Surbiton High parents can I ask some questions?

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Is it true girls eat packed lunches on the older year groups? How do you find this? Seems unusual but maybe I’m wrong and other schools do this?

The sport is famously very high level. Is it a problem if you’re not county level? Do you still get to play Saturday matches against other schools is what I want to know. Or are the A, B and C teams full of sports scholars. DD is a very able hockey player at club level not county - would she get a game?

How do you cope with the size? It seems a bit bigger than the other girls-only senior school. Has your daughter found it to be too big?

Thank you!

I have a daughter in Y9 at Surbiton, and the lunch thing is true unfortunately. I didn't actually realise when we accepted a place so was a bit surprised! This is the last year my daughter can have a school lunch, but actually quite a few of her friends have already opted for packed lunches for various reasons, so I think by the time the rule kicks in next year, it's not really a big deal for most children. In fact, my daughter seems to be looking forward to making up her lunch each day when the time comes.

For sport, my daughter was never sporty at all in primary school and only took up hockey once she got to Surbiton. However it has been hugely inclusive, and she has always had a place on a team and continues to play lots of matches against other schools. It's been so good for her. If your daughter is a club level player already, she will absolutely be welcomed into a good level school team with open arms and have plenty of opportunity.

I think the size of the school has been a big advantage. Forms are initially grouped geographically, which is hugely helpful for bus journeys and making local friends, but my daughter quickly expanded beyond that small group and her 'best friends' were made via hockey and other clubs and activities. Having such a large year group means you are far more likely to find your tribe. The size also means that they have a vast range of clubs, activities and from what I've seen, have more flexibility of choices for GCSE choices and timetabling. From our family experience, my daughter hasn't ever got 'lost' in the system, in fact she's positively thrived in both the hockey and the drama and music side of things.

Hope that helps!