11 Plus Exams Forum

Can anyone please provide their opinion about St Helen’s. Any information would be useful. Thanks

Found this school to be academically excellent without being pushy. Very nurturing, brings out the best in the girls by building confidence. No cons from us what so ever. Consistent way of working from all the staff from the head down. My daughter (and us) have always know what was going well for her, what needed improvement and what the plan was to get her there. I think this school is exceptional. It does not 'cream off' the high achievers so there is real 'value add' in the work the teachers do with the girls. The results are a true reflection of the hard work of the teachers and girls. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Many thanks for your input Happymum123

I would agree, our daughter left with fantastic results having entered the school lacking in confidence. When she fell off the straight and narrow she was supported and encouraged and she grew into a highly motivated student who enjoyed her learning. There were plenty of opportunites to explore the broader curriculum, tutor time gave space for reflection and personal development.The place is not perfect - the quality of teaching is uneven (at its best it's outstanding, at its worst rather functional) as is the sports coaching but its idiosyncrasies add to its charm. Finally, she left with a circle of lovely friends for life.
Will be interesting to hear what the new Head's brief is.

My dd was really happy at St Helen's and did very well. It's a great school and I agree with what was said above - it's an academic school without the intense pressure of some other schools. I generally found the teaching to be very good/excellent...a few poorer teachers but you get that anywhere. Has the new Head started? Did Dr Short retire?

New head starts in September but from what I have seen from the selection and the strong governing body the school has, I am confident the ethos and standards of the school will remain consistent and have no concerns about the change (other that Dr Short will be missed and no one likes change!)

Many thanks for your candid input. Dr Short is still the head and most impressive out of those we met. Keeping my fingers crossed on outcome tomorrow.