Southend’s two top grammar schools have seen more than a 10 percent increase in the number of pupils in the last seven years, according to a new report.

Both Southend High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for Girls have seen hundreds more students attend the schools in recent years.

According to a compilation of Department of Education statistics by the BBC, there has been an increase of 7,600 pupils at grammar schools in England since 2010.

The report also states that both Westcliff High School for Boys and Southend High School for Girls intake has surged despite the number of 11-15-year-olds living in the local area decreasing.

Dr Robin Bevan, headteacher at Southend High School for Boys, said that the increasing amount of students is to combat Government cuts.

He said: “This is something we have made public for many years.

“The process started five years ago when the new Government came in, it was clear funding for grammar schools was going to go down and over the last several years it has.

“The only way we could sensibly avoid problems with reduced income was increasing pupils.

“We have gone from 950 to 1,300 - a systematic response to reduced funding.

“It’s a wider phenomenon, other schools are also realising it’s one of the best ways to withstand substantial cuts.”

James Courtenay, Southend councillor for children and learning, said it was important that the intake was for local schoolchildren.

He said: “This year we’ve had an extra 50 places taken by children living in the area.

“The schools have expanded slightly and are continuing to do so, although other schools across the country have expanded a lot more. It’s an ongoing thing.”

Due to the recent surge in demand for primary school’s places there has become demand for secondary.

He added: “Within Southend, I wouldn’t say the grammar schools have expanded any more than comprehensive schools.

“The one thing we are trying to do it make sure places are available for local children if that’s what’s suitable for them. For us in Southend, it’s important to have a mix of schools available. We have specialised schools, comprehensives, grammar and free schools.”