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Secondary education

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Original poster

Nonsuch High School - is it still very desirable?

26 replies

NetflixParents · 06/10/2021 10:52

I see many threads here about fancy schools like Tiffin Girls, St Pauls Girls School, Lady Eleanor, etc.

But Nonsuch Girls High always felt like a really academic, nice school in a great setting to me. Is it still considered a great secondary school or not to aim for? Their A-level results aren't as good as their GCSEs for some reason and I still don't understand why. Also I don't see many people asking about it that's all.

OP posts:
BigSandyBalls2015 · 06/10/2021 10:53

I think there has been some controversy in recent years, but I can't remember what! Sorry, that's not helpful. Have a search on here, I'm sure there's been threads.

cricketjoys85 · 06/10/2021 13:43

@NetflixParents , it's partly due to the location of Nonsuch and other grammar options in the area.

Lockdowndramaqueen · 06/10/2021 15:28

There were issues with leadership a few years ago - the new head since 2017 seems great - former deputy at Tiffin girls. We loved the feel of it and love the setting/ some of the unusual options - own observatory, access to a pool, offers more languages and seems to have excellent co-curricular run by staff not sixth formers as at Tiffin. I think it’s a great option.

Original poster
NetflixParents · 06/10/2021 15:53

That is so reassuring to hear. Thank you!!! Out of curiosity, do you know what the leadership issues were pre 2017? The school still seemed to be doing well academically and high on league tables.

OP posts:
Lockdowndramaqueen · 06/10/2021 16:25

@NetflixParents I don’t I’m afraid I just know there were some issues.

BumbledBee · 06/10/2021 16:37

Definitely a desirable school judging by the numbers at the exams the other week!
We live locally and know lots of very happy girls (and parents) there.

I am aware of an incident last year where the school were accused of not handling a racism complaint (between students) well; and something controversial was printed in a magazine written by sixth formers.

My partner used to work there and had a really positive experience too.
It's my DD's first choice school.

1forward2back · 06/10/2021 21:49

For me, it’s just massive! The year groups are up to 240 and the nature of the school seems very test- focused, but if that’s what would suit your DD then it’s definitely still desirable for many. I worry they have a reputation for poor support for pastoral stuff - as someone has said they made press for racism. It’s always had amazing results but they are selecting from 3000 kids sitting the tests so of course results would be great. We are trying for grammar for DD but still unsure as open days only virtual

Maverick197 · 07/10/2021 08:15

If you search on MN under Nonsuch you should find a similar thread from earlier this year.

My DD goes to Nonsuch, it is our closest school so that was a big deciding factor for us and we didn't really search high and low for other schools that may have been considered more desirable. It fits my DDs needs for a good education without having to travel far. We had the local comp as a back up option.

BendingSpoons · 07/10/2021 13:19

The Head teacher was sacked for 'unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour' and 'safeguarding breaches'. He apparently sent emails to a sixth former from a personal email account. There was also an issue where their school magazine had an article giving advice from sixth formers to other students. It contained a link to a website which also had information on breast binding (I think).

It's still a very desirable school locally and targeted by many local parents, including people moving to the area for the grammars.

Maverick197 · 07/10/2021 14:24

The old Headmaster was sacked in 2015, so that story is very old news.
Nonsuch has had strong leadership in the form of Ms Cavilla for many years now.

tez67 · 26/12/2021 23:53

The incident that happened a few years back was when the headteacher was sacked for sending students emails from a private email address. My daughter goes there and I'm not happy with Ms Cavilla (current headteacher). The racism incident that happened last year was very sad. The teachers didn't deal with the students who made racist comments well and that resulted in most of the students doing a protest which I completely understand why. My son is in Sutton Grammar School which is nearby. He's currently in Sixth Form and he's loved the school ever since he joined in Year 7. However my daughter hasn't enjoyed Nonsuch at all and if Sutton Grammar was co-ed, I wouldn't hesitate to send her there. If you are planning to send your child to Nonsuch or to any school, please do some research beforehand and get opinions from students and parents not just the website!

KeepingTheWormsQuiet · 27/12/2021 00:10

My DD is at Nonsuch. As far as I understand it the "racism" incident at the school was that a girl said something on a WhatsApp group and it all kicked off. The school had an assembly telling the girls that they mustn't bully this girl. Obviously, the school has a duty to protect all its students from being bullied. This set off the racism allegation. Instead of standing up for its unlikely to be racist teachers, the headteacher has made them do endless diversity training. The girls had some protests and this made the newspapers.

The other incident, which made the papers was that the school sent out an LGBT newsletter written by sixth formers to all girls without checking it (the head admitted it this in a letter to parents). The newsletter contained a piece on "how to bind safely". The Safe School Alliance reported the school to the DofE for promoting this dangerous practice. A few weeks later the school had an Ofsted inspection.

The school does have a lot of girls going elsewhere for sixth form and my DD says she wants to leave then too. My sons are/were at Wilson's and most boys stay there for the sixth form.

The other thing which is annoying is that the school avoids using the words "girl", "daughter" and "she" in their newsletters and letters. It's always "child", "student" and "they". They have been well Stonewalled. I complained about it and Ms Cavilla said that the avoidance of female words is to be "inclusive". It's a bloody school for girls and they act like there is something wrong with female words.

Surreyhillsbutnobike · 27/12/2021 15:20

@KeepingTheWormsQuiet

My DD is at Nonsuch. As far as I understand it the "racism" incident at the school was that a girl said something on a WhatsApp group and it all kicked off. The school had an assembly telling the girls that they mustn't bully this girl. Obviously, the school has a duty to protect all its students from being bullied. This set off the racism allegation. Instead of standing up for its unlikely to be racist teachers, the headteacher has made them do endless diversity training. The girls had some protests and this made the newspapers.

The other incident, which made the papers was that the school sent out an LGBT newsletter written by sixth formers to all girls without checking it (the head admitted it this in a letter to parents). The newsletter contained a piece on "how to bind safely". The Safe School Alliance reported the school to the DofE for promoting this dangerous practice. A few weeks later the school had an Ofsted inspection.

The school does have a lot of girls going elsewhere for sixth form and my DD says she wants to leave then too. My sons are/were at Wilson's and most boys stay there for the sixth form.

The other thing which is annoying is that the school avoids using the words "girl", "daughter" and "she" in their newsletters and letters. It's always "child", "student" and "they". They have been well Stonewalled. I complained about it and Ms Cavilla said that the avoidance of female words is to be "inclusive". It's a bloody school for girls and they act like there is something wrong with female words.

Totally agree with all of this. Leadership seem to lack control
whataboutbob · 27/12/2021 20:24

It sounds like a feeder school for Sussex university!

Original poster
NetflixParents · 27/12/2021 22:15

So if you had a talented daughter, would you say it would therefore be worth moving such that they can be within catchment to consider tiffin as an alternative (assuming ridiculously good academics)?

Why is nonsuch considered to be attractive yet I see these comments above which does not sound great at all particularly with the leadership, and also a feeder to sussex does not seem worthy to get into..

OP posts:
Goawayangryman · 27/12/2021 22:24

Netflix I think the feeder to Sussex uni comment was a joke.

If you have a really bright kid, they will do well in most state secondaries in London. Why do you particularly want a girls grammar? I mean if you want it then that is fine, but bear in mind that they get good GCSE results because they are highly academically selective.

Chocalata · 28/12/2021 09:11

@NetflixParents
Every single secondary school (grammar, comp, private) in the UK comes with pro's and con's and they will all have an incident or two which will make the press/local Facebook pages each year. I have three children and live in a different area, and nothing I have read on here would put me off the school. If it feels right when you visit then go for it. I think parents can get too bogged down in finding the 'perfect' fit when there is really no such thing.

LadyWithLapdog · 28/12/2021 09:41

Don't worry, OP, it's a good school. Good luck to your DD.

KeepingTheWormsQuiet · 28/12/2021 10:51

Having said all the above, it is a good school with well behaved girls. It's in a nice, safe area next to the park and I like the buildings. I think it's good for my daughter to learn with other bright girls. She got a high score place (rather than an in catchment place) so I'm not worried about her having just scraped in and not keeping up.

LadyWithLapdog · 28/12/2021 11:27

I didn't pay much attention to the language used, but I notice a clear use of "daughters" in the latest newsletter.

Nonsuch High School - is it still very desirable?
KatPi · 21/03/2024 10:56

Nonsuch has gone down so much, I would strongly recommend for no one to let their child go there. It has major safeguarding issues, with completely indifferent, abusive, belligerent and incompetent staff!

LadyWithLapdog · 21/03/2024 18:31

That’s harsh and unfounded

MarchingFrogs · 22/03/2024 00:36

LadyWithLapdog · 21/03/2024 18:31

That’s harsh and unfounded

Someone trying to reduce the numbers above their DD on the waiting list...?

KatPi · 22/03/2024 05:45

LadyWithLapdog · 21/03/2024 18:31

That’s harsh and unfounded

It’s not unfounded nor harsh. It’s the truth. I am unable to disclose a number of incidents that have occurred in the last year, that have completely changed my opinion of the school. This is safeguarding side.
Furthermore, there is the professional side. From what I know, they are hiring new, inexperienced teachers, making 25/26-year-olds HOD’s. And, Head of School is leaving. I cannot say more.
But you can take it however you will.
Oh, and I assure you I have no DD trying to get in. If I did, that would be a school I’d avoid. Who in their right mind wants to traumatise their child?

NotGoingToLie · 22/03/2024 06:22

Visited it and thought it was a Stonewall outpost such was the emphasis on LGBTQIA++++ 🙄🙄🙄