Nottingham Girls High School (junior school)

[TomboyFemme]

We will be moving to Notts in the new year and are considering NGHS for our daughter. She will be going into Y2. Does anyone have a daughter there? Any good or bad experiences to share? We've done a lot of looking online and like the look of it and have a visit booked this month to look around but would appreciate first hand experiences 😊 thanks

There are a few posters on here who randomly pop up with basically adverts full of praise for it - just to warn you and take it with a pinch of salt if they do pop up.

It's not one I know well to be honest - I had a job interview at Hollygirt and that was lovely, but yonks ago now, but most of the families we know who've gone independent are at Trent College and seem pretty happy with it (we considered it for our daughters via the bank of grandma and grandad but we're very happy with where they are in state infants as it presently stands after one school move from an absolutely shite primary ).

I have two daughters in the junior school and they absolutely love it. The whole ethos of the place is very positive. While it is a very academic school, equal value is placed on the theory ‘happy girls thrive’. Observing my daughters over the last few years, I would certainly say that is true. The personal characteristics of resilience, empathy, initiative, and creativity, are considered important & rewarded. The teachers (and junior Head) are very responsive and accessible, and there are ample opportunities to visit and observe the classrooms/facilities.

Given you mention Y2 specifically, I will say that seven new girls started in Y2 this past September. I know several of those parents, and they have all said they’ve been really happy with the transition and their daughters first year at NGHS.

The school is located in the city itself, so is in a pretty urban spot, but I don’t see that as a downside, apart from maybe the parking. Other than that, really don’t have anything negative to say about the school.

Not quite sure what Bing is alluding too, especially as she states, “It’s not one I know well….” Personally, I’ve never posted about my daughters attending the school before.

Thanks both, really helpful. Good to know it's not unusual for girls to start in Y2, too

Neshobe - we've had a few drive by posters from completely new users suddenly singing the praises of the school totally at random of late - that's all I mean. Spammer adverts and NGHS was one that at one point indulged in it - possibly just some well intentioned parents but it does tend to discredit schools and companies when they do it so blatantly.

Not one I'd choose for my kids cos there's no way I'd be doing with that traffic and parking every day though! Seriously screw Nottingham traffic.

Oops- sorry I think I may be one of the well intentioned parents mentioned above. I am a long time mumsnet user / lurker and name changed when we moved to Nottingham. I posted then asking for advice on schools and chose NGHS. I genuinely can’t praise the school enough and apologies if my slightly gushy posts are annoying others! ( reading back perhaps sound a bit OTT- was obviously feeling happy that day! )
Still a very happy parent though and stand by what I wrote - visit and make your own mind up.

Good luck with the school decisions, it is a stressful time.

I used to work there. Members of staff are treated well. A lot is expected of everyone, but a lot is given. I have very fond memories of NGHS and if I were to move back to the area would definitely send dd there.

And yes Bing- I share your sentiments about Nottingham traffic .... I live in hope that one day a tram will be built out my side of town 🤞(wishful thinking!)

Have ours! It never bloody works and the effing chaos it caused building the bugger was ridiculous. Well I say building it - more construction seemed to take place going between Greggs and the bookies and then standing around a hole playing Candy Crush on their phones than actual construction!

Old girl here. The junior school is excellent, it's challenging but the extra curricular activities and pastoral care are excellent.

You can't compare NGHS and Trent College. Trent (and Hollygirt) take the children that can't get into the High Schools. Each have their place, but if your child is capable of going to the High School you wouldn't turn it down for the others.

And if you live on a tram route you've no problems with traffic. Thousands use it to get to work and school with no problems, aside from the odd delay it certainly does work.

Even driving in isn’t that bad- there is an unofficial one-way around the school and things seem to flow. I arrived early for the first term so could guarantee my choice of parking spot but am much more relaxed about it now! Wrap around care is very reasonable and the canteen serves lovely breakfasts to families so actually arrival times and pick ups are more staggered than you might think.

Thanks again, all.

Bombardier, when you say "capable of getting in"... is it difficult? What are they looking for?

Sorry just seen this thread. I understand what bombardier is saying but that is what I think of as typical NGHS arrogance!

I had family children go through NGHS and the High school and spent a short time working at Trent College.

In my opinion the schools are just different rather than better or worse. If your child is bright they will maximise their ability whichever of the private schools you choose.

The high school (formally boys now mixed) is seen as a hot house for academic children, quite pressured and does get good results. NGHS has really focused on the girls only angle as this is what sets them apart, I am not keen on it at secondary myself but that’s my personal opinion, not sure it’s an issue at primary level.

The Elms (Trent college) doesn’t have real testing for children coming in at this age although they will want to ensure she would fit in and be the right school for her. Later on in the school life there is testing to continue to trent but it isn’t as academically selective.

It’s hard to compare private schools without knowing what you want and what your child is like, elms is a more rounded education and they excel at sport, music, drama as well as academia. This means days can be quite long and might not suit all. They also currently have Saturday school from (I think) year 9 onwards.

I think visiting all the schools is important and deciding on what’s most important to you and your child.

Old thread, but feel the need to share my thoughts. Good Junior school and Head, been pleased with it.

However, being asked to pay fees for 5 (!) months after my child has left because of a notice period is unreasonable, unnecessary and morally wrong. I am disappointed in the organisation and will be passing on my thoughts to the many parents I know to advise them to consider other school options.

But that's how a notice period works! if you don't give notice, you are liable for the following term. If you had given notice, the school could have given your child's place to a new joiner, but if you don't, that place needs to be paid for. Independent schools often have a tight line to tread to balance the books, contrary to popular opinion...