Wiltshire girls school - Are any other parents worried about the standard of teaching at a small girls school in Wiltshire??

[GeorgeL1234]

Am I alone, or do other parents share my worries about the standard of teaching at a small girls school in Wiltshire? I would rather not give the name. The GCSE and A level results were not impressive for most of the girls. As in any school, there are always 4 or 5 children who would do well anywhere, but I see no added value for the majority of girls here. I live overseas, and out of touch with other parents, but I suspect my concerns are shared.

Don't think you are alone. If talking about the same school, staff are leaving in swarms. Suspect girls will follow if not sorted.

If it's where I am thinking, there have been concerns for years (ha-ha?). Some threads on here suggested they weren't too financially stable.

Oh..Perhaps they don't have funds to pay good staff. They charge enough - most expensive day and boarding fees in Wiltshire and probably in the world! Think it needs a shake up - new governing body may be a start. Do the current ones come from the professions ie lawyers, accountants, medical, education ? Good schools usually publish this info. Looks like the current ones doing it so their daughters get a better chance of being Head Girl - the current Head Girl's ma is part of the governing body. Mmm... Don't they say good leaders naturally attract good staff??? Now I'm worried.

Thx all. Not alone so can disclose St Mary's Calne is school in question. Worried too.

Why are staff leaving in swarms?? I know there has been a change in leadership.

The first few years from 11 + were a nice honeymoon period, but because of teaching standards we're moving our girl. Feels like their toying with her future. From our experience, they couldn't organise a pi.s up in a brewery (sorry!).

Not sure I understand this thread. it is September and we have just had the Summer Holidays. Which key staff have left out of interest? Is this based on personal disappointment?
On a different thought
In my experience some of the old style experienced teachers are NOT what is needed now. The last ten years have seen a revolution in the world of technology. The next ten will see this applied to education. What is needed are people that can take things forward and these can come from anywhere. If they are dynamic and inspirational and can relate to the kids they get my vote. Unfortunately being a School Teacher in one place for the last ten years might mean that you could be a little out of touch. (Bit controversial this!)

I am an outsider looking in and fascinated by this thread (have seen this school mentioned in the papers glossy magazines) . I thought "god" this school must be struggling to achieve GCSE passes at A- C judging from the remarks about the school, so I went to have a look on the Performance tables website "ST Mary's Calne Average A Level grade A, Average points 265.2 one of the best academic scores in the whole of the country.

Clearly the people complaining, really are out of touch with the real world!.

90% of the population worry about whether their children will get a job after University or School , where as you Public school lot call "state" school teachers for only helping your children achieve A grades at A level.

"...staff are leaving in swarms..."

A few older staff have retired, another left because of their spouse's illness and two younger staff (who IMHO were inexperienced, disruptive and out of their depth) have left. Hurrah!

To answer the question - have grades slipped this year? Maybe, maybe not. It really depends on the cohort in a particular year. The school is not as selective as one may think, the pass rates for the entrance exams are not particularly high. In fact a number of girls are offered places based on 'potential' rather than sit an exam.

I know this is an old thread, but any current parents out there who can give an update on how things are going. The A level results looked OK to me, no sign of GCSE results on the website. School looks very pleasant and girls seem to be very active and successful at what they do. But marketing material generally looks good doesn't it?! Can anyone give me their thoughts on their current experience?