This week, our Early Years team welcomed fathers and other important men in the girls’ lives into school for a special celebration. Both Nursery and Reception pupils delighted their guests with a selection of songs and a heartwarming presentation in the hall. Reception children also hosted a ‘book look’ in their classroom, proudly sharing their learning journeys. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together, explore the classrooms, and celebrate the children’s achievements.

Mrs Amanda-Jane D’Aranjo
EYFS Lead
Reception Class Teacher

Do you know that there are five species of owl in Britain? Do you know that all badgers have different markings on their heads, like our fingerprints? Do you know that wild cats are born wild and cannot be tamed? These are just some of the facts we learnt during our day at the British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield. Year 2 behaved politely, respectfully, and full of curiosity as we visited many of Britain’s wildlife creatures. We were able to get up close to many of these cheeky creatures and see their feeding time too. What a lovely day we had.

Mrs Emily Ruiz
Deputy Head of Junior School

Congratulations to our pupils in Key Stage 2 who have recently performed in some after school Informal Concert Recitals, taking place in Holt Hall. Everyone performed exceptionally well, demonstrating a high level of musical skills and talent. We had a wonderful mix in the programme of varying styles and pieces on a range of instruments, including piano, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, harp and voice. Performing in the concert was a valuable experience for all the musicians involved, helping them to overcome nerves and build their confidence at performing in front of a supportive and encouraging audience. It has been lovely to see how each girl has felt so proud of not just her own achievements but proud of her peers as well. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for working extremely hard with your instrumental and vocal teachers on your pieces in preparation for the concerts!

Miss Sarah Delany
Head of Junior School Music

Some quotes from our musicians about their experience of performing in the concerts:

Crystal (Year 3) – When I started playing I had a tingly feeling inside me but in the middle of the piano piece I felt more proud.
Alannah (Year 3) – When it was before the concert I felt really nervous but when everyone clapped I felt more confident and I was happy.
Florence (Year 4) – It was a brilliant experience for me playing the violin in front of an audience and at first I was nervous but when I started playing, I just got into it.

Valentina (Year 4) – I really enjoyed playing the flute in front of an audience.

Misha (Year 6) -It was a surreal and rewarding experience hearing the audience burst into applause after all my hard work trying to play the best I can.
Grace (Year 5) – I’m really happy that I got the opportunity to play the clarinet in my first music concert.
Lana (Year 5) – Every time I perform in an Informal Concert, I feel really happy that I’ve done it as it’s a good experience performing in front of an audience.
Judy (Year 6) – I really enjoyed experiencing loads of instruments and listening to everyone play.

The Year 6 Digital Leaders had the unique opportunity to present and pitch their ideas for exciting opportunities linked to Computer Science and Enterprise Technology, to Cheryl Giovannoni, Chief Executive of GDST and Rachel Evans, Director of Digital Transformation at the GDST Trust Office earlier this week. They travelled to the Trust Office with Ms Davies, Miss Pendleton and Mrs Krishnamurthy for this very important meeting and conducted themselves with exemplary professionalism.

They have been diligently working over the past few months to present a compelling case by pitching their ideas to various senior members of staff in Croydon High before being offered the opportunity to present to the senior leaders at the Trust Office.

The team delivered an outstanding presentation, and their confidence during the Q&A session was clearly evident. The outcome of the meeting was highly positive, and we are immensely proud of all the girls who participated.

Following the presentation, the girls appreciated the stunning views of the London skyline and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the Sky Garden on the 11th floor.

Ms Davies and Miss Pendleton both commented on how proud they were to see our pupils taking this amazing opportunity and representing themselves and their school with such confidence and maturity.

A huge thank you and well done to the Digital Leaders!

Mrs Maya Krishnamurthy
Enterprise Technology Teacher
Head of Junior School Enterprise Technology

On Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 June, Year 9 had the incredible opportunity to visit the Imperial War Museum in London. The museum offered a powerful and immersive experience, bringing history to life in a way that textbooks cannot.

The trip began with a workshop about the Holocaust, and information about personal stories of those who were victims. During this time, we got the chance to see quotes from letters sent by the victims of the event, and look at artefacts from the time, such as a Hanukiah made out of bullet shells. We were also able to visit the Holocaust exhibit, which opened our eyes to the devastating events which took place in the 1930s and 40s. It was a crucial reminder of the dangers of intolerance and hatred, and opened our eyes to the lives and experiences of millions of Jews.

Following our lessons on the subject and activities we took part in on Holocaust memorial day, we thoroughly enjoyed participating and viewing all the different personal stories from the time of the event, as this expanded our knowledge on this significant period.

Later on, we had the opportunity to look at World War I and World War II exhibitions. These broadened our knowledge of this time, and we were able to view real propaganda posters, weaponry and other relics up close, providing a fascinating insight into both wars and technological advancements of those years.

I interviewed some other students to hear their perspectives and most memorable moments of the day.

“I liked how we got to see more personal stories, as statistics wise, it’s not as real a feeling as it is when you hear about individual people or family stories.”
Ela C

“The Holocaust art parts of the exhibition were amazing, I liked the way everything was presented, it was very impactful.”
Caitlin B

Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience, and the year group enjoyed exploring new aspects of the period which we hadn’t encountered before. It left a strong, meaningful impression, and we are grateful to have had such an interesting opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of history.

Amanah L and Maha Z
9Kp

Day 1: Arriving in Paris

I woke up around 4am,  got ready and was on my way to school. I took this opportunity to catch up on some sleep. Soon after we got to school and I saw some of my friends. We then got sorted into our groups before we had to say goodbye to our parents.

For the first two hours, I slept, but was constantly woken up by my friends. However, when I woke up, the sun was up and we were on the motorway. On our first coach stop, we had to pair up in groups of four or larger. My friends and I went to buy a few snacks. After we finished our first coach stop, we waited a few minutes before going on the ferry.

While we were on the ferry, we saw a beautiful view of the sea. I bought a red squirrel teddy, although it was actually pink. My friends and I then sat near one of the large so we could also see the view as well as we ate.

After the ferry ride finished, we made our way to the hotel. Once we arrived at the hotel, we settled into our room before heading out to the restaurant to eat. After this, we went on a river cruise that took us around the entire city of Paris along the River Seine. We also saw the Eiffel Tower before the cruise, and even after the river cruise at 11:00pm when the tower was flashing. Then we went back to the hotel and had a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: Performing at Videopolis and exploring Disneyland 

After we woke up and got ready, we went to have breakfast. The hotel had such a great variety of food. I got a hot chocolate and two croissants, before getting another hot chocolate. They were absolutely delicious. Then we were on our way to Disneyland.

Once we arrived, we had the opportunity to take many photos. Here are some of the photos I took:

Then we got to Videopolis and performed with the people watching.

After changing out of our school uniform, we split into our groups to go onto rides. In my group I had, Fearne, Roisin, Lily, Arya, Isla, Zara and Rose.

We went on many rides, but we mostly agreed to mostly go on the scary ones. We went on the Tower of Terror, Avengers, Space Mountains and many others. In total, we went on eight rides.

After we had dinner, we had a few more hours before we left. During that time, I brought two magnets from the Avengers ride and had my coat signed by the actor playing Ms. Marvel.

After we got back from Disney, we fixed and cleaned our rooms before going to bed.

Day 3: Going back home

When we woke up, we did the usual routine, ate breakfast, got our daily instructions, and put our suitcases downstairs. Then we were on our way. We made a quick stop at the coach station, where we bought lunch before boarding the ferry. After the ferry, we made our way back to school from Dover and arrived around 6:10 pm.

I do miss Disney, as it was one of the best residential trips ever. We created so many memories and will cherish them.

Alison M
7Bu

I HAD THE BEST TIME IN DISNEYLAND PARIS! On the day of our arrival, we checked into our hotel and dropped off our bags. Then we went on a coach journey through the city of Paris. On this journey, we saw the Arc de Triomphe! We then went to a lovely Italian restaurant, followed by an amazing and beautiful boat tour. After we got off the boat, we were so lucky as we were able to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, which only happens once an hour!

On Saturday, we went to Disneyland Paris! When we arrived, we headed towards the place we were performing – the Videopolis Stage! I felt so privileged to be singing in such a special setting!

After we sung, we got to explore Disneyland! We went on the Avengers ride and It’s A Small World, and so much more. I also loved seeing the Disney castle. That evening, we went to a yummy sandwich restaurant! It is true: Disneyland is the happiest place on earth! I am so lucky to have had this opportunity – IT WAS THE BEST SCHOOL TRIP I HAVE EVER BEEN ON!

Katie I
7Pz

What is the aim of Mission Pegasus?

Mission Pegasus aims to answer the question, what can observing the Sun’s spectral wavelengths tell us about the Earth’s atmosphere?

Phase 1 – Research
The journey began with in-depth research into atmospheric science, CubeSat design, rocket launch procedures, and expert insights from university professionals.

Phase 2 – Testing
Phase 2 involved rigorous scientific testing to prepare our instrument for space conditions. This included laboratory tests and a vacuum test at Surrey Space Centre to meet space qualification standards.

Installation of the remote sensor station on K-block roof

A key achievement in Phase 2 was the successful installation of our remote sensor station on the roof of K-block.

On Friday 6 June, Ms Greaves, Mr Coley, and Mr Taylor journeyed to the K-block roof with Shamika B (Software Division Lead) and Akshata T (Software Engineer) to oversee the installation. The sensor is now fully operational! Our spectroscopy sensor is actively collecting sunlight wavelength data each evening as the Sun sets. The Science division team will be diving straight into data analysis!

CubeSat Model complete!

I am thrilled to announce the completion of Astrogazers model CubeSat, built with expert support from Valentin Rummel, Prof Mitchell, and Dr Watson from the University of Bath.

Cubesat Facts:

• Cubesats are 10 cm cubed. They are very small platforms to operate scientific instruments.
• Our cubesat will have a spectroscopy sensor onboard to observe the Sun’s spectral wavelengths.
• We want to know what these measurements can tell us about the pollution in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• We aim to take scientific measurements over a whole year and see how the pollution varies.

What’s next? Aircraft flight testing!

The final step of Phase 2 is field testing. Astrogazers have secured a flight with FAAM Airborne Laboratory, a specially equipped research aircraft. This flight marks a major milestone after a year-long effort of intensive testing.
The flight will test the instrument’s reliability in a remote, high-altitude environment, simulating the challenges of a spaceflight. During the flight, the instrument will operate as if it were a satellite, running autonomously without any intervention from the Astrogazers team.

The planning process and testing involved with the aircraft flight draws parallel with the processes involved in getting a rocket ride and the deployment of the CubeSat into Low Earth Orbit. During the flight, the instrument will function as it would in space, autonomously without Astrogazers intervention. This mirrors the operation conditions of a CubeSat in Low Earth Orbit. The planning and testing process closely mirrors the steps involved in securing a rocket launch and deploying a CubeSat into Low Earth Orbit.

Follow us on Instagram and YouTube to get all the updates on Mission Pegasus!

Mrs Karteepan
Director of Astrogazers
Head of Physics

Mission Pegasus Phase 2 is funded by a Partnership Grant from The Royal Society.

What an afternoon we had at the Whitgift House! We started off our afternoon with a quick bus ride, and were met with the warmest welcome. Ten Lower Sixth pupils teamed up and played the residents of the Whitgift House with optimism and a competitive spirit. With the help of Coach Maurice and the residents of Whitgift House, we were able to learn the basic rules of croquet and the tactics of the game.

At the beginning of the match, the residents showed off their impeccable skills, but the keen 12s were quick to catch on to the tips and tricks of how to master croquet. With the helpful support of the residents and Coach Maurice, the matches were filled with support and laughter! Throughout each match, the Lower Sixth pupils were surrounded by an abundance of support and encouragement, and as the game progressed, their confidence also grew.

After the Lower Sixth pupils endured two rounds of defeat, we began to pick up the ways of croquet and by the third match the Lower Sixth pupils started to make a comeback – we underestimated the talent of our opponents! Throughout the matches, the Lower Sixth pupils walked around the pitch forming unexpected friendships and exchanging competitive spirit. By the 4th match the clouds became darker and specks of rain fell; this did not stop any of the teams! Instead, it created a light-hearted atmosphere as we quickly finished off the last game. Then the skies opened and we all rushed inside to be greeted with such warm hospitality and a plethora of cupcakes (which were delicious) and tea… Whitgift House likes their tea! As we ate our treats and drank tea the Lower Sixth pupils spread round the tables with the residents and found unexpected common interests and shared funny stories. As we headed towards the end of our visit, I think I can speak on behalf of all the Lower Sixth pupils and say it was a truly rewarding experience spending time with this amazing group of friendly and talented people.

Our croquet match was more than just a friendly game; it was an invigorating experience for everyone involved. We were extremely impressed with their strategic gameplay, which pushed us to elevate our own skills! Beyond the game itself, the afternoon offered a unique opportunity to connect with a different generation, sharing stories and laughter. We learned a great deal from their wisdom and experience, and we hope they enjoyed our youthful enthusiasm just as much. It was a fantastic day which highlighted the joy of intergenerational connections and the timeless appeal of a good game of croquet.

Liv C
Lower Sixth

Book your tickets today

Book your tickets today

It is more important than ever to be aware of our mental health. Action for Happiness is a charity founded to create a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society.

Croydon High has been successful in having an alumna shortlisted for the GDST Alumna of the Year award with Margery Swinton.

Vote now!

Margery Swinton

Margery Swinton is a tireless champion for youth sport, inclusion, and education, whose work has transformed opportunities for children in rural Scotland.

Over a 37-year teaching career, including 14 years in her home village of Knockando, Margery dedicated herself to supporting children, both in the classroom and beyond. Even after retiring, she continues to work as a supply teacher and special needs educator.

Margery took up athletics at 42, becoming a registered coach and official for Scottish sport. She founded a rural athletics club to serve remote schools in the Highlands, ensuring that sport became an integral part of education in the region. Under her leadership, Knockando has become a hub for athletic excellence. She has raised over £75,00, including funding for a UKA-standard long jump runway, a 10-station fitness trail, and even a local skate park – all in an area with limited facilities and long travel distances to the nearest stadium.

As a World Masters athlete, Margery has competed internationally in the USA, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and beyond, winning medals in all three colours and always securing gold in her signature event – the hammer throw. She has held three British Masters records, several Scottish records, and continues to inspire with her achievements at age 82.

Her coaching has developed several national-level athletes. One of her protégés now trains with the Scottish National Sports Academy, ranked No. 2 in the UK for U20 long jump and hurdles, and another has been selected for Commonwealth Games training. Margery gives her time freely, obtaining equipment from ski resorts, maintaining tracks herself, and setting up virtual training programmes to support even the most isolated pupils.

Vote now!

Class of 2010, Croydon High alumna Honey Gabriel will be playing The Hatter in Alice in Wonderland at the Marylebone Theatre.

Previews are on the 12 and 13 July with the show officially opening on the 17th and running until the 31st August.

Book today!

About the show

Tumble down the rabbit hole into the fantastical world of Wonderland, where up is down, and nonsense reigns supreme!

Join Alice on her unforgettable adventure as she shrinks and grows, meeting peculiar characters at every turn. Who will she encounter next? Will the mischievous Cheshire Cat guide her through the madness? Can the hurried White Rabbit help her uncover the secrets she’s searching for? And could the Queen of Hearts cause her to truly lose her head?

This internationally celebrated production brings Lewis Carroll’s delightful chaos to life with extraordinary puppets, exquisite costumes and an original score that will captivate audiences of all ages. With creative stagecraft that will leave you spellbound, this visually breathtaking experience is a “must-see” for families seeking an enchanting escape.

Book today!

We are delighted to announce that Croydon High School will be holding its Senior School Open Evening on Thursday 19 June 2025.

There will be two talk times from the Head, followed by a personalised tour of the school:

• 1st talk time: 5.00pm
• 2nd talk time: 6.15pm

This is the ideal opportunity to hear from our Head, Ms Davies, speak to our extraordinary staff and Senior Leadership Team and interact with our outstanding pupil body.

Come and visit Croydon High School and learn about:

• what makes our pupils confident, rounded and grounded
• the unique benefits on an Independent School education
• why Croydon High is a leading school in girls-only education
• how we can support your daughter to flourish and excel at anything she puts her mind to
• how our values and ethos is at the core of everything we do and deliver.

Book your place today

History of the Selsdon Centre

The Selsdon Community Clubhouse (formerly Selsdon Centre for the Retired) has been in Selsdon for 45 years! It provides a social / lunch club for our older individuals in Selsdon. New clients come to us as referrals from link workers, social prescribers or family members introduce them to us by knowing about our Centre or seeing it advertised in the Selsdon Gazette and on social media. We are centrally located, very close to Croydon High School for Girls, with free parking and on the bus routes. We have a beautiful bright environment with lots of natural light and views for our clients to enjoy!

Why attend the Selsdon Centre?

Hot mid-day meals are served after which we engage our clients in activities such as board games, arts and crafts, quizzes, card games, bingo, raffles, and live music events. We also offer chiropody, hairdressing, hearing aid services as well as instruction in IT technology.

Our meeting room and larger space are available for hire during the day, in the evenings and at weekends.

Supporting our local community and volunteering

Loneliness and isolation are big drivers for us to reduce and our Centre provides lots of social interaction particularly for those who have lost friends and do not have family around them. None of this is possible without the help of our valued volunteers who give of their time on a shift basis, three days a week when our lunch club is open. We are always look out.

Testimony from one of our volunteers:

“My 2-hour weekly session fits in well with my other commitments, although it is always great to do extra shifts preparing and serving food for special occasions, e.g. bingo or afternoon tea, if needed, and you have the time.”

“If you have some spare time and enjoy the company of and/or working with others, I’d certainly recommend that you pop in and see what a lovely place the Clubhouse is.”

Learn more

With prices as low as £42.50 per day when you book the entire week or £47.50 for individual days, that’s 30% off the on-the-day price!

Please ensure that you quote your host school discount code at checkout (CHS25) and receive a further 10% off these prices!

Book your place today

Book your place today