SOUTHEND High School for Girls, in Southchurch Boulevard, Southend, has been at the heart of town life for more than a century.

The school, which celebrated its centenary in 2013, has a rich history in academic studies, theatre, music and sports.

These photos from the Echo archive, showing school life in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, demonstrate just that.

Do you have any pictures or memories from the past to share? Email echonews@nqe.com.