Godstowe Girls School HighWycombe, BUCKS - any reviews?

[ONtherunmum]

Dear friends,

I wonder if anyone could give an honest opinion of Godstowe In Highwycombe Bucks?

And how far (time/mileage) are you prepared to travel to take your kids to school?

Thank you all.

Don't have any info on Godstowe (am in the area but have a DS). Considering anywhere inside 30mins for DS. I know lots of people will say that's too much but I went 30mins+ on the school bus from 5 and it was fine.

You can board there from the age of 6 according to this article.

EBDteacher and MollieO, Thank you so mcuh!

A friend's DDs go there, they love it, and she's very happy with it. I don't know any more than that though, as don't live nearby.

Re travel I too would say within 30 mins if possible..

As a parent I would say Godstowe is an excellent school in ways. Some of the teachers are outstanding. They all work very hard. There is a buzz about the place, it has energy and enthusiasm. The girls are happy mine certainly settled in quickly when they joined. There are some pushy girls, but they are managed well and I haven't heard of any bullying. Many parents travel long distances to get this this school, traffic in the morning is a factor. The school day is longer than other schools, particularly if you choose to participate in the tempting extra cirric. programme. (btw. I haven't seen any fencing!) Because of it's popularity, it is getting bigger and there are waiting lists in some years. We wouldn't like it to get too big. On a less positive note, you tend to get left to get on with things once you join! It can lack the warmth of a smaller school and with form teachers not teaching all subjects (i.e. specialist teachers) if you need to speak to a teacher about a particular subject area this isn't always easy. However with effort, you get to speak to who you need to and you are usually greeted with a listening ear and a pragmatic approach. The specialist teaching is proper specialist teaching i.e. they have studied the subject at A'level or above, and they do have a passion it. It's also a bit of a marketing machine, you won't find any slip ups in the newsletters and much of the PSHE teaching is subliminal ie. 'Confident, Happy, Successful' (you have to visit to see!)The other Mums are very friendly and it's not rife with school gate gossips!

@mumseywumsey, I am looking at Godstowe for both DD and DS but wondering what school in the area DS peel of to @7. Why is travel time 30mins. Arent there houses in the area? Any other downs about the school and strengths if more.

The boys all go to Caldicot when they leave Lodge at Godstowe. My daughter spent 7 years at Godstowe, feel free to PM me if you want any info.