Hi OP, just looked at Google, seems that review was posted some time back, literally just under 4 years in fact. I've been there's for a long time, and like other Google reviewers on the school, I have no idea what the bag rule is. I'm well connected across multiple year group chat groups, so keep my ear to the ground.
Like you say, and it cannot be avoided, it is a very popular school and that seems to come from parents considering it as being a 'pretty good' all-rounder with no big cons. I know, from experience, there will always been issues when schools and kids are involved, especially girls(!), from time to time - I know all too well that sometimes relationships can be complex! Occasionally there are rumours from my daughter about friction or issues between friends, but it's usually followed up by the fact that the teachers or wellbeing centre are 'all over it' and 'it will be ok', so 'not worried'.
The new Headteacher is very focused on wellbeing and pastoral care, we've had minor bumps in the road ourselves and I can assure you the rhetoric is met by action, its by no means a skin deep policy.
If I had to extract some negatives for you:
- There has been a renwed focus on academics since the new Head arrived, the girls are assessed a lot more, which can put quite a bit of pressure on the girls, mostly in exam years. This is tempered by a decent wellbeing side to study. Plus the grades have gone up. But the pressure is up slightly.
- Site is small and city centred, meaning onsite sports provison (I.e. playing fields) is not there. However, there is a new home ground sports facility being built just 10 mins walk from the site.
- Initially, in the new Headteachers first few years there was a small amount of turnover with staff, this was noted by some parents. I guess when new Heads arrive they do make changes and some people no longer feel part of the mission. That seems to have stabalised in the last 2 years (teacher list hasn't changed), but some people do moan about it - not sure why.
Anyway, any specifics please ask. I don't know your year of entry (11+?) Or your daughters' current school, but tormead is defo worth putting on your open morning list.