I have to agree with the views on the sporting provisions. Overall we've been really happy with the move to SCHS and love that it's local and is great academically.

The kids who turn up to sports practice are supposedly included in a team/squad but this hasn’t been the case for our daughter, or a number of friends daughters. They all get allocated a squad in the first few weeks and then there’s a lot of movement and they either get placed in a different squad or removed entirely. My daughter went to every single early morning/after school practice and got dropped very early on. Not a great message to be sending to 12 year old girls – that if they’re not great at sport then they shouldn’t bother! I estimate that 30% of girls aren’t in a squad by the end of Y7. My daughter moved from a state school and had no experience of hockey so this probably didn't help things but I doubt she's the only girl in this position.

Other than the sports, we’re very happy with the school!

Academically they are very supportive. There is a mix of ability and they don’t overload them at first. My daughter is no in yr8 and they have started adding into the termly report which quarter they are in so you know what grade they are likely to get if they do that subject at GCSE.

Pastoral care - the communication is good. They have a head of house and a form teacher who is your first port of call but you can email any of the teachers. When my daughter had an issue they were great, and they also followed up a couple of weeks later with a phone call to check in.

Friendships change as the girls get older. My daughter is experiencing this and it will be like that in every school.

Drama is really good. I was really impressed with the shows last year.

The most important aspect for me is that my daughter is happy, engaged in learning and really enjoys going to school. It is not a hothouse so they all go at their own pace.

Good luck with your choice

Academically they are very supportive. There is a mix of ability and they don’t overload them at first. My daughter is no in yr8 and they have started adding into the termly report which quarter they are in so you know what grade they are likely to get if they do that subject at GCSE.

Pastoral care - the communication is good. They have a head of house and a form teacher who is your first port of call but you can email any of the teachers. When my daughter had an issue they were great, and they also followed up a couple of weeks later with a phone call to check in.

Friendships change as the girls get older. My daughter is experiencing this and it will be like that in every school.

Drama is really good. I was really impressed with the shows last year.

The most important aspect for me is that my daughter is happy, engaged in learning and really enjoys going to school. It is not a hothouse so they all go at their own pace.

Good luck with your choice

I think this school is amazing. I have daughters' there and they absolutely love it. There isn't as much pressure as other school but I have not doubt that they will come out with top marks. There is a huge focus on mental wellbeing. I think once the new head starts, the school will soar further.

Thank you for that honest feedback about the school. I had heard about the lack of inclusivity in sport, which is such a shame. The staff turnover is also a red flag but I suppose it can happen in waves.
Does anyone have a bit more information about the academics and whole value added thing? Do they nurture those who may be finding a subject really challenging / difficult?
Are the parents generally happy with the school and their girl’s progress and wellbeing?

Sorry to ask so many questions but it’s such an important decision! Personally I really
liked the feel of the school - it felt down to earth and quite diverse for an independent.
Thank you

Cathy Ellott from St Mary’s School Ascot

Who will the new head be? I haven’t seen any comms on this?

We haven't had a good experience at SCHS sadly and lockdown and GDST teacher strikes made things worse. There has been a huge turnover in staff both at leadership and teaching level so I would do lots of due diligence and try to get as many opportunities as possible to meet with the school before committing, especially if you are looking to stay through to the end of Sixth Form. Note that currently about 40% or 50% or so leave at the end of year 11 - and others try to but don't get offers - and that is very high compared to other single sex schools in this area. The Headteacher left nearly a year ago after 10 years and won't be replaced until next September (2023) and it's just been an acting deputy and interim ever since. The new head will be coming from a very different profile school and feels like a curious match. The Head of Pastoral also left in July and hasn't been replaced either. The Sixth form had no Head or Deputy Head last term as one resigned and left in July and the other took leave and didn't return so that first term was covered by another interim. The turnover of teaching staff has been really high and communication poor - even when a form tutor has left mid year. My daughter has not gone on a school trip since Year 7 and has hardly ever played in a match due to sports not being quite as inclusive as they made out. They have no positive commendation system and rules are quite lax which is great for some but can make like with adolescents a bit tricky. 

I find a good way of getting to know prospective schools is to follow them on Instagram - they can't tell if you are a parent or prospective parent so you get a better idea of what the schools are actually doing weekly rather than just "prospectus" speak. (I notice that schools all follow each other too) Strangely SCHS are one of the few schools that does not have an Instagram account. 

Thank you very much for these views on the senior school. I think the sport issues may be similar in other girls schools and have heard that the gymnastics at SCHS is also quite exclusive - limited to only the best girls?
We too have applied and are keen to hear any more views on the senior school. Does the school feel a good size (not too big?), is it friendly and inclusive? does it have good drama/ art etc, does it help if you start to struggle in a subject? how is the new head getting on?
Really appreciated as think (hope) we may have to chose between this and one other and want to make the right choice!

Hi

This is great. Your second daughter was in the prep? Overall great experience. What were some things you really loved about it may I ask?

Hi
I have a 19 year old who went through SCHS and did very well. The support especially for GCSEs was amazing. I have another daughter there now who is happy and academically improved alot since primary
Loads of extracurricular activities, staff reply quickly to queries, and local friends is a big bonus

We have just started this term and are still finding our feet.  My daughter seems happy and has made a nice group of friends.  The workload is a step up but manageable - and I imagine no more than any other school.

SCHS being local is by far the most positive factor - before and after school sport practices are no big inconvenience and a forgotten bag/ipad can quickly be rectified not to mention having local friends.

I agree with Curly that the sport is not as inclusive as they make out.  The girls are put into teams in their second week after a sort trial session and from then on anyone C team or below is excluded from half the coaching sessions whether they are keen or not (they do have a training session, just half as much as the A&Bs).  Seems a shame to start widening the gap in week2 esp when girls start to drop out of sport at this age and it's so connected to their self esteem.  The A team have played multiple tournaments and fixtures but everyone else seems to be waiting for a go!  Not sure how this differs in other schools but has been really disappointing.

Thank you - that's all useful information and good to hear.

My daughter is in yr 8 and she absolutely LOVES it.

The school are very encouraging and supportive. They are communicative and friendly. They gradually build the academics up, so the first year is not overwhelming.

What I also like is the fact they don’t give homework over the holidays so the kids actually get a proper break. They also do their main exams before the May half term so the kids don’t have their May half term spoilt by having to revise.

Only negative would be the B/C/D etc sports teams don’t do as many fixtures as the A Team.

Good luck with your choices

Hi, I've put in an application for my daughter to attend SCHS, but would welcome any feedback from parents with children already there. Thanks in advance