What secrets lie behind these walls of Grays Convent High School? It is more than just a school. It’s a place steeped in history and tradition.
Grays Convent High School is a Roman Catholic secondary school for girls. It stands on College Avenue in Grays, Essex. The school falls under the Diocese of Brentwood. It is a voluntary aided school.
Let’s journey back to 1899. Archbishop Herbert Vaughan wanted sisters to teach in Grays Thurrock. Three Sisters of La Sainte Union arrived from France. They founded the Convent Day School on Orsett Road. It began with only three students.
In 1906, the school moved to College Avenue. The sisters wanted to expand. The school accepted boys too but the population remained low. A new assembly hall and classrooms in 1934 brought a surge in students.
World War II damaged parts of the school. Rebuilding and expansion occurred in the 1950s. In 1969, it became a voluntary aided comprehensive. That’s likely when boys were no longer admitted. It officially became Grays Convent High School.
By 1972, Grays Convent High School grew. The student population reached 666 by 1977. Most Sisters of La Sainte Union moved out in 1989. This allowed for further expansion. An art block, music block and computer suite were added.
Philip Kyndt became headteacher in 1995. Ofsted called it a “very good school” in 2003. Between 2003 and 2008, the school specialized in languages. By 2008, it was an “outstanding” school. Ofsted noted its popularity and over-subscription. Parents viewed the school as “excellent”.
Ann-Marie Brister succeeded Kyndt. The school achieved its highest GCSE results in 2010. However, results dipped in 2013. The Ofsted rating fell to “good”. Brister resigned. Penny Johnson became headteacher in 2014. The school has since maintained high standards.
Grays Convent High School has a smaller student population. The school believes this allows them to care for each student. They offer counselling through the school and the Diocese of Brentwood. Staff discuss students’ progress regularly. Parents receive updates each term.
Students enter Year 7 at age 11. They finish in Year 11. Year 9 marks the start of GCSE coursework. Students choose their GCSE options then. They prepare for GCSE exams in Years 10 and 11. Year 9 students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Students are placed into one of four houses. Each is named after biblical women. These are Deborah, Lydia, Mary, and Esther. The houses promote community and healthy competition. They also encourage participation in extracurricular activities.
The school has seen many faces pass through its doors. Jessica Judd excelled as a cross country and middle-distance runner. Jen Craft became a Member of Parliament for Thurrock.
Today, Grays Convent High School continues to thrive. It adapts to modern challenges while honoring its rich past. It remains committed to its students’ success. The school’s motto is “Nous Sommes Un Avec Dieu” which translates to “We Are One With God”.