GrammarboysOfsted · Outstanding
Westcliff High School for Boys Academy logo

Westcliff High School for Boys Academy

Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex · SS0 0BP

AAB+ A-level

42.3%

9–7 GCSE

75.4%

Pupils

1,281

Inspection

Outstanding

Read report
School website

Westcliff High School for Boys is a selective grammar school in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, serving over 1,280 pupils from Year 7 to Year 13. As a day-only establishment, it maintains a strong academic focus with particular emphasis on pastoral care and a broad co-curricular programme. The school operates with a traditional grammar school ethos while engaging actively with the local community and maintaining links through its Old Westcliffian Association.

  • →Selective grammar intake ensures academically rigorous peer group
  • →Comprehensive pastoral system with strong house structure
  • →Established co-curricular programme including CCF, sport, music and drama
  • →Day school model avoiding boarding costs while maintaining grammar standards

Who thrives here

Academically able boys who have passed the 11+ entrance examination and thrive in a selective, traditional grammar environment. Pupils benefit from strong pastoral frameworks and appreciate breadth beyond academics.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers100th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeGrammar · Day
Number of pupils1,281
Age range11–11
GenderBoys
FeesFree (state grammar)
Settingsuburban
LocationLocated on the Essex coast with good rail links to London Liverpool Street via Southend Central. Pupils from surrounding areas benefit from commuter rail access.

Contact & visit

Kenilworth Gardens

Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex

SS0 0BP

www.whsb.essex.sch.uk
01702475443
Mr Michael Skelly, Headmaster

Nearest stations

Westcliff-on-Sea5 min
Southend Central8 min

Frequently asked questions

How much does Westcliff High School for Boys Academy cost?

Westcliff High School for Boys Academy is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.

How do you get into Westcliff High School for Boys Academy?

Westcliff High School for Boys Academy admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Westcliff High School for Boys Academy's exam results?

At Westcliff High School for Boys Academy, 42.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 75.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Westcliff High School for Boys Academy a boarding school?

Westcliff High School for Boys Academy is a day school in Westcliff-on-Sea and does not offer boarding.

What is Westcliff High School for Boys Academy's latest inspection rating?

Ofsted rated Westcliff High School for Boys Academy “Outstanding” (2023).

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Strong pastoral care and house system support

✓Rigorous academic preparation within selective framework

✓Good breadth of co-curricular opportunities including CCF

✓Effective transition support for Year 7 entrants

Common concerns

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted so limited external validation of current practice