A poly(aryl ether sulfone) comprises units of formula (I): wherein Ar1 is a divalent C6-C15 aromatic group, Ar2 is a divalent C6-C15 aromatic group, Ar3 is a divalent C6-C15 aromatic group, and n is greater than 1; and a terminal group of formula (II) derived from a monofunctional phenoxide wherein is X is a hydrogen atom or an organic substituent having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein the poly(aryl ether sulfone) has a hydroxyl group content greater than 0 and less than 50 parts per million (ppm), based on the poly(aryl ether sulfone) weight, a glass transition temperature of 180 to 290° C., a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000, a halogen content of greater than 0 and less than 3000 ppm based on the poly(aryl ether sulfone) weight. The poly(aryl ether sulfone) is free of methoxy groups.