Alumni

The Old Southendian Association. Keeping former pupils connected.

Where SHSB leads

Our alumni today

From medicine and law to international politics and cutting-edge technology, our alumni carry the Forti spirit into every field. Here are a few of their stories.

Harshil

2016 – 2023

Medical student, Imperial College London

SHSB gave me far more than qualifications — it gave me a community. Despite being differently-abled, I was always encouraged and supported by this community at SHSB, giving me strong foundations whilst nurturing confidence, curiosity and resilience. The experiences I earned outside the classroom as an active member of Medic Society, Chess Club and Science Society, alongside taking part in ski trips and music tours not only enriched my time at school, but also demonstrate how SHSB has contributed in both my academic and personal growth.

Inspirational teachers like Mr Howley, Mrs Iles, and Dr Ramesh ensured every student excelled. Thanks to the virtues they instilled, I am currently a fourth-year medical student at Imperial College London and am involved in research with the British Journal of Cardiology. Medicine is both a demanding and rewarding field, and I am excited to continue developing on my journey. I hope my time at SHSB shows students that, with hard work and determination, ambitious goals are achievable and every opportunity is worth embracing. I am a strong proponent of the words of my headmaster, Dr Bevan: “Success is a choice. Forti Nihil Difficile.”

I joined SHSB in 2023, from a local comprehensive state school. From day one I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and swiftly began researching potential medical schools and entry requirements. I studied Biology, Chemistry, and Business at A-level; as well as completing an A* EPQ in year 12 about robotic-assisted surgery and its limitations.

At SHSB, the post-18 careers advisors are exceptional, providing plenty of advice and always available to listen if you need help or just someone to talk your ideas through with. Throughout sixth form at SHSB there were multiple application building opportunities such as the biology / chemistry Olympiad, prefect roles, and tutoring opportunities.

Alongside this, there were many medicine-specific events, including the medic society with informative meetings about applications and medicine hot-topics. In addition to this there were mock MMI's and talks with successful medical student alumni - all of which helped strengthen my application, and undoubtedly helped me achieve a space at Kent and Medway Medical School. This September I will begin as a second year, where I am the deputy Medical Schools Council (MSC) representative, BMA society co-chair, as well as having a particular interest in Psychiatry and General Practice.

Jack

2023 – 2025

Medical school applicant

Jennifer

2020 – 2022

BA International Politics with French, Paris

After having completed my A-levels, I started my Bachelor of Arts in International Politics with French at the University of London Institute in Paris, France. During my time there I had the opportunity to work with the British Council as a Young Learner's Assistant and as Support Staff for Conferences organised by the International Academic Forum. Having graduated with a 1st Class with Honours with Distinction in French, I moved yet again to study a Master of Arts in Global European Studies with Russian at the University of Konstanz, Germany (studying in German). Employed as a Student Assistant for the "Off the Road" Project, I have the pleasure of being part of the process for the digitalisation of sources. Currently, halfway through my 2-year degree, I am busy preparing for a 6-month semester abroad in Tokyo at the Tokyo International University. Throughout my studies, no matter the country, I have acted as a Scout Leader, organising camps and outings for young people aged 8-17, finding my academic niche in the study of youth movements, even writing my Bachelor's thesis on the topic. I hope to one day work at a university as an academic.

I attended SHSB from 2015 to 2022, studying Economics, Politics and History at A-Level. I also served as a Senior Prefect and a History Prefect during my time in Sixth Form. As had been my aspiration for many years, and with the support of those at the school, I then went on to read Law at the University of Cambridge.My time at Cambridge was everything I had hoped it would be, and I was even fortunate enough to spend a year studying abroad at the National University of Singapore, which was a brilliant opportunity to experience a different legal system and culture firsthand. I graduated from Cambridge with a First-Class degree, ranking within the top 10% of my cohort. Looking forward, I have secured a graduate job (or training contract as we like to call it) with one of the UK’s most prestigious law firms: Slaughter and May. SHSB was a huge part of my journey, and I am always grateful to have the opportunity to stay in contact with those from the school, or return to help the next generation of SHSB students.

Luke

2015 – 2022

Senior Prefect and History Prefect

Alternative pathways

Degree apprenticeship pathways

Some of our leavers combine a full degree with paid work at leading employers, gaining professional experience and qualifications simultaneously.

Anisha

Digital and Data Consultant

RSM

Qualification

Digital and Technological Solutions

A-Levels

Economics
Geography
English Literature

Ciara M

IT Consultant

IBM

Qualification

Digital & Technology Solutions

A-Levels

Geography
Maths
Computer Science

Justin P

Apprentice Solicitor

Field Fisher

Qualification

Law Degree

A-Levels

Geography
Biology
English Literature

Old Southendians

The largest Old Boys' Association in the country

The Old Southendians Association (OSA) is one of the oldest and largest alumni associations in the country, bringing together former students, staff and governors of Southend High School for Boys. Its purpose is to sustain friendships formed through the School and to strengthen the connection between past, present and future Southendians.

What the OSA does

A vibrant year-round programme

The Association plays an important role in supporting the School through a wide range of social, sporting, musical and charitable activities. Members benefit from a vibrant programme of events throughout the year, opportunities to reconnect with former classmates, and the chance to contribute to the continuing success of SHSB.

Reconnect

Opportunities to reconnect with former classmates.

Contribute

Contribute to the continuing success of SHSB.

Enjoy

Social, sporting, musical and charitable events throughout the year.

Supporting SHSB

Practical and financial support for the School

The OSA also provides practical and financial support to the School, helping to enhance opportunities for current pupils while preserving the traditions and values that have shaped generations of Southendians.