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Welcome to St Bernard's High School

A warm welcome to St Bernard's High SchoolWe are a school that is proud of its history and committed to delivering to our young people an educational experience that excites and inspires. The students and staff here at St Bernard's are incredible and I feel privileged to lead such a special place of education, nurturing and fulfilment.High expectations and educational standards alongside all-encompassing pastoral care make St Bernard's more than a school - we are a family! We recognise and seek to further develop, deepen and nurture the individual talents and abilities of all the students we serve. We prioritise getting to know our students (and families) as we understand our role in helping and guiding our young people towards their chosen paths, enabling them to have professionally and personally fulfilling lives.St Bernard's is a very special place. We fully understand the importance of providing our young people with a holistic education which cherishes the spiritual and supports academic excellence across the full ability range of our school community. We are committed to living our mission statement, “Love one another as I have loved you”, as we enjoy and celebrate the strong relationships which have built and sustained our diverse community.Helen Barnes Headteacher

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Boarding Type

No Boarder

School Type

Academy converter

Suitable Ages

11 to 18

Gender

Girls

No. of Students

1,021 Total

No. of Boys

9 (0.9%)

No. of Girls

1,012 (99.1%)


Academic Excellence

GCSE Results

Latest Examination

17.2%

Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)

A-Level Results

Sixth Form Performance

A* grades

5.66%

A*/A grades

14.47%


Leavers' Destinations

Destinations after GCSEs

Staying in education

96%

School

79%

England

Apprenticeships

0%

School

3%

England

Further education

School:22%
England:51%

School sixth form

School:72%
England:19%

Sixth form college

School:1%
England:7%

Other education destinations

School:1%
England:2%

Destinations after A-Levels

UK higher education

66%

School

1%

England

Apprenticeships

0%

School

19%

England

Higher education or training

School:85%
England:63%

Further education

School:0%
England:4%

Employment

School:19%
England:35%

Not sustained in education/employment

School:9%
England:26%


Exciting Events Ahead!

A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.

Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.


Admissions Process

Quick Apply
Dec 2025Jan 2026Feb 2026Mar 2026Apr 2026May 2026Jun 2026Jul 2026Aug 2026

Open Evening

Sixth Form Applications Open

Conditional Offers with Students

Induction Day

Enrolment

Key Dates & Deadlines

Dec 4, 2025

Sixth Form Open Evening

Feb 20, 2026

Sixth Form Applications Close

Apr 24, 2026

Deadline to Accept/Reject Conditional Offer

Jun 30, 2026

Year 12 Induction Day


Term Dates & Half-Term Holidays

Planning ahead for school holidays? Below are the term dates and half-term dates for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Autumn

1 terms

Half Term 1

Sep 1 - Dec 19

Spring

1 terms

Half Term 1

Jan 5 - Mar 27

Summer

1 terms

Half Term 1

Apr 13 - Jul 20

Half-Term & Holiday Dates

Autumn Half Term

Oct 27 - Oct 31

Spring Half Term

Feb 16 - Feb 20

Summer Half Term

May 25 - May 29


Alumni Stories

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Updates Coming Soon!

We’ll be sharing information about the destinations of our alumni here soon.


Enrichment Activities

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Religious Studies
In line with our school ethos, students also attend regular general Religious Studies lessons where they have opportunities to explore moral and ethical issues such as euthanasia and crime and punishment. They also look at things that religious people take part in across different religions such as pilgrimage and festivals.
Extended Project Qualification
Students have the chance to explore a topic in depth and develop the skills needed to write an extended project based piece. This is offered to all students.
Tutor Time
Students benefit from time as a group with their form tutors each morning where they complete a range of activities including careers guidance, wider academic reading, tutor review meetings and prayer.
Sports Leader
The Sports Leader Award inspires young people to lead groups in safe sporting and recreational activity, encouraging responsibility for others, developing organisational and communication skills and instilling confidence in people for whom leading groups in sporting activities is a new experience.
Roles of Leadership and Responsibility
Head Student and Deputy Head Students apply, interview and then campaign in the Spring Term of Year 12. The team are elected as a result of a whole school vote giving students experience of democracy and an election process. A range of roles and responsibilities allow every student to demonstrate leadership and develop the skills necessary for the workplace or further study.
Paid Roles
Welcome Ministry is a unique role where Sixth Form students can take on the responsibility of welcoming and ensuring the safety of students coming into the school in the mornings. Academically able Sixth Form students may also be offered the opportunity to become Subject Mentors where they will work with GCSE students to provide additional subject coaching and intervention.
Careers Advice and Opportunities, UCAS Guidance and Work Experience
A bespoke programme of Careers, Education and Guidance is provided for our students, offering a range of experiences designed to prepare them for their options once they leave us.
Personal, Social and Health Education
A comprehensive series of lessons cover a range of topics such as study skills, first aid, gambling, sexism and misogyny, internet safety, danger of carrying weapons, mental health and wellbeing, dementia and FGM. This is taught through out timetabled enrichment sessions.
Enrichment Programme
We have taught sessions to support you in the transition from KS4 to KS5 as this is the biggest academic jump you will make. The year continues with engaging speakers, PSHE sessions, EPQ support, global citizenship learning and preparing you for life after sixth form.

About School

RegionEast of England
Local AuthoritySouthend-on-Sea
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeGirls

FAQs

What if I want to change my subject choices after I have submitted by application?

Please email sixthformadmissions@stbernards.southend.sch.uk with any changes

How do I apply?

via Applicaa, follow the link from the St Bernards website

When is the application deadline?

Friday 20th February 2026

When is the Year 12 Induction Day

Tuesday 30 June 2026

What are the minimum grade requirements

A grade 5 in English Language and 4 in Maths, however a number of the subjects have their own entry requirements, please check the course guide for these

Can I apply on results day?

No, students must have completed the application process