea postcodes (SS0-SS9). The remaining 30 places are available to the highest-scoring candidates regardless of location, making competition particularly intense for out-of-area applicants.
How to Apply
The application process for Southend High School for Boys follows a structured timeline that parents must adhere to strictly:
Registration Phase
- Registration Opens: Mid-May annually
- Registration Deadline: Late June
- Year 5 Open Evening: Usually scheduled for late June
Assessment Phase
- 11+ Examination Date: Third Saturday in September
- Results Release: Mid-October
- Appeals Deadline: Early November (if applicable)
Application Phase
- Secondary Application Deadline: 31st October
- School Allocation Day: 1st March
- Acceptance Deadline: Mid-March
Essential Requirements:
- Registration with CSSE for the 11+ examination
- Completion of local authority secondary school application
- Attendance at designated test centre on examination day
- Meeting minimum qualifying score thresholds
Note that achieving the qualifying score does not ensure admission due to oversubscription. Places are allocated based on scores and proximity criteria.
Preparing for the Southend High School for Boys 11+ with Taylor Tuition
The Southend High School for Boys 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.
Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.
Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact.
Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Southend High School for Boys a grammar school?
- Southend High School for Boys is a selective grammar school for boys, ages 11-18 — a state school, so no tuition fees apply, with entry through the selective 11+ process.
- How many places does Southend High School for Boys offer?
- 180 places available. Demand typically exceeds places, so thorough preparation matters.
- How should my child prepare for the Southend High School for Boys 11+?
- Start structured preparation 12–18 months before the assessment: secure core English and maths beyond curriculum pace, introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types systematically (these are rarely taught at primary school), and build up to timed practice in the final months.
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