Experiences of HBS pastoral support and pupil wellbeing

[SunnyTraybake]

Hi , does anyone have any experience of HBS on the pastoral side ? I heard on the grapevine there can be a higher incidence of mental health issues at the school. On a visit it didn't seem this way, but looking for first hand knowledge.Many thanks

Can’t comment on HBS in particular but my DD went to a London girls grammar and did face MH issues, eating disorders etc. (putting it mildly). There were many others too. This was mainly due to the extreme academic competitiveness and loss of self esteem. As a family we were quite low pressure and the school didn’t put much pressure either. But the cohort is inevitably competitive. Perhaps not the best place for all children. Some do thrive. Pastoral care was poor and the school were only worried about attendance, homework and results. Going in my DD was a happy, academic and fairly normal child - we had no hesitation sending her to grammar. However we’ve chosen a different, non-selective path for our next child due to our experience with the first. Good luck with your decision.