To help you make informed decisions on your possible 5 preferred schools, we are delighted that all twelve state funded Secondary Schools have joined us to provide you with information about their school, and the date and time of their prospective Year 7 information events. We can provide this information in different languages and would ask that you contact us on admissions@southend.gov.uk to let us know of the language you would require.
The Secondary School Admissions Booklet will be available online from July and will give you all the details needed to apply. Applications can be made between 1 September 2024 and 31 October 2024.
Most of the process for transfer between year 6 and 7 does not apply for Children that have an Education Health Care Plan, or are in the process. Parents with children on an EHC may find the education transitions page on the Livewell Southend website helpful.
Open evenings
- Belfairs Academy - Thursday 27 June 2024 4pm to 6pm
- Cecil Jones Academy - Thursday 26 September 2024, 5pm to 7pm
- Chase High School - Wednesday 26 June 2024, 4pm to 7:30pm
- Shoeburyness High School - Thursday 19 September 2024, 6pm to 8pm
- Southchurch High School - Tuesday 24 September 2024, 5:30pm to 8pm
- Southend High School for Boys - Thursday 27 June 2024, 4:30pm to 8pm
- Southend High School for Girls - Thursday 4 July 2024, 5pm to 8pm
- St Bernard's High School - Thursday 11 July 2024, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- St Thomas More High School - Thursday 11 July 2024, 4pm to 7pm
- The Eastwood Academy - Monday 24 June 2024, 5pm to 8pm
- Westcliff High School for Boys - Tuesday 25 June 2024, 5pm to 9pm
- Westcliff High School for Girls - Tuesday 2 July 2024, 5pm to 8pm
Please note: parents/carers are encouraged to check the schools' websites directly to check there has been no changes to the above arrangements .
If you are attending one of the open days, have you thought about the questions you need to ask?
There is a great deal of information available on open evenings / days but this is also an opportunity for you to ask questions to find out if the school is right for your child. Think about your childs personality and what he / she enjoys; use the open evening visit as an opportunity for you to find out if it is the right school and whether they will be happy
Do prepare some specific questions that you could ask the staff and pupils which will help you get the information that you need. Here are some examples of general questions you could ask but you will also want to think about ones that are relevant to your child:
- how do you settle year 7's into the school, do they get a mentor / buddy?
- how does the school cater for gifted and talented children or those with learning difficulties?
- what happens if GCSE options clash? how accommodating is the school when this happens?
- how many local / overseas trips do the children take in their first year? and in subsequent years? what is the charge and is subsidy/part-funding available?
- what clubs are available / are they easy to get into - is there a charge for these clubs?
- if your child is entitled to free school meals, what additional support does the school provide to pay for computer equipment / trips / uniform etc?
Sometimes you might have an opportunity to speak to existing pupils - find out from them what they enjoy about attending the school
- how much homework do you get each day and is your weekend occupied with homework as well or do you have time for your out-of-school activities?
- is there a good choice on the lunch menu and do you queue for a long time to get served?
- are the library and computer rooms open during break time, lunch and after school?
- how easy is it to find a member of staff if you have a query / problem?
- how much did the school influence you in your GCSE options?
- what does the school do to help you decide on your career path?
- what are the best things about lessons? / what are the worst?
- what is your most difficult subject? why?