Southend High School for Girls
Southend High School for Girls is one of the highest-performing grammar schools in Essex and is widely recognised for its outstanding academic standards, strong pastoral care, and excellent progression to top universities.
The school is a selective girls’ grammar school for students aged 11–18, located in Southend-on-Sea. It consistently achieves exceptional GCSE and A-Level results and is regarded as one of the leading academic schools in the region.
Southend High School for Girls is heavily oversubscribed each year, attracting high-achieving applicants from across Essex and surrounding areas.
School Address
Southend High School for Girls
Southchurch Boulevard
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS2 4UZ
Telephone: 01702 588852
Website: https://www.shsg.org/
History of Southend High School for Girls
Southend High School for Girls was established in 1913 and has developed a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and high educational standards.
Originally founded to provide selective education for academically able girls in Essex, the school has grown into one of the most successful grammar schools in the South East of England.
Throughout its history, the school has maintained a strong commitment to academic achievement, leadership development, and student enrichment. Alumni have progressed into careers across medicine, law, engineering, science, business, and the arts.
Today, the school combines traditional academic values with modern facilities and a strong focus on student wellbeing and achievement.
Academic Reputation & Awards
Southend High School for Girls is consistently ranked among the top-performing grammar schools in Essex and nationally.
The school is recognised for:
- Outstanding GCSE and A-Level results
- Strong Oxbridge and Russell Group university progression
- High academic standards across all subject areas
- Excellent STEM, humanities, and language departments
- Strong extracurricular provision including music, sport, drama, and debating
- High-quality pastoral care and sixth form support
Students benefit from:
- Specialist subject teaching
- High academic expectations
- Extensive enrichment opportunities
- Strong university preparation
- Leadership and personal development programmes
The school regularly achieves results significantly above national averages and maintains a strong academic reputation across the UK.
GCSE Results
Southend High School for Girls consistently achieves excellent GCSE outcomes.
Recent performance typically includes:
- Very high proportions of Grades 7–9
- Strong results across Mathematics, English, and Sciences
- Outstanding attainment across humanities and languages
- GCSE performance significantly above national averages
Students regularly achieve some of the highest GCSE outcomes in Essex grammar schools.
A-Level Results
The school also achieves consistently strong A-Level results.
Recent outcomes typically include:
- High percentages of A* and A grades
- Excellent performance in STEM and essay-based subjects
- Strong progression to competitive universities
- Regular Oxbridge and Russell Group offers
Students frequently progress to degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Economics, and other highly competitive fields.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
Admission into Year 7 is based on performance in the Southend Selective Eligibility Test (SET).
Eligibility
- Pupils must sit the Southend SET examination during Year 6
- Applications are open to both local and out-of-area candidates
Entrance Examination
The SET typically assesses:
- English comprehension and literacy skills
- Mathematics
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
The exam is designed to identify academic suitability for grammar school education.
Allocation of Places
Approximately 150 places are available annually for Year 7 entry.
Places are allocated based on:
- Performance in the SET examination
- Admissions policy criteria
- Catchment considerations where applicable
Due to the competitive nature of admissions, successful applicants generally achieve high standardised scores.
Application Process
Parents must:
- Register for the Southend SET examination
- Sit the test during Year 6
- Complete the Local Authority secondary school application
- List Southend High School for Girls as a preferred choice
Early preparation is strongly recommended due to the competitive entry requirements.
Why Parents Choose Southend High School for Girls
Parents choose Southend High School for Girls because of:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Excellent GCSE and A-Level results
- Strong university progression outcomes
- Supportive and high-achieving environment
- Extensive extracurricular opportunities
- Strong pastoral care and student development
- Reputation as one of Essex’s leading grammar schools
The school remains one of the most sought-after selective schools in the region.
Google Maps Location
https://maps.google.com/?q=Southend+High+School+for+Girls+SS2+4UZ
