Chelmsford County High School for Girls

Prospective Students

Welcome from the Head Teacher

The choice of a secondary school for your daughter is a crucial one and there is convincing evidence that girls achieve best in a single-sex environment. Throughout its first century, Chelmsford County High School has provided outstanding education for able girls. In the twenty-first century we continue to combine the strengths of a single-sex girls´ grammar school with an innovative and dynamic approach, responding to the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Our vision is "developing the leaders of tomorrow" in the belief that the able girls who join our school will be leaders in whichever field of work or academic study or indeed in the personal interests they choose in their future. We work together at the school to provide numerous opportunities for our students to develop the leadership skills, knowledge and qualities they will need to play a significant role in the future. We aim to stimulate and challenge their minds in order for them to attain the highest academic achievement. Each one is also encouraged to succeed in any field she chooses. Past students have entered the professional fields of medicine, law, education, banking, politics, media, art, ICT and the sciences. Many of the girls who join us now will be preparing for jobs that do not even exist today. It is crucial therefore that we help them develop a passion for learning and a breadth of skills.

"The pursuit of excellence" is an appropriate aim for our able students. We provide them with challenges that capture their interests, develop their thinking and help them to attain the highest results in GCSE, A Level and International Baccalaureate examinations. We aim for our students to "fulfill their potential" in their academic studies and want to help every individual student recognize her unique talents; we are committed to working with her as she discovers and develops them. To that end we offer a plethora of extra-curricular opportunities including clubs, societies, visits to places of interest, museums, foreign trips, exchanges and expeditions. With so many opportunities, every student can find an area in which she can take part and, potentially, excel. It is no surprise, therefore, that our talented girls often achieve local and national success in a wide range of sports, musical activities, Science and Mathematics competitions to name but a few.

A high proportion of the extra-curricular activities run within the school day are organized by students themselves. They acquire leadership and organizational skills, show initiative, take responsibility and above all "contribute to the community". We have an exceptionally successful House system which encourages our students to mix with others in different year groups and engage in a wealth of enjoyable activities where the taking part definitely matters more than the winning, although winning helps! When new students join our school they quickly become aware that they are joining a strong and supportive community. Our pastoral support programme consists of the Form Tutor, the Student Progress Manager dedicated to each year group, and the Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for care and guidance. On joining the school each student also receives the support of a Student Buddy who ensures she quickly feels part of our school.

We aim to instill in our students values of compassion, kindness and a sense of justice. We therefore encourage them to develop a strong sense of responsibility towards others beyond their immediate community. Our status as a Specialist College in Technology with Maths and Science, Music with English and Languages affords our students opportunities to engage in a vast array of voluntary service both locally and abroad; in particular they support local primary schools with our gifted and talented programme; they work in special schools and help run homework clubs in the community; they also raise thousands of pounds for funds for charity each year. We also recognize that we are part of a global community and highly value the international dimension we have developed in our school. We aim for our students to develop moral integrity and become responsible global citizens. We encourage debate on moral issues including those linked to scientific development, wealth creation and personal values.

We are a team of highly committed teachers and support staff, working in partnership with governors and parents to provide the best possible education, laying firm foundations for our students´ successful futures. We aim to be recognized for the quality of our work and are constantly reviewing our practice.

We are a happy and caring community which believes in traditional values and in offering an environment where girls are given every opportunity to flourish academically and to develop the confidence and the skills to become well rounded young women, ready to take their place in society. We are proud of our students and if you take the opportunity to come and meet us all, we believe you will see why.