RECORD-BREAKING A LEVEL RESULTS FOR SOUTHEND HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Students and staff at Southend High School for Girls are celebrating the best A Level results in the school’s history, with an exceptional set of outcomes for the Class of 2026.
An outstanding half of all grades were awarded at A*–A, while 77% were awarded at A*–B.
The results included some remarkable individual achievements, with 67 students achieving an average grade of A* or A across their three or four A Levels.
Exceptional results were achieved across the full breadth of SHSG’s curriculum.
Headteacher Jason Carey said:
“We are immensely proud of our students. These are the best A Level results in the history of Southend High School for Girls and represent an extraordinary achievement by a very talented and hardworking group of young people.
“These results build on the exceptional achievements of recent years and are particularly special following our Outstanding Ofsted inspection. Inspectors said that ‘pupils flourish and excel at Southend High School for Girls’, and there can be few better demonstrations of that than seeing our students celebrating such remarkable achievements today.
“Behind the headline figures are hundreds of individual stories of ambition and determination. Our students have worked incredibly hard, supported by exceptional teachers and staff, and it is wonderful to see that commitment rewarded.
“Most importantly, these results open doors. Our students leave SHSG for some tremendously exciting destinations, and we could not be prouder of the young people they have become or more excited to see what they achieve next.”
Pictured with Headteacher Jason Carey (left) and with her mum (right) is Cerys Batchelor, Head Student at SHSG, who achieved 2 A*s and 2 A grades in English Literature, Media Studies, Psychology and Spanish and will now be heading to Warwick to study English Literature and Creative Writing.
Cerys just got back from Dance World Cup in Dublin where she was 5th in the world for tap dancing in 17-21 age range and 3rd in the world for singing duet. Cerys said: ‘Very happy and relieved that it all paid off. I screamed so loudly when I found out I was in Warwick.’ Mum said ‘very proud – she’s worked so hard – SHSG has been brilliant and she’s loved every second of being here’
Congratulations also go to Poppy Mangan, whose outstanding results of A* A* A* grades in History, Politics and Economics have secured a place at London School of Economics, where she will read Law.
Poppy said “so thankful to the school and how they have supported me throughout my time here”.
Another stellar performance came from Isla Bridge, who achieved 3 A* and 2 A grades. She did this alongside being Deputy Head Student at school and Deputy Youth Mayor for Southend-on-Sea City Council. Isla is now looking forward to beginning History at The University of St Andrews this autumn. Isla said ‘SHSG has given me so many opportunities that I am so grateful for! I am so pleased with my results and want to thank everyone who helped’.
There was further cause for celebration for Evie Coleman, who secured 4 A* grades and will shortly be heading to the University of Warwick to read English Language and Linguistics.
Evie said: “I was blown away when I saw my results”.
Verity van Berkum achieved four grade As in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Computer Science and said, ‘I am really pleased to have my dreams come through‘. Verity is thrilled to study veterinary medicine at the University of Surrey. Verity’s performance is made even more impressive by achieving these results a year early!
A particularly impressive achievement came from Hannah Sugden, who achieved A*AA in Art, English Literature, and Geography and will now read English at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge.
Well done to Myles Bermon, who achieved 3 A grades in Mathematics, Physics and Economics that will now take him to the University of Exeter to read Economics.
Amy Hudson achieved A*AA in religious studies, economics and mathematics. Amy said “I’m so relieved and excited for my next steps.” She is studying Philosophy and Politics at Warwick.
Charlotte Munton (left) achieved three A*s and an A. She will read Mathematics at Bristol. She said “I am excited to celebrate with a few drinks with friends today before getting ready for Bristol”. Martha Callaghan (right) achieved two A*s and an A. She said “I’m so surprised – I’m off to study Media and Music business at Brighton. I’m looking forward to Brighton beach!”
Amelie Beckett (left) achieved an impressive two A*s and two As, and is going to study Media and Creative Industries at Warwick. She said ‘I was so excited when I saw my results, I jumped up and down!”. Bonnie Spillane (right) achieved two A*s and an A. She said ‘I want to thank all the teachers after seven years at SHSG – it’s the end of an era but the start of a new chapter!” Bonnie will read Law at Sheffield.
Congratulations to Anna Mellor, pictured with her dad, who achieved 3As in Government and Politics, English Language and Biology, and is heading off to read Anthropology at University College London (UCL).
Congratulations to Isabella Brigstock, pictured with her family, for achieving A*AA in English Language, Sociology and Government and Politics, and will be reading Politics and International Relations at the University of Manchester.
Lacey-Louise O’Rielly, after achieving two As and an A* in Biology, Spanish and Psychology is excited to read Psychology at the University of Exeter. Her parting words for future students were ‘where there is ink, there is hope’.
Dylan Hudson-Crane has achieved two A*s and an A in History, Politics and Religious Studies. He is excited to read Theology, Religion and Philosophy or Religion at St John’s College, Cambridge .
Eliza Duff is going into the Police Force in Chelmsford to do a degree apprenticeship. Eliza said “I am really excited! Even if you think you can’t do it, you absolutely can!”
Aurora Karaj achieved a fantastic three A*s and is off to study Sociology, Politics & Religion at King’s College London. She is also an award-winning film maker, having recently won ‘best film across all categories’ for her music video in the annual MediaMag Production Competition. Her work was inspired by the film ‘Before Sunrise’. She spent the summer before results touring Europe with fellow SHSG student, Luke Rush, visiting the places in the film. Luke also achieved three As and is also going to King’s College London, to study Natural Sciences. Aurora said ‘the school always pushed me to do my best – it felt pretty chill to see that I got all A*s.”
Isobel Boyson, Director of SHSG’s Sixth Form added:
“We are delighted that our students are going to the top universities in the UK – including the University of Cambridge, King’s College London, LSE and Durham.
Results day is always one of the most special days in the school calendar. Seeing our students receive the results they have worked so hard for is an enormous privilege. Today is their day, and they should be incredibly proud of everything they have achieved. We couldn’t be prouder of them – we can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve in their futures: the world is their oyster.”