Loughborough High School

[Autumn74]

Looking for opinions on Loughborough High School for girls. Considering the school for my DD and would be interested to hear opinions from those who have chosen the school for their daughters and also those that decided on a different school. I hear incredibly mixed reviews and more disgruntled parents than happy ones but maybe just a case of those that are happy don't shout about it?

It's a very selective school (more so than others locally) and although single sex does benefit from being part of the wider Foundation, meaning girls can mix with boy at the Grammar and boys and girls at Amherst. This is particularly the case at Sixth Form and in extra curricular activities like drama and music - so the best of both!

Amherst is also another local option - smaller, less academically selective but growing in popularity - I hear it is now operating a waiting list for certain year groups.

Thank you. I had heard that Amherst was a lovely school just not sure that academically it would be quite right for DD as she thrives in a competitive academic environment.

The High School is strong academically, so it sounds like it may be a perfect fit. They are running lots of taster days/tours at the moment, so you may want to check it out!

Thank you. Yes academically I think she's would do well there just interested to know what current parents think of the pastoral care, opportunities for the girls and whether it feels like the poor relation to the Grammar school in terms of facilities. I saw in the Leicester Mercury that the Grammar School staff had gone on strike over pensions and lack of confidence in the governors and wondered if the leadership of the schools was stable at the moment.

I have a child at one of the other schools - so only anecdotal experience of the High. The current Head is very good, and very committed to helping girls find their voice and have confidence in female leadership/achievement. I don't know about the pastoral side of things as much, but the school is well lead and the parents I know of are very happy with the school and support and opportunities it is providing to their daughter.

Thank you, that is good to hear!

you're welcome - good luck in choosing the right school, and to your daughter if she decides to sit the entrance exam.

Hello Autumn74, it’s a big consideration choosing the right school for your daughter and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A wrong decision can shape her future! Allegedly the embedded culture of LHS is that if your daughter does not fit “The mould” you will be wasting your money. I’ve heard anecdotally the staff and leadership team do not care about the individual if they dare to have a personality, all they care about is a league table. Rumour has it the pastoral care team are horrible to the pupils. Again, allegedly, teachers have their favourite pupils and are downright bully’s to the ones who don’t high achieve or have a little bit of spark about them. If your daughter is a quiet,

dull and robot type LHS is definitely the school for her. Good luck looking and I hope this information helps with your choice!

Bump

Daisy1812, completely agree with what you are saying… the school and staff are truly awful… do not waste your money.

Thank you Daisy and Lily. I have previously heard these sorts of comments made about the school but I'd hope under the new headship the culture might have changed. Do you mind me asking if your experience of the school is recent and also what senior schools would you recommend?

Hello Autumn 74, I would say the culture has been like it for a number of years and probably won’t change. Depending on where you live I’d probably go for the the best rated state school or the most believable sales pitch from the independents.

It's not anywhere near as selective now, admissions are now made on a commercial basis (viz, can the parents pay) rather than on pupil ability. Staff are overworked and not well supported, so whilst I sent my own children there, I'm glad I don't need to make such a decision again. It's very expensive and not necessarily great value. Favouritism is rife. The Head is less than fair. From my own experience.

Good luck...