Southend High School for Girls

The staff listing identifies R McMahon as the school's SENDCo.

“[R McMahon](https://www.shsg.org/profile-lp/r-ford/) SENDCo”

The Year 7–13 curriculum is designed for all students, including those with high needs and the most disadvantaged.

“It is, from Year 7 to Year 13, designed to give all students, including those with high needs and the most disadvantaged, the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.”

An NHS Mental Health Support Team attends the school twice a week.

“- The NHS Mental Health Support Team is in school every Tuesday and Thursday.”

Students can access an on-site counsellor every school day.

“- Access to Mrs. Leah Dexter, the student counsellor, who is in school every day.”

Three students were among the country's top GCSE Fine Art performers.

“Emily Anstis, Mia Keith, and Mayah George have been named among the top performers in the country for GCSE Fine Art, an extraordinary accolade.”

An SHSG student achieved the top national mark in A Level Art.

“Their success follows Gabriel Borbe’s top national mark in A Level Art last week, securing a place to study Architecture at the University of Cambridge.”

The sixth form says it is small enough for every student to receive individual attention.

“The sixth form is large enough to offer a wide variety of A-level subjects, extra-curricular opportunities and special sixth form privileges, but small enough to ensure that every student enjoys individual attention.”

The co-curricular programme includes international expeditions, skiing, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, productions, choirs, instrumental ensembles and language exchanges.

“Examples of the diverse and exciting range of co-curricular experiences include: _Operation Wallacea_ in Mexico; visiting Swaziland as part of _World Challenge_; ski trips; bronze, silver and gold expeditions for the _Duke of Edinburgh_ award; performing in school productions and choirs such as Novem, or learning and playing instruments in the different bands and orchestras, and staying with a French, German or Spanish family as part of the exchange programme.”

Students take leadership roles from Year 7 through groups and positions including School Council, Equality and Diversity, house, sport, subject and environmental leadership.

“Right from Year 7, students take on leadership responsibilities from Form Captain, to School Council, the Equality and Diversity Group, House Captain, Sports Captain, Subject Captain, and Planet Action to name just some examples of students as leaders.”

The school describes its culture as supportive, caring and respectful.

“Our culture is supportive, caring, and respectful.”

The school aims for everyone to be safe, happy and successful, promotes academic excellence, and emphasizes curiosity, leadership, independence and future preparation.

“SHSG is an inspiring and vibrant place, full of energy and laughter – and amazing people! It’s a school where we constantly aim to meet the challenges set out in our principles of ensuring that everyone is _safe, happy and successful_ _._ - Feeding curiosity - Building leadership - Pushing boundaries - Developing independence - Celebrating performance - Creating futures”

The sixth form offers a varied curriculum of 26 A Level subjects.

“We pride ourselves on offering a varied curriculum with 26 A Level subjects to choose from, alongside superb extra and super-curricular opportunities for our students.”

The sixth form offers a broad selection of A Levels spanning traditional subjects, social sciences, arts and modern foreign languages.

“At SHSG Sixth Form we offer a wide range of courses at A Level, from the more traditional subjects of English, maths and science, to the social sciences, arts and modern foreign languages.”

The school accepts applications for in-year admission to the Sixth Form, with further details in its admissions policy.

“Applicants may also apply to the Sixth Form for in-year admission. Please see the Sixth Form section of the admissions policy for more information.”

Prospective students are directed to the school's Sixth Form pages to apply.

“To join the Sixth Form please visit our [Sixth Form pages here](https://www.shsg.org/enrolling-in-sixth-form/).”

An A Level Art student secured a place to study Architecture at the University of Cambridge.

“Their success follows Gabriel Borbe’s top national mark in A Level Art last week, securing a place to study Architecture at the University of Cambridge.”

Students receive preparation for post-18 pathways and impartial careers guidance.

“- High-quality preparation for post 18 pathways and impartial careers guidance”

A named head student achieved three A* grades.

“Head Student Tess achieved three A\*s: “I was so worried because I’d forgotten how the exams went but I’m so relieved now seeing the results – I cried, it was a bit embarrassing!””

In August 2025, 76% of A Level results were A*–B and 40% were A*–A.

“In August 2025, we celebrated our outstanding A Level results: 76% A\* – B , and 40% A\* – A .”