Rosebery School Epsom

[rosewater55]

Hello, does anyone have any recent review on Rosebery? Good and bad? Ive heard that girls are really mean and bitchy there which is making me concerned about sending my girls there, and would ideally prefer a mixed school, but no to other options in Epsom.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Hi OP. I've had a lot of experience with Rosebery and on the whole it's been excellent. On the rare occasions that we've had a problem, the school have worked with us to rectify it. Of my two DDs, one stayed on to do her A-levels there and the other one is planning to, so I think that says a lot about how they see their school (I believe the majority of Year 11s stay on for sixth form and the number is rising year on year). I'd be lying if I said there was no bitchiness at all but I don't believe it's any worse at Rosebery than at other schools (I myself went to a mixed secondary school and definitely encountered bitchiness and bullying there, so I don't think it's just a girls' school phenomenon) and my impression is that the girls are generally supportive of each other. Also, because it's a large school, there are all sorts of girls there so there's lots of choice for friendships and your DD will almost certainly find her tribe.

Academically, it's an outstanding school with fantastic, dedicated teachers that really go the extra mile to support the girls. They have lots of initiaves to help all girls reach their potential. They run a wide variety of trips and experiences (everything from theatre trips and PGL to ski trips and geography field trips to Iceland) and there are clubs and societies every lunchtime too. The school is strict on mobile phone use, having a "blackout" system for the younger kids which blocks access to phone cameras, social media etc during the school day. They really understand girls, and have quiet rooms where girls who find the hurly-burly of the quad a bit much, can go to. There's a lot of focus on wellbeing and mental health.

Anecdotally, I know of a few girls who have struggled there, mainly those with ASD. It is a large school, and can be overwhelming for some (although I also know of other girls with ASD who have thrived at Rosebery!).

There are mixed schools in Epsom, such as Blenheim or Epsom and Ewell, and these are also good schools (although I don't have any personal experience of them) but I think the presence of boys sometimes brings its own drawbacks (as well as advantages). When would your DD be starting secondary school? Have you been on any open days yet? These can be a good way to meet current pupils and ask them directly about anything that your concerned about.

thank you for this!

My daughter actually has mild ASD & ADHD) but on the lower end of the spectrum, and is very social, sporty, clever and well behaved. But I have to consider things for her more carefully because of this. I missed the open days but I might contact the school to see if I can visit because we need to move soon to be in to apply by the October. I may look at Blenheim school too, but I want to find out more about behaviour as I do not want their learning disrupted. We have that is primary now and it upsets them greatly

Yes, contact the school and I think be very honest about your DD's needs - maybe you can have a chat with the SENCO. From what you say, she sounds like she'd be a good fit as long as she isn't overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of kids at a big school. If they know about her needs, they will try to accomodate them I think.

With regards to behaviour, they stream the girls in maths from Year 7, and Science and some other subjects from about Year 9. Poor behaviour is generally more of an issue in the lower ability streams I think, so if your DD is clever she may escape some of this, but it's definitely something to discuss with them. That said, I've just asked my DD is there is much disruptive behaviour in English (which isn't streamed) and she says not, but she's older than your DD and they all seem quite mature and sensible in her year.