Westcliff High School for Boys 11 plus: parents' guide for 2022

Westcliff High School for Boys is a selective state grammar school and academy in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. Founded in 1920, it strives to offer ‘an excellent education for [its] pupils, supporting them in their journey to adulthood by developing character and intellect within a happy and scholarly community’.

Beyond the school's academic life, there is a focus on building moral values and a sense of community, along with a huge passion for sport and belief in its ability to build character, leadership and teamwork skills.

11 plus information for Westcliff High School for Boys

• Address: Westcliff High School for Boys, Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0BP

• County: Essex

• Admissions info: [email protected], 01702 475443

• School type: selective grammar school and academy

• Number of pupils: 1,277

• Number of places in Year 7: 185

• Open day date: 28th June 2022

• Exam board type: Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE)

• Registration for entry in 2023: 17th May 2022

• Exam date for entry in 2023: 17th September 2022

• Deadline for applications for entry in 2023: applications must be submitted by 31st October 2022 to the child's home Local Authority

• Offers for entry in 2023: 1st March 2023

Westcliff High School for Boys term dates

The term dates for Westcliff High School for Boys 2022-23 are:

• Autumn term: 5th September - 21st December

• Half term: 24 - 28th October

• Spring term: 9th January - 31st March

• Half term: 13th - 17th February

• Summer term: 18th April - 21st July

• Half term: 29th May - 2nd June

How and when to apply to Westcliff High School for Boys

Prospective applicants for Westcliff High School for Boys must sit a transfer test - the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex 11 plus. Parents apply through CSSE for their child to take the 11 plus exam.

Registration for CSSE opens in May 2022 and closes in June 2022. After the child has sat the exam and received his results, parents then apply through the Local Authority Co-ordinated Admissions Procedure, expressing a preference for the school in their Local Authority Single Application Form. The deadline is 31st October.

Westcliff High School for Boys 11 plus admissions process

Westcliff High School for Boys uses an 11 plus exam. This is the CSSE 11 plus, which is set by the Consortium itself.

The pass mark changes from year to year based on previous success rates. There has typically been a minimum score of 303 for the 10 schools in the consortium. The average standardised score on both papers is 300 so applicants need to score higher than average.

In cases of oversubscription, Westcliff High School for Boys applies the following criteria:

• Looked after children and previously looked after children

• Children residing in the priority postcodes of SS0 - SS9

• Children living beyond postcodes SS0- SS9

• In the case of a tie-breaker for the last place preferential consideration is given to a child in receipt of Free School Meals or receiving Pupil Premium, and if that does not separate them, then the distance from the school is used.

The CSSE 11 plus exam format and content

Pupils take two papers on the same day:

• Paper 1: English - reading comprehension, verbal reasoning and creative writing

• Paper 2: Maths - non multiple-choice questions testing arithmetic, reasoning and problem-solving

The pass mark varies from year to year but in the past, a minimum of 303 has been required, compared to an average standardised score of 303.

How to prepare your child for the CSSE 11 plus

With Westcliff High School for Boys an in-demand school, and the CSSE having a reputation as a challenging examination, we recommend that preparations begin at least a year in advance. Prospective Westcliff High School for Boys applicants should prepare thoroughly in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

[The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex has released familiarisation materials]((https://csse.org.uk/practice-material/) which can aid your child as they prepare for the exams.

How Atom can help your child prepare for the Westcliff High School for Boys 11 plus

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We know how crucial this time is, so our team is on hand to support you and your family every step of the way. You can book a call with one of our Education Experts to ask any questions you may have about the CSSE 11 plus or preparing for Westcliff High School for Boys:

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