Children across Southend have achieved the city's strongest ever Early Years Foundation Stage Profile results, with 74.9% of Reception-age children reaching a Good Level of Development in 2025/26.
The result marks a significant improvement from previous years and means Southend is now performing above the national average, placing the city among the top-performing local authorities in the country for early years outcomes.
Around 121 more children achieved a Good Level of Development compared with the previous year, reflecting the impact of the support provided to schools, families and early years settings across the city.
Particularly encouraging progress has been seen among key groups of children, including those with English as an Additional Language, children receiving SEN (Special Educational Needs) Support, and those eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals, with outcomes exceeding regional and national averages in several areas.
The results follow a year of targeted support, training and partnership working across Southend's education and early years sectors, helping children develop the skills they need to thrive as they begin their school journey.
Cllr Chris Webster, Cabinet Member for Technology, Learning and Customer Services, said: "These record results are a testament to the hard work of our schools, early years providers and families. It is fantastic to see Southend performing above the national average and giving more children the strong foundations they need to succeed throughout their education."
Cllr Mandy O’Connor, Cabinet Member for Children and SEND, said: "These results are fantastic news for Southend and represent a significant achievement for our children, families, schools and early years professionals.
"To see almost three quarters of our Reception children achieving a Good Level of Development, and for Southend to be performing above the national average, is something everyone involved should be proud of.
"The progress we have made reflects the strength of partnership working across the city and our shared commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life."
The council and its partners will continue to build on this success through ongoing investment in early years support, ensuring that every child in Southend has the opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed.
Parents and carers of children due to start primary school in September 2027 are reminded that applications for Reception places are now open. Applying on time gives families the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools. Full details, including how to apply and key deadlines, are available at Primary school admissions.
Families with children from pregnancy through to age 19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND) can also access a wide range of support through Southend's Best Start Family Hubs. Based across the city, the hubs offer services including parenting support, child development advice, health services, activities for families and help with school readiness, ensuring children get the best possible start in life.