ST BERNARD'S HIGH SCHOOL AND ARTS COLLEGE in Essex, Westcliff on Sea

Education Centre Information: St Bernard's High School and Arts College:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Southend-on-Sea
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 16/08/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Diocese of Brentwood
Total Pupils: 869
Number of boys: 10
Number of girls: 859
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Girls
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Background:

Founded by Bernadin Cistercian Sisters in 1910, the school became voluntary-aided after the 1944 Education Act. Although it ceased being a convent in 1983, the traditional emphasis on Catholic values is still maintained. Set on a small site in a residential area near the seafront, the school's buildings are a mixture of traditional and early 19th century, to which additions have been made. The science and technology facilities were refurbished in 1998. The Bernadine Hall a multi purpose hall, large enough to house whole events was added in 2002. The school is over-subscribed, with two applications per place. It offers a 'broad' curriculum, with most pupils taking 10 GCSEs (including religious education), and has an open sixth form. The school prides itself on its musical and stage productions, has sports hub status and has gained specialist status for Performing and Visual Arts in 2003. Full participation in local and national sports is encouraged.