I am a senior school parent at SHS. It is true that the Head is leaving this half-term. It is not true that he has 'walked out'. Not really his style. The truth is nobody knows- there are lots of rumours but it's not appropriate to spread rumours when we dont know. It was certainly nothing untoward- He has been there for 8 yrs and did a lot of good. His focus has been very strongly on individual care of the girls and supporting them whatever happens through all the normal ups and downs of being a teenager. Latterly, things had not been going so well for him.
We were all taken by surprise by the announcement that he was leaving and we have been given little information as to why apart from 'personal and family reasons'. He will be returning at Easter to say goodbye.
Some people felt that he was 'over his sell by date' but for the most part, the school has carried on running as usual as the SHS staff are mostly long standing with a very strong, experienced and committed management team. He was a very nice man but a little old fashioned and not at all marketing minded, he also was not in tune with the girls...they didn't hate him but some felt that they had he wasn't in touch with them, particularly at the top end of the school. So apart from the surprise of him leaving so suddenly, it's business as usual. One of the assistant heads (specialising in pastoral care) who is a long standing member of staff, extremely professional, respected, approachable and popular with the girls and staff alike has been put in charge. This is a popular decision. She is very pleasant, has teens of her own so is very well versed in dealing with them but importantly is highly respected by the girls and whilst maintaining a good relationship with them is also able to say no when necessary. She has been there a long time and knows what needs to be done.
I would say the mum who says on an earlier post that SHS required you to be a certain type of girl is well out of date. This is indeed some of the improvement that can be attributed to the outgoing head. I would not say either that there are management problems as throughout these last couple of years (where it was clear to some that there were issues), the excellent long standing management team held it together very well for the girls. The teachers who are Heads of Year are very well selected and all in all the school runs well.
If I have a criticism of SHS it is that, as the girls get older, it becomes a little dull. Up to y9, it is great as it is the most turbulent time for teen girls and having a firm steady hand and a slightly old fashioned but supportive approach gets them through that period quite nicely. It is really from the middle of y10 that the school needs to allow the girls to grow up and treat them more like adults. It needs the windows open and some fresh air to blow through.
In terms of responsiveness to issues,the school treats parents very well. I have dealt with 3 different schools and I have been impressed with my ability to chase things up and get listened to by staff at SHS. They do show concern, they do apologise if necessary and they generally put things straight or give support where requested. Most parents report that staff have got their daughter absolutely sussed when they come out of parent/teacher meetings. Of course there are the odd exceptions but no school is perfect.
You dont say if you are considering the Junior School. That is a 'no brainer', it's brilliant. The senior school is solid and experienced and I do think that in the hands of the acting head it will take a turn for the better and that some extremely positive changes will take place in making the school a little more upbeat. It is not a perfect school but it is a very solid one. I know that the Governors are fully engaged in listening to parents who are all saying pretty similar things and from what I gather, they are in agreement with feedback...so it all bodes quite well. Like all schools at some time, it is going through a transition but I have to say, from the point of you of the girls and running of the school, this sudden loss of our head has gone pretty smoothly.
SHS has good relationships with other local schools in particular Sutton Grammar Boys with whom they do plays every two years and have joint concerts and choirs and the odd other events. It also has a good economic and racial mix which is also a great benefit.
My advice is to go and meet Mrs Crouch the acting head (who we all very much hope will apply for the permanent post). I think that should clear up any questions you may have. In any case you will get some very clear answers to any of your questions: this lady is excellent.
Of coure this is just my opinion...there are certainly others but I would encourage you to go there, meet Mrs Crouch and meet the girls.