Westcliff High School for Girls 11+

How to get into Westcliff High School for Girls

Westcliff High School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Essex. To get into Westcliff High School for Girls children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Westcliff High School for Girls with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). The school offers 184 places annually ^[1].

Families must submit applications by 31st October 2025 (see key dates) through their local authority. The school uses the CSSE 11+ for admissions testing.

The catchment area covers postcode areas SS0, SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4, SS5, SS6, SS7, SS8 and SS9 ^[1]. Children living within this priority area require lower scores for admission than those living outside it.

• Complete the CSSE Supplementary Information Form (SIF) online through the CSSE website
• Express preference for the school on the Local Authority Common Application Form
• Register for the 11+ examination by 27th June 2025 (see key dates)
• Contact details available in the school information section

Application Process

Registration for the CSSE 11+ opens on Tuesday 13th May 2025 and closes on Friday 27th June 2025 ^[1]. Families must complete two separate application processes.

The first step involves registering for the CSSE 11+ examination. Parents need to complete the CSSE Supplementary Information Form online through the CSSE website or return it by the specified deadline ^[1].

The second step requires expressing school preference on the local authority application. Families name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates) ^[1].

• Register online at the CSSE website between 13th May and 27th June 2025 (see key dates)
• Choose a test centre location during registration
• Submit the Common Application Form to the local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
• Include requests for special considerations by the registration deadline if needed
• Receive test centre information by 16th July 2025 (see key dates)

The CSSE 11+ Examination

The exam takes place on Saturday 20th September 2025 with results received in mid-October (see key dates) ^[1]. The assessment consists of two tests: English covering comprehension and creative writing, and Mathematics focusing on topics from the KS2 National Curriculum ^[1].

The English paper lasts 60 minutes with an additional 10 minutes for reading. The Mathematics paper lasts 60 minutes ^[1]. Test scores are age-standardised to ensure older pupils do not have an unfair advantage ^[1].

In 2023, the lowest score for girls within the priority area was 303, while girls outside the priority area required a minimum score of 342 ^[1]. These scores vary annually depending on the applicant pool.

• Examination date: Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates)
• Two papers: EnglishandMathematics
• Each paper lasts 60 minutes
• Results sent to families in mid-October 2025 (see key dates)
• Scores required vary by priority area status

Admissions Criteria and Allocation

National Offer Day is 3rd March 2025 (see key dates) ^[1]. Passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children ^[1].

The school offers places in this order: looked after and previously looked after children who have passed the CSSE selection test, up to 15 places for children within the priority area who have passed the test and qualify for preferential consideration (Free School Meals or Pupil Premium), and children within the priority area who have passed the selection test ^[1].

The school cannot deal with waiting list queries for Year 7 entry as parents should contact their Local Authority ^[1]. Appeals information is available by written request from the school.

• Looked after children have first priority
• 15 places reserved for priority area children with preferential consideration
• Priority area residents have advantage over those outside the catchment
• Distance from school may be used as a tiebreaker
• Appeal deadline: 1st April at 3:30pm (see key dates)

Preparation Guidance

Building a good knowledge base before the 11+ is important using a 'little and often' approach as brains encode new information more effectively when dealing with smaller chunks of information, with child psychologists recommending regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11 ^[1].

Families should begin preparation in Year 5 when registration opens in May 2025 (see key dates). Registration for the selective test begins early in May when girls are in Year 5 ^[1].

The preparation should focus on English comprehension, creative writing, andKS2 Mathematics topics. Practice with past papers helps children become familiar with the exam format and timing requirements.

• Start preparation in Year 5 before registration opens
• Focus on KS2 curriculum topics in English and Mathematics
• Use 20-30 minute study sessions regularly
• Practice with free official past papers
• Consider professional tutoring support if needed
• Practice time management under exam conditions

Practical Advice

Families should prepare children for exam day by ensuring they understand the test format and timing. The English paper includes 10 minutes reading time plus 60 minutes for answering, while Mathematics has 60 minutes ^[1].

Children should arrive at the test centre early and bring appropriate stationery. The examination takes place in September 2025 (see key dates) during the autumn term of Year 6.

Families should also consider backup school options within Essex. Westcliff High School for Girls belongs to the Essex 11+ Consortium with schools sharing the same entrance exam format ^[1]. This means children can apply to multiple CSSE schools using the same test results.

CSSE 11+ Information

In order to get into Westcliff High School for Girls, children need to pass the CSSE 11+. This 11+ test is written by CSSE for use by the school's admissions process.

CSSE 11+ Subjects & Structure

The CSSE 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English
• Maths

The CSSE 11 plus exam, required for entry into Westcliff High School for Girls, is a rigorous assessment of a student's academic abilities. The exam is divided into two sections, each lasting approximately one hour.

The English portion of the exam evaluates a student's reading comprehension skills and creative writing abilities. Students are expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of the given texts and articulate their thoughts effectively in writing.

The Maths section assesses a student's proficiency in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. The questions are based on the Key Stage 2 maths curriculum, ensuring that students have a solid foundation in the subject.

Other Schools using CSSE 11+

As well as Westcliff High School for Girls, several other schools also use CSSE 11+. These are:

• Colchester County High School for Girls
• Colchester Royal Grammar School
• King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
• Southend High School for Boys
• Southend High School for Girls
• Westcliff High School for Boys Academy

CSSE 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Westcliff High School for Girls is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

CSSE 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the CSSE 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Westcliff High School for Girls, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Westcliff High School for Girls 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Westcliff High School for Girls) as well as other relevant dates.

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Westcliff High School for Girls as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Westcliff High School for Girls

As the CSSE 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the CSSE 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the Westcliff High School for Girls 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Westcliff High School for Girls 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for Westcliff High School for Girls

Unfortunately, Westcliff High School for Girls has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.

11+ Practice Papers for Westcliff High School for Girls

School Information

Below you will find further information about Westcliff High School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.

Westcliff High School for Girls is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,333 pupils attend Westcliff High School for Girls and it's led by the Headteacher, Miss Emma Matthews.

Westcliff High School for Girls Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Westcliff High School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 06/10/2010 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 16/02/2011, declaring that the school was ''. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Westcliff High School for Girls was inspected by Ofsted on 16/02/2011 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional quality of education, with students consistently achieving high academic standards. The inspection also highlighted the school's outstanding behaviour and attitudes, fostering a positive learning environment where students are engaged and motivated to succeed.

The school's personal development provision was deemed outstanding, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their skills, interests, and character. The leadership and management of the school were also rated as outstanding, with a clear vision, effective strategies, and strong support for staff and students.

Additionally, the sixth form provision at Westcliff High School for Girls was found to be outstanding, providing students with excellent support, guidance, and opportunities to prepare them for their future education and careers.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Westcliff High School for Girls for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Westcliff High School for Girls per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)