Croydon High School
Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon, CR2 8YB
Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon, CR2 8YB
Pupils
750
Ages
2 - 18
Gender
Girls
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Ms Davies Annabel
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,621 to £6,231
ISC Associations
GSA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
Croydon High School, a distinguished member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, offers a comprehensive education for girls aged two to 18. Situated in a leafy area, the school provides a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. The school’s ethos is rooted in a commitment to all faiths, promoting inclusivity and diversity among its students.
The school’s academic structure is well-organised, with entry points at nursery, reception, and year 3, allowing girls to join the school community early on. By year 7, nearly half of the intake progresses from the junior department, while the other half comes from a variety of state primaries and private preps. This blend of backgrounds enriches the school’s community, creating a dynamic and diverse learning environment.
Academically, the school sets a solid foundation with a minimum requirement of 40 points from the six highest GCSE grades to enter the sixth form. This threshold ensures that students are well-prepared for the rigours of A-level studies. The school offers a broad range of subjects, with a strong emphasis on Maths and Sciences, reflecting a trend towards these disciplines. Psychology is also a popular choice, alongside Sociology, Politics, and Music Technology. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is encouraged, enhancing research skills and preparing students for competitive university applications.
The school’s commitment to teaching and learning is evident from the early years, with positive reinforcement and recognition of achievements. Phonics and French are introduced from reception, and Latin is added in year 6. Students typically study two modern foreign languages plus Latin in years 7-9, with most continuing with two languages through to GCSE. The sciences are taught in well-equipped labs, and students generally sit for 10 GCSEs, with a few opting for nine.
The arts and extra-curricular activities are a vibrant part of school life. The school boasts an Artsmark gold award, reflecting the high quality of its arts offerings. Specialist art lessons from year 3 lay the groundwork for strong GCSE results. Music and drama are integral, with around 200 music lessons taking place weekly in the senior school. The school hosts an annual musical theatre production, involving students from years 5 to 13, and offers a wide range of clubs, including the Afro-Caribbean society and the neurodiversity club.
Sport is a standout feature, with netball, hockey, and swimming being particularly popular. The school’s facilities include tennis courts, an Astro pitch, and a sports hall, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in various sports. The introduction of water polo in 2022 has been well-received, adding to the diverse sporting options available.
Pastoral care is a priority, with a focus on wellbeing and mental health. The school’s wellbeing hub offers professional services, and a buddy system pairs younger students with older ones to foster a supportive community. The school’s founder, Dorinda Neligan, was a pioneering figure in women’s suffrage, and her legacy of empowerment and distinction continues to inspire the school’s ethos.
The school’s alumni network is active, with former students achieving success in various fields, including media, law, and medicine. The school’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its student body, which spans a wide range of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
In conclusion, Croydon High School offers a rich and varied educational experience, combining academic rigour with a strong emphasis on personal development. Its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and excellence makes it a standout choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their daughters. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.
Croydon High School GDST, an independent single-sex day school for girls, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1874. Originally located in the center of Croydon, the school moved to its current site in 1966. It operates under the governance of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST), which provides oversight and retains legal responsibility, while a local governing body offers additional support. The school comprises a junior school, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and a senior school, catering for students aged 3 to 18. As of October 2022, the school has an enrollment of 750 pupils, with a diverse demographic primarily drawn from families living within a 15-mile radius.
The school aims to deliver a vibrant curriculum complemented by a variety of co-curricular activities, preparing pupils to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Its educational philosophy emphasizes a balance between challenge and individual support, encapsulated in the mantra every girl, every day. The school prides itself on fostering an inclusive environment, catering for a wide range of abilities, including 91 pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school also supports pupils for whom English is an additional language (EAL).
The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in October 2022 confirmed that Croydon High School meets all the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to safeguarding, promoting the welfare of pupils, and ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. The school has established effective measures to prevent bullying and promote good behavior, alongside maintaining health and safety standards, including fire safety and first aid provisions.
The quality of education provided at Croydon High School is commendable. In the junior school, the school's assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. Similarly, the senior school's GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022 reflect strong academic performance, demonstrating that pupils are achieving well in their studies. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that pupils receive a broad and balanced education. The school also provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and involving parental consultation.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages pupils to engage with their community and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with comprehensive arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school maintains appropriate supervision, keeps accurate attendance records, and implements a strategic approach to risk assessment.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, confirming that the school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the safety of those working with pupils. The premises and accommodation are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play.
In terms of information provision, the school publishes a range of materials for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, detailing its ethos, curriculum, and policies on admissions, behavior, and health and safety. The complaints procedure is effectively managed, allowing for a three-stage process that ensures parental concerns are addressed appropriately.
Leadership and management at Croydon High School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively to ensure that standards are consistently met. The leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal development.
The educational quality inspection revealed that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils exhibit high levels of knowledge, skills, and understanding across the curriculum, demonstrating strong communication and critical thinking abilities. They are motivated learners, eager to engage with the diverse opportunities available to them. The school encourages pupils to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills, with a focus on applying knowledge in various contexts.
Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent. They display self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to make informed decisions. The school fosters a culture of reflection and self-improvement, encouraging pupils to learn from their mistakes. Pupils engage in collaborative work, demonstrating strong teamwork skills and a commitment to achieving common goals. They actively contribute to their community, participating in various initiatives and outreach programs.
The school promotes an understanding of diversity and encourages respect among pupils. They engage in discussions about social issues and demonstrate a strong awareness of different cultures and perspectives. Pupils are encouraged to express their spirituality and engage in activities that promote personal reflection and mindfulness.
Pupils are well-informed about health and safety, understanding the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. They participate in various sporting activities and demonstrate a mature understanding of issues related to consent and personal safety. The school provides a supportive environment for open discussions, allowing pupils to explore sensitive topics in a safe space.
Overall, Croydon High School GDST exemplifies a commitment to providing a high-quality education that nurtures both academic and personal development. The school's focus on individual support, community engagement, and the promotion of well-being ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The recent inspection findings affirm the school's dedication to maintaining high standards and continuously improving the educational experience for all its pupils.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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