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Original poster

Surbiton High School?

54 replies

Chooknhook · 29/01/2014 11:11

Hello, my DD has just been offered a place in Y7 from Sept 2014. We really didn't expect her to be offered a place (due to the extremely high demand) so haven't really looked at it seriously until now. Looking on MN I see that many of the opinions expressed are a little dated, are there any members who have DDs there at the moment? I was a little concerned to read the post regarding the current head, but having seen her at the school think that this opinion must have changed? Any up to date views good or bad would be really appreciated. Many thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
Chooknhook · 29/01/2014 15:24

Thank you all for you thoughts, I too am shocked at this years Head turnover Shock. The Heads at SWPS, KGS and Wimbledon High are all changing at the end of this year. So difficult to choose a school anyway without throwing in the uncertainty of a new SMT? I was even more sorry to hear that the lovely Mr.Dunlop (KGS 1st Yr Mentor) is leaving too. My DD chose that as her absolute 1st choice of school because of him... Sad
Does anyone have any experience of SWPS?

OP posts:
Hulahaha · 29/01/2014 14:28

I have a DD there - she loves it . It ticks all the boxes. So glad she went there . The teachers really get to know the pupils and the pastoral care is very good .

cakeisalwaystheanswer · 29/01/2014 14:27

Its going to be even bigger now, they've just bought the big office building next door which they will convert to classrooms. They already have a couple of 7 form entry years, this could push it even higher.
I am surprised they haven't made a public announcement because some parents will feel unhappy if they accept a place at a medium size school and it turns out to be a very big year group. This affects sporting opportunities etc as well as putting a big strain on limited resources. You also end up with a very different school.
With the current rate of headteacher turnover, I don't think anyone locally will choose a school because they like the head! I have friends still in a state of shock that the KGS head didn't confide in them that she was applying for other jobs at open day!

DalmationDots · 29/01/2014 14:08

DD didn't go there, my DD was at Guildford High though and the now current SHS head taught DD when she used to work at GHS as deputy head. The now SHS-head, when at GHS, was very highly regarded, she is a very positive, fair and professional person. Her passion for education and her school is obvious.
Know good friends with DC at Surbiton and all say it is brilliant. There is apparently a real buzz and energy. Loads of opportunities and different things going on and, from what I've heard, standards not just academically but in terms of the presentation and organisation of the school in all areas are improving.
It is a big school, 6 forms I think, so something to consider but definitely only hearing positive things from friends.