St Swithin's honest experience

[kindercatmum]

Hi.
Can anyone give some insight into st Swithurns for day girls?
We are / were considering it for our DD.
But over the weekend met up with an old friend who attended. We have been told some true horror stories of bullying, very bitchy girls and some awful materialistic behaviour. It has really put us off.
Our friend is a very high achiever and has done very well in life so this was all rather shocking.
So for a studious achedemic girl who doesn't like ball sports with parents who can't afford designer clothes? is it a big fat no?
Friend is now in her 40's so I'm hoping it may have changed???

please ignore typo in name - didn't have glasses on

I'd also love some feedback on St Swithun's. I'm considering it for my girls. Interested in prep and seniors

Our DD is currently at St Swithuns. We are that parent who can’t afford designer clothes and have been fine.

There will be cliques of bitchy girls at EVERY school independent or state. It’s not a particular problem at St Swithuns and they manage pastoral issues really well. Our DD is in a lovely group of friends who are all really supportive of one another. Some have rich parents others have escaped war zones. We are probably the lower income end of the group but it’s hard to really tell and it doesn’t matter.

When she first went there we were worried because she can be a bit aloof and geeky and had problems at a previous school but the staff are very supportive and have the time to nip any issues in the bud really quickly so things don’t get out of hand.

There are plenty of activities even for those not sporty. Computer gaming, Greenpower (building and racing electric race cars), Mahjong are just some examples