Headteacher’s Welcome
Thank you for taking the time to explore our Southend High School for Girls Prospectus. We are thrilled that you are considering joining our vibrant and ambitious school community. As Headteacher, it’s a privilege to introduce a school that is not only steeped in over a century of tradition and academic excellence, but also alive with energy, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging.
At SHSG, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Our students are curious, driven, and full of potential, and we are relentless in our commitment to helping them achieve their very best. Academic excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Our curriculum is rigorous, intellectually stimulating, and designed to stretch and challenge the brightest minds.
This commitment has been nationally recognised. In July 2024, Ofsted graded Southend High School for Girls ‘outstanding’ in all areas, praising the exceptional quality of our teaching, leadership, and student outcomes. We are also proud to be consistently ranked among The Times’ top-performing schools in the country, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.
We set high expectations for behaviour, effort, and achievement, and our students rise to meet them with enthusiasm and resilience. They are supported every step of the way by a dedicated team of staff who care deeply about their progress and wellbeing. Our family ethos is one of mutual respect, hard work, and joyful learning.
Beyond the classroom, SHSG offers a rich tapestry of extra-curricular opportunities, from music, drama, and sport to leadership, volunteering, and academic societies. These experiences help our students grow into well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.
This prospectus offers just a glimpse of life at SHSG. I warmly invite you to visit us, meet our exceptional students and staff, and see for yourself what makes our school such a special place to learn and thrive.
We look forward to welcoming you to the SHSG family.
Jason Carey Headteacher
Developing confident, successful and happy students
As a high-performing and ambitious grammar school, we are proud to celebrate academic excellence while placing equal value on creativity, performance, sporting achievement, and leadership. Our students are confident, articulate ambassadors for the school, actively contributing to the wider community.
Why choose SHSG?
Renowned Examination Results
An established reputation for securing some of the best examination results in the country
Creative & Performing Arts Excellence
A dynamic and thriving culture of the arts and performance
Fantastic sporting opportunities
A longstanding tradition of sporting excellence and opportunities to compete at the highest levels
Educational Expertise
Inspirational teachers who are subject specialists and experts in educating able students. We are proud to be a NACE school (National Association for Able Children in Education)
Outstanding Pastoral Care
Outstanding pastoral care and wellbeing support that ensures our students are happy and feel a real sense of belonging.
Pathway Preparation
Established pathways and preparation for medicine, law, veterinary sciences, engineering, humanities and the arts.
Oxford and Cambridge Alumni
A strong track record preparing students for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge
Building Bright Futures with a Rich Curriculum
A broad curriculum with a fantastic range of GCSE and A-level subjects ranging from Product Design and Computing to Classics, Psychology and Government and Politics
Curriculum
A Curriculum that ignites excellence from day one
At Southend High School for Girls, your daughter will join a school where ambition is nurtured from the very start. Our curriculum is “highly ambitious” (Ofsted, July 2024), carefully designed to inspire intellectual curiosity, build confidence, and stretch every student to her full potential.
From Year 7, students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences, develop their language skills in two modern languages, and explore subjects like Philosophy and Latin that deepen analytical thinking. The curriculum pushes well beyond national expectations. Many students go on to take additional GCSEs in subjects such as Further Maths and Statistics, and thrive in competitive national and international arenas, including Languages, Biology and Chemistry Olympiads and coding challenges.
Beyond the classroom, our students excel in elite sport and shine on stage. Recent successes include national sporting titles and spectacular productions of Frozen and Chicago, showcasing the school’s strength in drama and music. Art, music, and design are embedded in school life, creating a dynamic culture of creativity and performance. A rich programme of trips and visits supports and enriches the curriculum, from local fieldwork and theatre outings to international opportunities, including A Level physicists visiting CERN and language students taking part in overseas exchanges and cultural tours.
As one pupil said:
The school will literally help you do anything you want to do.
Consistently ranked among the best in the country by The Times, we are proud of our academic results, but prouder still of the culture that underpins them. Ofsted praised our lessons for “lighting a fire for learning,” and our students leave us equipped to thrive at the UK’s top universities and far beyond.
Learning
“Pupils flourish and excel at Southend High School for Girls. Pupils develop a rich body of knowledge and achieve highly.”
Ofsted July 2024
At SHSG, our passionate and highly qualified teachers inspire a love of learning from day one. As proud members of NACE (the National Association for Able Children in Education), we champion high expectations and stretch our most able learners using the NACE Challenge Framework—raising standards for all. At SHSG, talent is nurtured, and learning is celebrated.
“ Pupils see the school as a family. They look out for and support each other”
Ofsted July 2024
A School steeped in History and Traditions
One of the highlights of the year is our School Birthday —a cherished tradition that brings the whole SHSG community together in celebration. Through house events such as sports competitions, academic challenges, and charity fundraisers, students develop leadership skills and form lasting friendships across year groups. Activities for students in years 7-13 are led by our sixth form house captains.
The House system encourages participation and provides opportunities for every student to shine while contributing to their house’s success.
The House System
Over 100 years of tradition
APHRODITE
Goddess of Love and fertility
ARTEMIS
Daughter of Zeus and goddess of the hunt and wild animals, and protector of young girls
ATHENE
Daughter of Zeus and goddess of warfare and wisdom
AURORA
Goddess of the dawn, driving a chariot drawn by winged horses
HERA
Wife of Zeus, Queen of Olympian gods, and goddess of marriage and of the life of women
HERMES
Son of Zeus, the messenger of the gods, and god of eloquence
The SHSG House system is central to our community and ethos. Every student joins one of six houses—each named after an ancient goddess symbolising leadership, innovation, independence, love, wisdom, or hope. It fosters belonging, teamwork, and friendly competition, helping students grow together.
The House System Over 100 years of tradition
At SHSG, our House events—from sports and academic competitions to charity fundraisers—bring students together across year groups. Led by Sixth Form House Captains, these activities build leadership, teamwork, and lasting friendships of our 6 historic houses. We place siblings in the same house, continuing family traditions and creating a sense of legacy that spans generations. Every student is encouraged to take part, contribute meaningfully, and feel a strong sense of pride and purpose.
Be part of a Highly Motivated Community
Personal development is central to the family ethos and vibrant spirit of Southend High School for Girls. With over 60 clubs and societies available to join, students have a wealth of opportunities to explore their talents, develop new interests, and grow as individuals beyond the classroom.
The opportunities are vast. The commitment of teachers is outstanding. We could not recommend this school more highly. SHSG Parent, 2024
Pupils in all key stages make great use of the myriad opportunities to develop their interests and to make a positive contribution to the school.
Ofsted July 2024
Nurturing Creativity
At SHSG we offer exceptional opportunities for students to explore their passions in the creative and performing arts. Music, Drama, Art and Technology are taught by subject specialists. The annual school production has brought musicals such as Chicago and Frozen Jr to SHSG, providing a wealth of opportunities for students to be involved, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Most Sixth Form students and many younger pupils develop their leadership skills as ambassadors and house captains. Pupils, therefore, have an important role in the running of the school.
Ofsted June 2024
Leadership
Leadership is woven into life at SHSG. From Year 7, students are encouraged to take on roles that shape our school community—from Form Captains and Reading Ambassadors to House, Sports, and Subject Captains. Groups such as Student Voice, Equality & Diversity, and Planet Action empower students to lead with purpose. Our Middle School Head Prefect Team and Sixth Form Head students work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and School Governors, helping to influence the school’s direction and priorities.
Since joining SHSG in Year 7, I’ve felt proud to be part of such a supportive and high-achieving community. My goal is to ensure every student feels valued—both personally and academically. I’m passionate about well-being and always aim to be approachable and supportive. I look forward to helping every student feel at home here, and to making SHSG an even more vibrant and welcoming place for all.
Cerys ~ Head Student
Sporting Excellence
SHSG has a proud tradition of sporting excellence. We have held the title of district athletics champions for over 36 years and hosted the World Schools Athletics Games in 2005. Our students regularly achieve success at district, county, and national levels—most recently placing third in the U17 World Schools Netball competition. A wide range of sports is offered through both curriculum and extracurricular activities, supported by outstanding facilities—including a large indoor sports centre, gymnasium, fitness suite, and first-class tennis courts.
Beyond competitive sports, we emphasise the importance of physical activity for all students, promoting lifelong health and well-being. Our approach ensures that every student, regardless of their athletic aspirations, benefits from the physical, mental, and social advantages of regular participation in sports.
SHSG Exam Results 2024
Preparing for academic success
At Southend High School for Girls we are unashamedly ambitious for our students. From Year 7, students study broad and challenging curriculum. Every student studies physics, chemistry and biology separately by specialist teachers. All students study two languages as well as introductions to Latin and classics. This alongside English, maths, music, creative arts subjects, humanities subjects, computer studies, design and technology, PE and sport, and life skills.
GCSE Success
Grades 9 ~ 8
Grades 9
Grades 9 ~ 7 students achieved all grade 9s to 7s in all their subjects
students achieved an average grade A
Ambitious curriculum
Outstanding results Inspirational teaching Pupils achieve highly
Ofsted July 2024
A Level Success
Grades A ~ B
Grades A ~ A
Grades A 10%
Pushing Boundaries
Action and Adventure
At SHSG we are not just about great academic outcomes. We believe in the power of adventure and exploration to enrich our students’ educational experience. Our curriculum is designed to go beyond the classroom, offering a wide range of activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. It fosters the development of non-cognitive skills such as resilience, self- confidence and motivation and provides opportunities for collaborative learning, practical problem-solving and explicit reflection on thinking processes and emotions.
We offer a rich calendar of day and residential visits, field trips and expeditions in the UK and abroad. Examples of the diverse and exciting range of co-curricular experiences include:
Operation Wallacea in Mexico
Trekking in the Atlas mountains as part of World Challenge
Ski trips to Canada
Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh award
Field trips to Iceland
Visiting the Hadron Collider in CERN
Performing on stage at the Globe theatre as part of Poetry by Heart
There is something for everyone, and we will aim to take you out of your comfort zone.
Connections that continue beyond school
At SHSG, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our students benefit from:
Careers Support from alumnae and parents
Mock Interviews with industry professionals
Work Experience placements in Year 12
Inspiring Speakers at our Awards Evenings and Careers Week
We are encouraged to step forward
with self-belief
SHSG gave me the belief that I could achieve anything. The support and encouragement helped me secure a place at Morgan Stanley, where I now work in Equity Research. Whether it was national netball, public speaking, or academics—every part of SHSG shaped who I am today.
Danielle Zamora ~ Head Student 2019~2020
Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Morgan Stanley SHSG Alumni
We are encouraged to Aim High
SHSG shaped who I am. Their incredible support—academically and in sport—helped me reach Oxford, play for the university’s first teams, and join the Saracens Mavericks U21 squad. Most of all, they gave me confidence, lifelong friends, and the belief to be proud of who I am.
Eleanor Butt
University of Oxford student SHSG Alumni
We Become Future Ready
SHSG gave me the best foundations to go on to Newcastle University and build a career in marketing in London. I’ll always be grateful to the brilliant teachers who made my time there so special.
Sam Goldring Head of Social Media at Barclays SHSG Alumni
Driven by SHSG, Shaping the Future
SHSG gave me the drive to aim high and the support to get there. Surrounded by ambition and encouragement, I grew into who I am today. I feel incredibly privileged and grateful for my time at SHSG.
Emily Wadsworth Energy Policy Analyst and National Energy System Operator SHSG Alumni
We Become Lifelong Learners
I wouldn’t be where I am now without the gigantic leap up the ladder I got from this supersonic school.
Emily Moreton-Smith Ambassador for Women
in Technology
SHSG Alumni
Connections that continue beyond school
We leave with the confidence to take on any challenge
My time at SHSG gave me the confidence to find me place in the world as a female leader, and I am doing my best to help other young women find their voice and vocation too.
Ruth Bushyager Bishop of Horsham SHSG Alumni
Exceptional Teaching That Shaped My Future
During my seven years at SHSG, I was part of a community of curious, talented young women—many of whom remain my closest friends to this day. The teachers were truly exceptional, and I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t be where I am today without their belief in me and their dedication to bringing out the best in each of us.
Zoe Olawore Studying Law at University of Cambridge SHSG Alumni
Admissions
Admission into Year 7 (September)
Full information regarding our admissions procedure, including links to our admissions policy, can be found on our website: www.shsg.org/admissions
11+ Examination
Information regarding the 11+ exam, including test dates and how to register, can be found on the CSSE website: www.csse.org.uk
In Year Admissions (post 11+ Admission)
Information regarding In Year Admissions can be found on our website: www.shsg.org/admissions
Sixth Form
For enquiries regarding Sixth Form Admissions, please contact sixthform@shsg.org or visit the Sixth Form page on our website: www.shsg.org/sixth-form.
Our Sixth Form prospectus can be viewed here: www.shsg.e-publish.co.uk/sixth-form-prospectus
What our students say...
We are inspired by each other
SHSG has shaped who I am. From inspiring teachers to supportive peers, every part of this community has helped me grow—far beyond the classroom. It’s been my second home for five years, and I can’t wait to keep building memories in the sixth form.
Willow ~ Year 11 Student Middle School Deputy Head Prefect
We are Supported from Day One
From my first day at Southend High School for Girls, the older prefects helped us feel welcome, and the teachers were always kind and supportive. It made starting Year 7 so much easier.
Audrey ~ Year 7 Student
We rise to challenges ~ because our teachers believe we can
At SHSG I feel like I’m constantly growing—not just academically, but as a person. Our teachers believe in us and challenge us to go beyond what’s in the textbooks. We’re encouraged to lead, speak up, and explore new ideas
Tasnuba ~ Year 10 Student
