Westcliff High School for Girls has educated girls in Southend since 1920 and now welcomes boys into its high-achieving sixth form. The Kenilworth Gardens academy grammar has about 1,340 pupils and sits within the South East Essex Academy Trust.
The school's motto, Fide et Fortitudine - By Faith and Fortitude - matches a values framework built around leadership, enrichment, scholarship and kindness. WHSG's vision is to develop the next generation of leaders, with independent learning, resilience, equality, inclusion and community contribution presented as part of the same ambition as examination success.
The curriculum intent is broad and balanced, designed to build knowledge, oracy, creativity and curiosity from KS3 through KS5. The sixth form offers 24 A-level subjects and EPQ, while enrichment runs through clubs, societies, House activity, student roles, DofE, World Challenge, sport, music, drama, STEM competitions, debating, Green Group, EDI work, careers provision and trips in the UK and overseas.
Year 7 has 192 places and entry is through the CSSE English and mathematics papers. The school reserves up to 154 places for candidates in SS0 to SS9, with preferential-consideration places and ranked passing marks used within the published rules. Public outcomes are very strong: Ofsted Outstanding, Progress 8 around +0.90, 100% grade 5+ in English and maths, and 24.8% AAB or better at A level.