About us
Croydon High School,
a special place to learn
We are extremely proud of Croydon High School’s exceptional learning environment and our strong sense of community which celebrates achievement and aspiration in equal measure. We believe that what we have here is totally focused and quite unique. It’s about every girl, every day.
For a look at all the reasons that we think Croydon High School really is a very special place, please enjoy reading the stories below.
Maddie is one of our Sixth Form Art scholars and here she is working on her A Level life drawing piece.
Our commitment to arts education extends beyond the curriculum, creating an inspiring environment that empowers students to explore, innovate, and excel in the arts.
Artsmark Gold Award
At the end of 2023, we were awarded the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award, signifying our commitment to a broad, ambitious, and creative curriculum. The school has seen a significant increase in GCSE and A Level participation in arts subjects. Notably, this success has led to the construction of a new drama space and 3D Design workshop.
Enriching Arts Education
We are enriching students’ learning experiences through a variety of arts clubs and educational visits for Junior and Senior students to arts and cultural venues, with a recent Junior trip to the Tate Modern and a Senior trip to St Ives. Students gain insights into local artists, historical contexts, and various artistic styles. These excursions contribute to a broader understanding of art and inspire creative expression.
Annual Arts Week Extravaganza
We hold a week-long Arts Week at the end of the summer term, showcasing the girls’ incredible talents. From crafting sturdy chairs from newspapers to performing Shakespearean plays on the field, the week is a vibrant celebration of artistic prowess.
Art & 3D Design Exhibition Highlights
The annual Private View of the Art & 3D Design Exhibition always showcases extraordinary A Level and GCSE work, including architecture, jewellery, textiles, glass, and enamelling. It is an opportunity for the girls to demonstrate mastery in various skills and techniques, incorporating unique materials and processes.
Alumnae Excellence in the Arts
We take pride in our alumnae who excel in the arts. Notable exhibitions include Helen Chadwick’s ‘Women in Revolt’ at Tate Britain, Rhea Dillon’s ‘Alterable Terrain’ at Tate Britain, Daisy Collingridge’s solo show at TJ Boulting, and Caroline Ip’s curation of ‘It all starts with a thread’ at the Whitechapel Art Gallery.
Sienna says: When I was eight years old, I discovered motorsports. By the time I was 12, I had decided to begin pursuing a motorsport of my own: go karting.
Go karting is very male-dominated and there is still a lot of sexism in the sport, but Croydon High has always taught me that no obstacle is too big to overcome in the pursuit of your dreams. I won’t give up – I plan to continue working hard at my training, practising pitstops, rolling and stationary starts, and improving my stamina, neck muscles, biceps, and reaction times. I will look for private sponsorship to help me go even further and closer to achieving my dream.
Over the last two years, I have reached the local finals of the British Karting Championships and placed in the top ten fastest people in the South. I have become a very competitive person, always striving for self-improvement, and hoping for more success.
At Croydon High, we want every girl to not only learn without limits, but to aspire without limits – no dream is too big. Every girl is supported on her individual journey, and we actively encourage pupils to break glass ceilings.
At the GDST Junior Science Conference at the Royal Institute, Seanna learned that 50% of our DNA is the same as that of a banana and that only 0.1% of our DNA makes us unique. She and the rest of Year 5 spent an incredible day extracting her own DNA in the L’Oréal lab, creating necklaces to take home that held a piece of their own DNA inside. Seanna even created her own personal chromosomes matching her individual characteristics.
But we didn’t need the evidence to prove that Seanna and all her friends are totally unique – we see it in every girl, every day.
Reading, writing and mathematics sit alongside the traditional Early Years Curriculum in our Nursery and Reception classes. Interestingly, many of the foundations for early writing do not actually involve paper or pencils. Staff help girls develop gross and fine motor skills through activities such as using ribbons and our CleverTouch interactive boards for large circular movements, alongside threading, pincering and construction activities to build smaller muscle control. Recently, the girls have even been using screws and tools to mend their spaceship!
Bee, one of our Reception girls, is already discovering the joy of seeing her words come to life on the page. Yet the best preparation for her future University thesis is the time and care we devote to developing her self-confidence, curiosity and love of learning. From the earliest years onwards, our specialist Drama teacher works with every girl to build the confidence and communication skills that enable them to speak assuredly in front of others. Current affairs assemblies throughout the Junior School also encourage girls to engage with the wider world, developing curiosity, compassion and the confidence to share their ideas.
At Croydon High, wellbeing and pastoral care are at the heart of school life – and the newest member of our community is already bringing smiles to pupils and staff alike.
Sabah, Mr King’s dog, has recently joined the school as part of our pastoral support provision. Full of energy, curiosity and character, Sabah is settling into life at Croydon High, exploring the grounds and meeting pupils along the way.
Her name, Sabah, comes from the northern tip of Borneo and means “new beginnings” or “good morning” – a fitting reminder that every day offers a fresh start and new opportunities.
As a working dog supporting pupil wellbeing, Sabah will help create calm moments, supportive interactions and positive connections across the school community. For now, she is learning the routines of school life, discovering her favourite spots around campus and, occasionally, enjoying a well-timed sprint across the grounds.
At Croydon High, we believe every girl should feel supported, understood and able to thrive — and Sabah is already becoming a much-loved part of that journey.
Lily-Belle says: I have been a member of sign language club for quite a while now and I really enjoy it! We cover a different topic every week, so we are constantly learning new signs – our range of topics so far has included the alphabet, numbers, animals, clothes, countries, food, colours and more. Those of us who have been a part of the club from early on have also had the chance not only to learn BSL (British Sign Language) but also ASL (American Sign Language).
Something I enjoy in sign language club is learning songs, like ‘True Colours’ and ‘A Thousand Years’, which have stayed lodged in my memory for a long time. We have also carried out research in small groups on a chosen topic and presented the signs in that topic to the rest of the club, which I have found to be a fun opportunity to build confidence.
At Croydon High, we want pupils to be empathetic members of their community who understand that everyone goes through life differently and so we seek to introduce them to as wide a variety of experiences as possible
This is Bela in Year 4 enjoying time in our Forest School. We’re sowing the seeds of environmental stewardship and nurturing a culture of sustainability among our girls. From tree planting to beekeeping, our diverse eco initiatives are shaping future eco-warriors, conservationists, and sustainability pioneers
Tree Planting for a Greener Tomorrow
Our Year 10 Climate Change elective and Year 1 students joined forces to extend our school hedge, fostering biodiversity and teaching the importance of environmental protection. The new saplings, including Dogwood, Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Wild Cherry, Hazel, and Rowan, are enhancing the hedge’s diversity, creating a thriving ecosystem.
Embracing Biodiversity through No-Mow Initiatives
Our Pollinators Project is in full swing, with our NO-MOW bank flourishing with Oxeye daisies. Year 10 Climate Change Elective, with the guidance of Surrey Wildlife Trust planted pollinator-friendly species around the Science department, creating habitats for wildlife to thrive.
Forest School: Cultivating Holistic Growth
Our Forest School programme immerses girls in a unique, hands-on learning experience set in a natural environment in our onsite Forest School. From minibeast hunts to den-building, girls explore the seasons and develop a deep connection with nature. Forest School instils a sense of responsibility and fosters a holistic approach to learning.
Junior Gardening Club: Growing Well-Being
The Junior Gardening Club is cultivating more than just plants; it’s nurturing well-being and resilience. Students learn about the natural cycle, plant seeds, and take pride in growing their own vegetables. The club not only promotes physical activity but also encourages a deep respect for the environment.
Bee Club: Buzzing with Purpose
Our bee club is a hive of activity, mirroring the energy and care of our girls. They’re not just learning about bees; they’re becoming beekeepers. Managing two hives with over 100,000 bees, the club
members will harvest honey, care for the colonies, and delve into the intricate world of bees, flora, and weather patterns.
At Croydon High School, these initiatives are more than green projects; they’re pathways to instil a sense of responsibility, compassion, and environmental consciousness in our girls. As they engage in these activities, they are not only shaping their own futures but contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly world. The seeds we plant today will blossom into a green legacy for generations to come.
At Croydon High, we view 3D design and engineering as intertwined, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore, innovate, and be inspired. The girls have the opportunity to use the 3D printer to create their own products and models. We also have a state-of-the-art 3D design classroom and a thriving CAD Club in the Senior School, offering students dynamic spaces to unleash creativity and refine digital design skills.
With opportunities to attend the Aerospace Engineering Conference, uncovering emerging technologies in AI, quantum computing, and virtual reality. Engaging presentations and hands-on experiences, including flying a drone in virtual reality, allows all our girls to embrace the power of possibilities as they go on to become the engineers of tomorrow.
Croydon High School has introduced me to a huge variety of competitive sports including biathlon, cross country, gymnastics, and athletics. We have a fantastic PE department who work hard to put on fixtures for us throughout the year.
We are also very lucky to have an experienced swimming coach on the staff, who introduced me to the world of competitive swimming after being selected for swim squad in Year 3.
Over the past year, my greatest achievements have been becoming British biathlon champion as well as English 50m breaststroke champion in my age group. I was also lucky enough to be part of the Croydon High school team that won both the GDST swimming and athletics rallies.
My ambition is to continue to improve my times, to keep representing my school and to aim for British and International swimming competitions in the future.
At Croydon High, pastoral care is woven into every stage of school life and one of the most special ways this comes to life is through our buddy and mentoring programmes across both the Junior and Senior School.
From the very beginning of their journey, girls are supported by older pupils who help them feel welcomed, valued and confident. In the Junior School, Year 6 girls are paired with children in Early Years, building caring relationships through shared activities, reading and play. These friendships help our youngest girls settle quickly while also giving older pupils the opportunity to develop empathy, responsibility and leadership skills.
In the Senior School, our Big Sister Little Sister scheme pairs Year 10 pupils with girls joining Year 7. What begins as mentoring often develops into genuine friendship, with older girls offering encouragement, reassurance and practical advice as younger pupils navigate the transition into Senior School life.
At Croydon High, we believe girls thrive when they feel known, understood and supported. These cross-year connections help create the warm, inclusive community that sits at the heart of our mantra: ‘Every Girl, Every Day.’
Bees are like Croydon High pupils – they are high energy, enjoy hands-on work and care about the planet. That is why the Junior School started Bee Club: Croydon High girls and bees go hand in hand! Members like Nicole have become beekeepers to two hives of over 100,000 bees, learning to care for the equipment, harvest honey and keep an eye on the health of the colony. They have also been learning about bees and other insects, flora and weather patterns. Nicole understands that bees are vital within an ecosystem because they are pollinators. Even at such a young age, she is passionate about protecting the bees and preserving our planet.
At Croydon High, we want pupils to be passionate about climate issues, which is why we not only teach them about the environment, but we also encourage them to take action to protect it.
Every girl, every day is the mantra at Croydon High, reminding us that a moment of inspiration- that lightbulb moment – can come at any time and sometimes these moments can be life-changing. For a teacher, seeing the look on a student’s face when they grasp an idea that has been elusive, is just one of the things that makes the profession so rewarding. At Croydon High, our staff consistently challenge themselves and the girls, to take on new ideas and extend their learning inside and outside the classroom. Whether it is our youngest girls forming their first letters, Year 9 girls like Ivana, here, mastering trigonometry or our Sixth Formers finalising their University applications, every breakthrough is something to celebrate.
first England cap
Football is thriving at Croydon High School and girls of all ages and abilities are embracing the sport with passion, determination and confidence. What began as a small Junior School football club has grown into one of our most popular co-curricular activities, reflecting the growing excitement around women’s football both nationally and within our own school community.
Students like Hollie, one of our Sixth Form Sports Scholars who plays for Charlton Athletic Women, are inspiring the next generation of players. Through her dedication, talent and commitment to the game, Hollie embodies the spirit of Croydon High – aspiring without limits and showing younger girls what is possible through hard work and belief in yourself.
At Croydon High, sport is about far more than elite performance. Whether girls are trying football for the first time, representing the school competitively or pursuing ambitions at club and academy level, every student is encouraged and supported to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork.
Like all of our co-curricular provision, football has grown in response to the enthusiasm of the girls themselves. From the Junior School pitches to Senior School fixtures, our players continue to challenge themselves, support one another and develop a lifelong love of sport. Just as we do with every girl at Croydon High, we will continue to champion and support their ambitions – wherever their journey may lead
Ashwini says: I am the Menstrual Health Prefect at Croydon High. My aim in taking on this role has been to help ensure that all pupils are fully equipped with a knowledge of periods and understanding of everything having periods entails, as well as crafting an environment in which we can be ourselves, bloody and all! My motivations for this are rooted in my own personal menstrual health experiences; I hope to become what was not available to me.
At Croydon High, we want every girl to be the change she wants to see in the world – we encourage pupils not only to find solutions, but to create the solutions themselves.
them to think again
Debating is hugely popular at Croydon High. Whether it is inter-form, inter-house or inter-school, many girls like Nyla embrace the arts of presentation, negotiation and effective argument which serves them well in all their social interactions.
We want Croydon High pupils to leave school equipped with a real global awareness and a desire to make a difference. In order to do so, they need to be confident leaders, perceptive team players, keen negotiators, sensitive diplomats, expert researchers and inspiring public speakers. This is why we take debating and Model United Nations so seriously at Croydon High School. Watching pupils flourish into confident, passionate and caring young people is a delight to witness.
Each year, we participate in a range of competitions and conferences in a variety of schools and each autumn we open our doors to some 300 external pupils to host our very own CROYMUN. Here, pupils fulfil the roles of delegates, chairs, press-team and, last but not least, the Secretary General. It truly is a day to remember and is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop key skills, hone their networking skills and have fun.
up the stage
Some like to tread the boards and stand in the spotlight; some like to stay backstage and create that spotlight. We believe that every one of our girls can contribute if we take the time to help them discover their individual talents and then to use them well.
For Kirsten, it was an opportunity to learn about backstage lighting and sound that appealed more than memorising lines and auditioning. Having the chance to work with our highly experienced technician, meant that they developed the skills to ensure that their classmates at the Leatherhead Drama Festival this year were kept firmly in the spotlight.
