Southend High School for Girls
Southend-on-Sea, Essex · SS2 4UZ
Southend High School for Girls is a selective grammar school serving Essex with a 100-year heritage, now led by Headteacher Jason Carey. The school positions itself around six core principles: feeding curiosity, building leadership, pushing boundaries, developing independence, celebrating performance, and creating futures. It combines academic rigour with emphasis on creativity, performance, and sporting excellence, aspiring to develop confident, successful and happy students.
- →Selective grammar entry ensures academically ambitious peer group and rigorous curriculum
- →Strong emphasis on leadership development and character formation alongside traditional academics
- →Centenary reputation and visible investment in facilities and pastoral care structures
Who thrives here
Academically capable girls seeking a structured grammar environment with strong pastoral oversight and breadth beyond academics (music, sport, drama, leadership). Students who respond well to clear expectations and house-based community.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Southchurch Boulevard
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
SS2 4UZ
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How much does Southend High School for Girls cost?
Southend High School for Girls is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Southend High School for Girls?
Southend High School for Girls admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Southend High School for Girls's exam results?
At Southend High School for Girls, 17.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 71.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Southend High School for Girls a boarding school?
Southend High School for Girls is a day school in Southend-on-Sea and does not offer boarding.
What is Southend High School for Girls's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Southend High School for Girls “Outstanding” (2024).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong pastoral care and house system oversight
✓Breadth of opportunity (academics, music, sport, drama, leadership) beyond narrow exam focus
✓Inclusive ethos despite selective entry; celebrates diverse talents
✓Experienced, stable leadership and teaching staff
✓Good parent engagement and communication
Common concerns
!Lack of Ofsted inspection (Not yet inspected) limits independent validation of provision quality
!Limited pupil premium and bursary data publicly available; potential concern over social diversity
!May underserve non-academic strengths compared to more specialist or progressive competitors