A SOUTHCHURCH school is celebrating its centenary this year with a range of exciting activities.

Southend High School for Girls, in Southchurch Boulevard, kicked off its celebrations by hosting BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions last month.

But during the school year it is aiming to raise £100,000 to improve facilities for its sixth form and drama departments.

A fete and contributions from parents, students and alumni has already meant they’ve hit £20,000 of their target.

A book charting the history of the school, called A Century For Women, will go on sale after the half term break.

It will also be holding a lunch and party for former students, a PTA black tie evening, and a celebration in the school for pupils on its birthday, October 25.

An event where students will dress up in clothes from 1913, and have lessons from the time, will also be held. Alison Clewlow, the current headteacher, and only the eighth holder of the post, said: “It is fascinating to look back at the lives of girls and women over the last hundred years.

“The school has much to be proud of and to celebrate in its past and its present.”