Best 3 Secondary schools in Essex – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Southend High School for Girls (Secondary) in Southend-on-Sea; Southend High School for Boys (Secondary) in Southend-on-Sea; Jo Richardson Community School (Secondary) in Dagenham — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Southend High School for Girls, Southend High School for Boys and Jo Richardson Community School. They are secondary phase and academy converter and community school type located around Southend-on-Sea, Essex and Dagenham, Essex. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Southend High School for Girls), published Sep 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Southend High School for Girls (Sep 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,400, combined total ≈ 4,250, typical FSM 15–20%, range 5–10%–35–40%; across local authorities including Southend-on-Sea and Barking and Dagenham.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Southend High School for Girls SS2 4UZ	Southend High School for Boys SS0 0RG	Jo Richardson Community School RM9 4UN
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Community school
Location	Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 4UZ	Southend-on-Sea Essex SS0 0RG	Dagenham Essex RM9 4UN
Latest Ofsted	1 9 Sep 2024	1 10 Jul 2024	1 20 Jun 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,350 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,700 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1269	1060	1700
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Girls	Boys	Mixed
Admissions policy	Selective	Selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Southend-on-Sea (882)	Southend-on-Sea (882)	Barking and Dagenham (301)
Website	www.shsg.org	www.shsb.org.uk	jorichardson.org.uk
Telephone	01702588852	01702606200	02082706222
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Southend High School for Girls

SS2 4UZ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS2 4UZ
Ofsted: 1 9 Sep 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Southend-on-Sea (882)
Website: www.shsg.org
Telephone: 01702588852

Southend High School for Boys

SS0 0RG

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 0RG
Ofsted: 1 10 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,350 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Southend-on-Sea (882)
Website: www.shsb.org.uk
Telephone: 01702606200

Jo Richardson Community School

RM9 4UN

Phase / Type: Secondary • Community school
Location: Dagenham
Essex
RM9 4UN
Ofsted: 1 20 Jun 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,700 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Barking and Dagenham (301)
Website: jorichardson.org.uk
Telephone: 02082706222

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.

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