Westcliff High School for Boys Academy
99%
Capacity
1,292
Pupils
5.7x
Demand
About Westcliff High School for Boys Academy
Westcliff High School for Boys Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Southend-on-Sea community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,292 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,300 places).
the school is led by headteacher Michael Skelly, it falls under Southend-on-Sea local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.93 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 77.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of A-. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 106th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 10 in Southend-on-Sea.
Westcliff High School for Boys Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 1,023 applications for 181 places, making it 5.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 283 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Westcliff High School for Boys Academy include Science Labs, Theatre, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Library, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Swimming, Tennis, Rounders and 6 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Coding, DofE, Debate and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 6.0%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff High School for Boys Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Boys |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 0BP |
| Headteacher | Michael Skelly |
| Local Authority | Southend-on-Sea |
| Number of Pupils | 1,292 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 6.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,292 / 1,300 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.93)
106th of 3,141
Nationally
12th of 350
In East of England
1st of 10
In Southend-on-Sea
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
46.6
'22/23
42.1
'23/24
45.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed181
1,023
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
283 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westcliff High School for Boys Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea, SS0 0BP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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