Surbiton High School - any advice please?

[Julia1972]

Hi

I am posting this again as I have not had much response. Considering Surbiton High School after getting an offer at 11+. Just trying to get a feel for the school from current parents, academic breadth, general ethos and atmosphere. If any current parent can provide some thoughts, they would be much appreciated. Thanks

@Julia, I'm just bumping this up for you as I've responded before but have you been to the open day for offers as you get another tour and you can meet the other dd/parents who are thinking of accepting?
It might help your post if you say what other school exams your dd sat so Mumsnetters can refer to how SHS differs or is the same.

In the absence of any other replies, we have been very happy so far with our DD’s experience at the school (now yr9). She is very much a middle of the pack kid who plays a lot of sports and absolutely loves it.

The work load seems reasonable, there are huge sports opportunities and a bunch of other clubs. The atmosphere is pleasant and the school has a supportive ethos. We have been very pleased with the choice.

All kids are different, so it might not suit everyone but it certainly works for our DD. If you have other choices my advice is to think which one feels like the best fit for your daughter, based on what you have seen. Don’t get obsessed by exam result league tables - straight A students will get straight As at any of the usual SW London private schools.

Hi thanks for your replies, that's very helpful. My DD now has offers from Emanuel, Ibstock and SHS so we are considering all three. Generally prefer co-ed but we really liked SHS and think it's a good fit. Will post again to see if anyone else considering these three schools.

My daughter is year 8 at Surbiton and loves it.
I have posted before about our initial disappointment at not making it into WHS off the wait list - however we now wouldn't change it for anything.
We love that her class has a great mix of backgrounds and abilities. Each class has scholars ( girls attracted from the other schools with very favourable scholarships ) these set high standards and aspirations. However the range of abilities is wide and all the girls are made to feel valued. It has a good balance of not overloading with work , and an incredible mix of extra curricular. The sport is amazing and an integral part of the school. No school is perfect and Surbiton is big, and like any all girls school has to navigate the difficult world of teenage girls - but so far they have done it well.
Where do you live ? I think that would help determine it - travelling to and from school and being able to join the after school clubs is crucial in secondary. If you have any specific questions do ask away.

@Julia1972 re read my message and realised it might not have made sense - I meant each class has scholars who would have likely got into the more academic schools but are attracted to Surbiton by very favourable scholarships - so they set academic standards high. ( in answer to your academic breadth question !)