A GRAMMAR school is celebrating a century since it was founded.

Celebrations have begun at Westcliff High School for Girls as the coveted school has just welcomed its 100th intake of Year Seven pupils.

Pupils from Year Seven and Year Eight formed the number ‘100’ in the Sports Field to commemorate the significant milestone.

This latest intake kicks off a very exciting year of centenary celebrations for the school with various activities taking place over the next year to mark the centenary.

During its existence, the school has seen many changes and witnessed many important historic events of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Many of the school’s pupils were evacuated to Derbyshire during the Second World War.

Other notable moments in the school’s vast history include Queen Elizabeth II taking to the throne, the introduction of decimalisation, the first man stepping on the moon and the first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, being elected.

The school said it is inviting the community to join in the celebrations of the landmark birthday.

Dr Paul Hayman, headteacher of the school, said: “Celebrating 100 years of a school’s life is a momentous occasion and one which we are inviting the whole school community to get involved with.

“We have a number of events for current pupils, their families and staff to enjoy and we are also urging any past pupils to get in touch so that they can be part of our exciting celebrations and come back to see how the school has changed.”

The school is also asking ex-students and residents to add to the celebrations with artefacts and/or memories.

Staff are holding a number of events, including a black tie centenary ball on Saturday, May 6 next year at The Boundary, with tickets priced at £60 per person.

In addition to their programme of events, Southend historian and past pupil Judith Williams is writing a book to commemorate the centenary and would welcome contributions from past pupils.

To submit memories for the celebrations or for more information or to book for events call 01702 4760260.