Secondary school open days

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 2023 and 31 October 2023.

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 following links helpful: Transfer between places of education - pupils with an EHCP and Starting Secondary School.

Secondary School Open Days
School Event Type Date and Time
Belfairs Academy Open Evening Thursday 29 June 2023
Cecil Jones Academy Open Evening Thursday 28 September 2023
Chase High School Open Evening Wednesday 28 June 2023
Shoeburyness High School Open Evening

Thursday 21 September 2023 6 to 8pm

Southchurch High School Open Evening

Thursday 22 June 2023, 5.30pm

Tuesday 26 September 2023, 5.30pm
Southend High School for Boys Open Evening

Thursday 29 June 2023

Southend High School for Girls Open Evening Thursday 6 July 2023
St Bernard’s High School Open Evening Wednesday 5 July 2023
St Thomas More High School Open Evening Thursday 13 July 2023, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
The Eastwood Academy Open Evening Monday 26 June 2023
Westcliff High School for Boys Open Evening Tuesday 27 June 2023, 5.00pm to 9.00pm
Westcliff High School for Girls Open Evening Tuesday 4 July 2023

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?

Contact schools and learning

Telephone: 01702 212934

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