Southend Area Schools

[Argmom]

I'm considering a move to the Southend area (Westcliff and Leigh specifically) and need information on the education options. My son is in year 5 and I'm thinking of moving this summer to have him there for year 6 ... but I'm American (so the grammar school and secondary school options have me a bit overwhelmed ) and I'd like to get a better perspective on options from people who know the area better. We currently live in London and have been here for 3 years, he's not had any issues adjusting and so that is less of a concern for me. I just know that I don't feel that what I'm seeing online (2 all boys high schools) is the full picture. Any direction or advice is appreciated. Thank you.

If you’re in Southend and don’t pass the 11+ to get in to the grammars and can’t get into the faith secondaries-your options are limited.

Other than grammars/faiths schools, there are...

Belfairs
Eastwood
Chase
Shoebury
Southchurch
Cecil Jones

Some of these are much more sought-after than others and some are virtually impossible to get into unless you’re well in catchment.

Or further afield, there is King John, Greensward, KES, Deanes.

Which primary are you looking at-that will give an indication on area.

I'm not sure yet as to what primary school. I'm going to rent for a year because i want to buy, but i'm not buying without living in the area for a bit first. so i'm going to focus my renting options around the best options for primary schools... so i guess to answer your question... i'm flexible and looking for insight into primary schools too...

Well, if you’re heading for Leigh-Chalkwell is great, as is North Street. West Leigh is rated very highly amongst some, though is referred to locally as a grammar crammer! Some of the Eastwood schools are good as well-that’s still Leigh, but the other side of the big road! Westcliff-I’d say Earls Hall is pretty good.

Earls Hall Primary in Westcliff is very good, and if you’re in the right part of Westcliff then that can lead to Eastwood Academy for senior - the latter is very popular and oversubscribed tho so no guarantees. Rayleigh schools are also good.

Hi Argmom,

I've just joined Mumsnet to similarly research schools in Southend so very interested to hear what you've found out already and decide.

We have twin 3 year old boys so want to make the next step before they are due to start school proper.

We are slightly leaning to Southend because we happen to already own a house there which we rent out so could make the switch quite easily in that sense; but I don't want the 'ease' of us doing that to falsely lure us to somewhere that the schools aren't great and I'm not 100% convinced Ofsted ratings should be the key factor given that some inspections can be 4 / 5 years apart.

Anyway, I will be watching with interest .