Headteacher’s Letter – 3 July June 2026 | Southend High School for Girls (SHSG)
To download a copy of this week’s letter, please click the download button below:
This week’s letter covers:
Open Evening Success
SHSG welcomed nearly 1,500 prospective Year 5 pupils and families to its annual Open Evening. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many families rating the event as outstanding and identifying the students as the school’s greatest strength.
Sporting Achievements
- SHSG were crowned Overall Borough Athletics Champions 2026!
- Katie W (Year 8) broke the Borough 1500m record and later became Essex mile champion, ranking third nationally for her age group.
- Several students earned selection for Essex and national competitions.
- The school also hosted its first Girls’ Borough Cricket Festival.
New Year 7 Induction
The school welcomed its incoming Year 7 students for Induction Day, featuring the traditional Guard of Honour, subject taster lessons, treasure hunt and clubs fair.
Creative Arts
- Drama Club’s Summer Showcase featured original productions by Years 8 and 9.
- Dance Club students performed a variety of routines led by Year 10 leaders.
- Create Week celebrated the work of Henri Matisse, encouraging creativity across the curriculum.
- Several students received recognition through the Poetry By Heart competition.
Academic and Careers Success
- Year 12 chemistry students achieved excellent results in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge; Abirami R achieved Gold, placing in the top 9% nationally.
- Year 8 students took part in a careers carousel, hearing from professionals including a solicitor, scientist, nurse, biochemist and PwC representative.
- Year 12 Drama students attended a performance of War Horse at the National Theatre.
Outstanding Individual Achievement
Izzy S (Year 7) won three first-place awards at the Emotion Dance Festival and, alongside Isla F, also won first place in the Ballet Duet category.
Important Reminders for Parents
Awards Evening
- Thursday 9 July 2026 at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff.
- Ceremony begins at 7:00pm.
Sports Day
- Track heats: 13 July
- Year 12 Benchball: 14 July
- Sports Day finals: 15 July
- Students should wear PE kit and house colours.
End of Term
- School closes for summer at 12:25pm on Friday 17 July 2026.
- Lunch service will not operate that day.
Free School Meals
- Families must reapply by 10 July 2026 to maintain eligibility from September.
- Please find attached a letter providing further information should you wish to support the school in this
way. - Parent letter re school contributions
- Free School Meals Eligibility Letter – June 2026
Lockers
- All lockers must be emptied by 12:30pm on 17 July.
Online Safety Webinar
- Thursday 16 July at 8:00pm via Zoom, delivered by The 2 Johns.