A message from the Head: New Academic Year 2023-24

I cannot believe it is now September and that we will soon be using the word Autumn! In true British style, the summer is clinging on for a little longer and it has been lovely to see the grounds awash with sunlight and the girls enjoying themselves as they get back into school life after the summer break.

It has been a very busy summer at Croydon High with a large number of renovations taking place, including a new 3D Design classroom and Year 11 Common Room,  a new Science Laboratory and a new changing room in the Sports Centre. That is not to mention new carpets in K Block, new LED lighting throughout the school and new furniture in the Sixth Form. All these additions will add to the pupil experience and I hope continue to foster their love of their learning and the excitement they feel about school life.

In my first assembly on Monday, I talked to the Senior School about aspiring without limits which underpins the philosophy of a Croydon High education. I know that there will be so many different aspirations throughout the school but it does form the foundation of what we believe in. I have heard everything from handwriting aspirations in the Junior School to university aspirations in the Sixth Form – and I am inspired by every one!

I love that all our girls have their own goals and dreams and the belief that they can reach them. Our commitment to you, their parents, is that we will nurture and develop these aspirations so that they can become a reality.

Our belief in aspiration is now established as one of the four core values of our school. Over the course of the last year, I have worked with our staff and spoken to pupils, parents and alumnae to identify what it is that is fundamental and unique to Croydon High. For me, as a new Head, it was so important to listen and learn from others about what they believe makes their school like no other. Consistent themes and descriptions soon became apparent and together we have been able to formalise our collective ideas into these four strong values.

Aspirational – We believe that everything is possible and we set no limits as to what each girl can achieve.

Empowering – We develop the key skills and the confidence to ensure every girl believes in herself and that she can achieve her goals.

Proud – We celebrate all successes no matter how big or small, knowing that we all have a part to play in supporting each other.

Kind – We nurture an empathetic approach ensuring that we listen to others and are kind in all we do.

Since I became the Head of Croydon High a year ago, these are certainly the values which I have consistently recognised in our pupils and which I see embodied by the teaching and the philosophies of our staff. We will build on this in the coming years, so pupils leave Croydon High truly understanding the importance of these values. They are, of course, underpinned by our school mantra, Every girl, every day and reflected in our school motto, May her character and talents inspire others.

In a world that is becoming increasingly complex and busy, being true to the core values that guide us is critical if we are to stay rounded, grounded and confident. I am keen that our pupils are supported to do this and then to leave us and go on to make a wholly positive difference in the world, on whichever path they travel.

I would like to take this opportunity, as we all embark on a new year together, to thank you for your ongoing support of Croydon High School which is so much appreciated,

I hope to see many of you at an event  in the near future. You will always be welcome.

Ms Annabel Davies
Head