Sutton High School
55 Cheam Road, Sutton, SM1 2AX
Pupils
847
Ages
3 - 18
Gender
Girls
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Beth Dawson
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,766 to £6,357
ISC Associations
GSA, AGBIS, ISBA, IAPS
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Sutton High School
Sutton High School, located in the leafy suburb of Sutton, offers a comprehensive educational experience for girls aged three to 18. The school is known for its strong pastoral care and a curriculum that balances traditional subjects with modern educational practices. Girls can join the nursery from the half term before their third birthday and progress to reception at age four. The school provides an informal play session, ‘get ready for Sutton High Prep School day,’ to help younger children transition smoothly.
The school places a strong emphasis on identifying and nurturing potential, with assessment tests for girls from age six. The headteacher highlights the importance of adaptability to a fast-paced curriculum, which includes specialist teachers for subjects such as French, PE, and Music. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, although it may not suit every child.
The nursery and prep sections are housed in Fernwood House, a brand-new, purpose-built facility. Here, the focus is on developing basic literacy and numeracy skills through structured play, fostering independence and confidence. As students progress, core subjects like English and Maths become central, complemented by Music, Drama, and Sport. The school introduces French from nursery, Spanish from year three, and Latin from year six, with subject specialists for PE, Music, and languages.
Parents appreciate the personalised attention their children receive, with teachers adapting to each girl’s learning style. This tailored approach is supported by detailed tracking of students’ progress. However, some parents express concerns about class sizes, which can exceed 25, a number comparable to state schools.
The school is proactive in identifying special educational needs (SEN), with around seven per cent of students receiving support. The part-time Head of Learning Support is classroom-based, ensuring SEN is integrated into everyday learning. Despite this, some parents are hesitant to disclose their child’s SEN due to concerns about stigma.
Facilities at the school are well-maintained, with a well-stocked library and an impressive science lab. The corridors are vibrant, showcasing students’ art, poetry, and achievements. The school offers a wide range of curriculum-enhancing day trips and residential trips, starting from year four. Drama is integrated into the English curriculum, and the dedicated music teacher works hard to link music with other subjects, producing two major concerts annually.
Sport is a significant part of school life, with a variety of fixtures and opportunities for all students. The school boasts a 25m indoor pool, a refurbished gym, and a modern dance studio, shared with the senior school. Prep school children have access to three hard courts and a small field.
The school’s approach to discipline focuses on positive reinforcement, with an emphasis on ‘golden rules’ for younger students and ‘right track’ for older girls. Occasional bullying is addressed promptly, and the school maintains high expectations for uniform neatness. The food is excellent, with a wide range of choices available.
With 60 extra-curricular clubs, students have ample opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom. The school offers wraparound care, breakfast, and homework clubs, making it a convenient choice for working parents. The proximity to Sutton station allows for easy commuting, with some parents opting for the minibus or driving.
The school offers five scholarships in sport, music, art, and academics for year six students. It is a non-denominational school with a focus on academic excellence and personal development. Parents hail from various areas, including Wimbledon, Southfields, and Epsom, with many working in the City or running their own businesses.
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ISI Review
Sutton High School GDST is an independent day school for girls located in Sutton, Surrey. Established in 1884, the school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) and serves students from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to the sixth form. The school aims to inspire a love of learning and a sense of belonging among its pupils, empowering them to embrace challenges and develop independence in preparation for their future lives. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various cultural backgrounds and geographical areas. The school has identified a number of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and provides tailored support to ensure all pupils can thrive.
The recent inspection report highlights that Sutton High School meets the Independent School Standards and relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The school has undergone significant changes since the last inspection, including the appointment of a new head and chair of the governing board, as well as extensive refurbishment of teaching and communal spaces. The school remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic for key workers' children and provided remote learning materials for all pupils during periods of closure. The inspection was conducted partly remotely and partly on-site to adhere to health guidelines.
The quality of education provided at Sutton High School is rated as good, with pupils making strong progress across all year groups. 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 emphasizes effective behavior management and utilizes suitable resources to enhance learning. Pupils receive comprehensive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents to develop its policies in line with statutory guidance.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to be tolerant and respectful individuals, contributing positively to their community. The school has established a strong culture of understanding and inclusivity, which is reflected in the pupils' behavior and interactions with one another.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with robust arrangements in place to safeguard students and promote their well-being. The school meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety, and has provisions for first aid. Staff suitability checks are conducted appropriately, ensuring that all individuals working with pupils are fit for their roles.
The premises and accommodation at Sutton High School are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The school has adequate outdoor space for physical education and play, and the facilities are conducive to a safe and healthy learning environment.
Information is effectively communicated to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and policies regarding admissions, behavior, and health and safety. The school has a clear complaints procedure in place, which is handled effectively through a structured process.
Leadership and management at Sutton High School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that the school's standards are consistently met. The leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils and fosters a positive school culture.
The educational quality inspection reveals that the academic achievements of pupils are excellent. Students make rapid progress across a wide range of subjects, reflecting the school's commitment to inspiring pupils to embrace academic challenges. A significant proportion of pupils achieve high grades at both GCSE and A-level, with many demonstrating strong communication skills and a high level of engagement in their learning.
Pupils exhibit excellent personal development, characterized by confidence, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility. They actively participate in extracurricular activities, showcasing their talents in sports, music, and the arts. The school encourages pupils to reflect on their learning and personal growth, fostering a culture of self-awareness and resilience.
Overall, Sutton High School GDST provides a nurturing and challenging environment for girls, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their future endeavors. The school's commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement is evident in the positive experiences of its pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024