Still Fighting the Same Fight: 150 Years of Croydon High and the Power of Women’s Education

150 years ago, Croydon High opened its doors with a clear and radical mission: to provide girls with the education they deserved but were so often denied. It was one of the first schools founded by the Girls’ Day School Trust, created because a small group of people believed that girls should have the same opportunities as their brothers.

A century and a half later, that mission has never been more relevant. Because 150 years on, we are still fighting the same fight. And we are still standing up for women – just as we always have and just as we always will.

The battles we fight today may look different, but they are still battles. Women and girls across the world continue to face barriers to education, workplace inequality, gender-based violence, and limitations on their rights. Even here in the UK, where opportunities for girls have never been greater, we are still pushing back against entrenched biases and systemic obstacles.

That is why International Women’s Day matters. It is not just a day of recognition; it is a rallying cry. A reminder that the work of the women who walked before us – women who built our schools, who stood at the front of classrooms, who broke barriers in boardrooms, who fought for the vote, who shattered glass ceilings – must be carried forward by each new generation.

At Croydon High, we do not just teach girls; we empower them. We celebrate their achievements, we amplify their voices, and we remind them that they belong wherever they choose to stand.

As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we have spent time reflecting on who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going. Ours is a school built on a legacy of trailblazing women. Our first Head, Miss Dorinda Neligan, was a formidable character who had served with the Red Cross in the Franco-Prussian War before leading Croydon High for 27 years. So incensed by the long delay in giving women the vote, she became a militant suffragette. She fought for what she believed in. That same sense of justice, of standing up for what is right, is what we continue to instil in our girls today.

This anniversary year is about honouring that legacy – not just in words, but in action. Our Wall of Inspiring Women will celebrate 150 women, associated with the school, past and present, whose impact has helped shape the world around them – a vibrant mural of faces, created by Croydon High’s talented Art Scholars over the course of the year. From pioneering scientists to fearless campaigners, from groundbreaking artists to business leaders, this wall will be a testament to the extraordinary achievements of Croydon High women over the past 150 years.

But the story is not finished. The wall will include a blank panel, a deliberate and powerful challenge to our current students: Who will be represented here in 50 years’ time? What will be the battles we have won, the barriers that have been broken, and the achievements we will celebrate? Could any one of them – sitting in our classrooms today – have a place on that wall in the future?

Our TEDx event in September 2024 was another bold expression of our commitment to this legacy. It brought together a diverse and inspiring panel, including voices from our pupil and alumnae community, to explore one of the most important questions of our time: What does it really mean to be a strong and successful leader? Too often, society defines leadership in narrow, traditional terms – but the young women of today are rewriting those definitions. Through thought-provoking talks and open debate, our speakers challenged us to think about how we nurture resilience, ambition, and authenticity in young women, and how we can continue to break down the barriers that still exist.

This spirit of empowerment and progress is reflected in the upcoming visit of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester on 7th March, a moment of great pride and reflection for our school. Her visit marks a poignant connection to our history, as it was the previous Duchess of Gloucester who, in 1964, was present as we laid the foundation stone for our school’s current site. Just as that moment signified the importance of education for girls and Croydon High’s place at the forefront of that mission, this visit will celebrate how far we have come and a recognition of the journey still ahead.

Every initiative, every conversation, every moment of reflection this year has been about reaffirming who we are and what we stand for. Because at Croydon High, we do not just teach girls – we empower them to take their place in the world, to lead, to challenge, and to make history. The battle goes on.

This has been our purpose for 150 years. And it will remain our purpose for the next 150.

Ms Annabel Davies
Head

Reception had an exciting trip to Selsdon Library this week. During our visit we learnt about how to become a member of the library, how to take care of the books and that children can borrow up to 25 library books at one time. The librarians, Annie and Nveda shared lots of information with us including reading, ‘Ten Delicious Teachers’ by Ross Montgomery and Sarah Warburton. The trip linked in nicely with our World Book Day theme this week. We are pleased to say many of the girls have also joined up to the library.

Mrs Amanda-Jane D’Aranjo
Reception Class Teacher
Early Years Lead

After an excited coach journey, we arrived at Wisely in good time. The sun was shining, and we knew we were in for a good day. We were met by the friendly staff of Wisley who took us to the Clore Learning Centre. This was full of plants, seeds, cacti and informative posters. We listened with interest as we were taught about the life cycle of plants and then we were free to plant our own seeds. We have taken these home and can’t wait for them to flower. Next, we went on a nature walk and could not believe how much we learnt on this about trees, skeleton leaves, and flowering plants. One girl commented that it was the most beautiful place she had ever visited. After a tasty lunch, we were led on a fabulous walk around the gardens by Mrs Redmond. We enjoyed the glasshouse, although it was very hot in there! There is so much beauty in the grounds of Wisley from forests to lakes and allotments to floral displays.

It was an absolute pleasure to see the girls come alive in nature. They were extremely well behaved and genuinely interested in the beautiful environment and we all enjoyed a super day out.

Mrs. Emily Ruiz
Deputy Head of Junior School
Year 2 Teacher

An inflatable planetarium was set up in the Holt Hall and each Year 5 class had a trip into space where they learnt about our solar system and important women who have travelled into space, or helped others to do so. There were lots of ooos and ahhhs! The visit definitely brought our space learning alive.

Quotes from girls in Year 5:
“My class and I were awestruck at what we saw and kept saying “wow!” I highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience.”
-Eileen, 5M

“I am astonished at how many interesting facts were shared in such little time. We learnt about different planets, the sun, moons, stars and galaxies. Everyone was ooohing and aaaahing!”
-Zeeyana, 5M.

“I enjoyed this experience because it was very different to what we normally do in our lessons and I learnt facts I didn’t know before. I learnt about planets, constellations, astronauts, the International Space Station and facts I wouldn’t learn about in our science lessons.”
-Isabel, 5M.

On Monday 3rd March, the Lower Sixth A level Mathematicians ran a carousel of activities for the Year 6 pupils. The Year 6 pupils joined us in the main school hall and worked in groups on the activities that the Lower Sixth created themselves. Each pair of Sixth Formers has shared their activity below!

“We played a game of countdown which involved using a ball to select random numbers and then using their own creativity and mathematical knowledge to generate a chosen number from those three. This allowed the use of a variety of different maths skills and they had to experiment with different calculations and think on their feet.”
-Shamika and Mia, Lower Sixth

“It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the year 6s and teach them about the Fibonacci sequence, the Golden spiral, and the Golden Ratio. We got them to calculate the Fibonacci sequence and colour in the squares to form the spiral or they could measure themselves and calculate whether they had the golden ratio in their bodies. It was a unique experience to see how Year 6s learn and engage in learning!” 

“Teaching the younger pupils about the golden ratio was a rewarding experience as they were all enthusiastic and intrigued- the girls were especially keen on measuring each other and comparing their body proportions to the golden ratio, which showed how the concept connects us all.”
-Harneka and Umme, Lower Sixth

“We had the pleasure of demonstrating some fascinating maths-related card tricks to the Year 6 students. It was great to see their excitement as they discovered the clever mathematical principles behind the tricks. We had a fantastic time sharing these with them and watching their reactions.”
-Abisa and Akshaya, Lower Sixth

“We played a game of snap, with each card having a sum equal to one of six numbers. Our game was not only engaging for the year 6s and encouraged a competitive spirit, but it was also a good way to develop their mental maths skills.”
-Alice and Jiya, Lower Sixth

Miss Rosanna Seal
Head of Mathematics

On Thursday 27 February, some of our Lower Sixth Business and Economics pupils had the amazing opportunity to attend the Women of the Future Ambassador Event at Lord’s Cricket Ground. It was an inspiring day filled with motivational talks, networking opportunities, and valuable insights into the world of business and leadership.

The event brought together successful female professionals from different industries, including finance, entrepreneurship, and economics. We got to hear their personal career journeys, the challenges they faced, and their advice for young people like us. One of the key takeaways was the importance of confidence, resilience, and networking—skills that are crucial in both business and life.

As A Level Business and Economics pupils, it was fascinating to see how what we learn in class applies to real-world situations. We discussed topics like leadership, gender diversity in business, and the impact of economic decisions on industries. It was also great to meet other pupils from different schools who share similar ambitions.

One of the highlights was the chance to speak with professionals one-on-one. Many of them encouraged us to think big, take risks, and not be afraid of failure. It was inspiring to see so many successful women in high-level positions, proving that the future really is female!

Overall, the event was a fantastic experience that left us feeling motivated and excited about our own futures.

Thea H, Anya P, Vania B, Temilola O and Abisa S
Lower Sixth

On Wednesday, 5 March 2025, the Lower Sixth EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) pupils had the opportunity to showcase their hard work to parents, teachers and pupils alike during their presentation evening. Equivalent to an AS Level qualification, the EPQ allows Sixth Formers to independently explore a topic of their choice in depth, the end product of which being either a 5000-word dissertation or an artefact. Therefore, it helps them to develop skills that will be important to them in later life, such as time management and academic research methods.

The array of different topics chosen was astonishing. It truly showed the wide range of interests the cohort has, as well as the priceless opportunity provided to critically explore any matter in so much detail. Just a few of this year’s EPQ titles are:

• Who was more damaging to Charles I, Henrietta Maria or the Duke of Buckingham?
• Evaluate the health risks associated with food additives and whether the government/health leaders are taking appropriate action.
• To what extent did the global pandemic benefit billionaires’ net wealth?
• How does society respond to complex illnesses like schizophrenia?
• To what extent do lobby groups influence U.S. politics and economic policy?
• Has the portrayal of characters with facial disfigurements or scars changed over time?
• How is the representation of women in film changing and to what extent is it reflecting on the modern day values and views we hold towards the women of today?
• To what extent does Beyoncé’s Lemonade explore social activism?
• Should we use CRISPR-Cas9 technology to genetically modify humans?

A real highlight of the event was the display boards. A lot of careful consideration had clearly gone into them, resulting in eye-catching displays and the inclusion of audience interaction such as rankings and votes. All the pupils stood proudly by their display boards, and answered questions about their topic – as well as the EPQ process – with confidence. The passion and enthusiasm with which they all spoke was a clear indication of just how enriching completing the EPQ is, and the skills they have gained will be invaluable during their time in Upper Sixth and beyond.

Penelope P
Lower Sixth

We began our visit with a walking tour of Madrid by Juan (Ms Diez’s friend), getting to know Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and Gran Vía whilst practicing our Spanish skills with locals.

On day two, we visited El Museo de Las Américas, one of our personal highlights. We learnt about the history of the colonisation of Latin America and saw many interesting artefacts from various civilisations. We went to the Teatro Fígaro in the evening and watched the thought-provoking play Una Terapia Integral.

Despite the unfortunate weather on day three, we enjoyed visiting the infamous Rastro market, followed by a trip to the cinema where we saw ‘I’m Still Here’ which won an Oscar that night!

On our final day in Madrid, we visited the El Museo de Reina Sofia where we saw the famous Guernica by Picasso before heading off to the airport and arriving home in the evening.

Upper Sixth

How do talented pupils navigate the opportunities and obstacles that life presents? Excellent grades are a good start, but they won’t help in the small yet crucial moments of human interaction. What anecdote will you tell to charm the prestigious—but intimidating—Oxbridge lecturer in a one-on-one seminar? How will you convince a potential client to entrust you with thousands of pounds as their attorney? What will you say to a crowd of art admirers to cover for the fact that you know nothing about the ever-elusive meaning behind Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain?

These moments demand more than academic success; they require confidence, adaptability, and a repertoire of compelling stories and insights beyond the school curriculum. This term, Year 7 and 8 students are exploring a series of diverse articles and practising discussing them in five distinct conversational styles—sometimes through Socratic questioning, other times through storytelling or structured debate. Each approach offers a unique skill, equipping students with the tools to communicate effectively and think critically. Mastering these styles won’t happen overnight, but with practice, they will become lifelong assets.

Last half-term, our Year 9 Stretch and Challenge Showcase gave students the chance to share what they’ve been learning in the subjects they have chosen for their GCSE options. From trying out Spanish cookery recipes to discussing Plato and Aristotle’s ideas about existence, students explored topics in a way that brought subjects to life. Some even put their coding skills to the test by building a Python-coded Hangman game from scratch.

Year 10 have continued to push the boundaries of intellectual curiosity, with the highlight being our lecture series. Given the freedom to present their research in any format they deemed fit, the girls embraced a variety of approaches, from TEDx-style stand-up presentations to interactive demonstrations that engaged the senses and collected real-time survey data. Topics ranged from patterns in history to AI’s impact on the music industry, alongside thought-provoking discussions on preserving diversity and immigration, redefining sustainability, and the evolution of transport through time. The depth of research and originality on display were truly inspiring. The next challenge? To transform this knowledge into an academic journal—or perhaps something even more modern and pioneering—of their choice. Can they push the boundaries even further?

Ms Howie
Head of Academic Scholars

Mr Loveday
Assistant Head of Year 7
Head of Government and Politics

Saturday’s sunshine was most welcome for the 140 pupils preparing for their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Students of Bronze, Silver and Gold awards were topping up First Aid skills, brushing off their compass work, unfurling the tents and lighting the trangias (safely) in advance of the practice and qualifying expeditions later this year.

The only thing left to ensure is that the sun shines in just the same way on those weekends ahead…

Time for children to get creative and DESIGN A NATIONAL BOOK TOKEN for our annual competition! Our sponsors, National Book Tokens, are inviting children of all ages to share their creativity – and their love for books and reading – by designing their own fabulous gift cards.

Six winning entrants will bag HUNDREDS of pounds worth of National Book Tokens for their schools and themselves – find out more here!

Condover GDST Rally

The Year 6 pupils had a brilliant weekend at Condover Hall. Our As just missed out on a place in the A final on goal difference to finish in equal 3rd place.

GDST Spring Rally

A great day in the sunshine and some fabulous results p- we are very proud of every single one of our pupils who competed today!

• U13 football won 3rd place
• Senior netballers won the plate final
• U11 and U14 gymnastics are waiting results.

Congratulations to our Year 11 netballers on finisheing 5th in Surrey! Amazing achievement!

On Sunday, 6th April 2025, Senior and Junior school staff from Croydon High will be taking on the challenge of the Brighton Marathon. Their goal is to raise funds for the school’s 150 Anniversary nominated charity, UNICEF, which aims to provide education, healthcare, and emergency relief to children worldwide.

Together, our inspirational staff are aiming to commit to running at least 150 km, collectively, to celebrate our school’s 150th birthday this year!

With a mix of runners tackling either the 10k race or the Brighton Marathon (42 km), our staff team is coming together to make every step count for a great cause with the following staff having already committed to the challenge.

Marathon Runners: Mr Flower and Mrs Tooke
10k Runners: Mrs Cotton, Mrs Johnson, Ms Thomas, Ms Fenwick, Mrs Smith, Mr Coley, Ms James, Mrs Wood, Mr Taylor, Ms Yam, Mrs Murray, Mr Watson

As always, the power of our school community will make all the difference, and the staff would love to receive your support to help them reach their fundraising goal.

How you can help
Please consider supporting our team by donating to this worthy cause, which you can do through this page.

Donate today

Your daughter will embark on an exciting day as we welcome her to explore the exceptional opportunities awaiting in Year 3. She will join us for a range of activities designed to spark curiosity and independence.

Discover how our challenging yet supportive environment inspires a love of learning and builds confidence at this pivotal stage in your daughter’s development.

Join us from 2.45pm for refreshments where you will have the opportunity to speak to members of the team.

Places for this event are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Book your place today

Join us for our Buzzing 4 Reception event, a morning of fun activities and insightful discussions with other parents and our highly experienced Early Years team.

Discover our early years setting, where your daughter will experience a nurturing and supportive environment, setting the foundation for a unique and challenging educational journey full of opportunity and extensive enrichment.

Places are limited and are offered on a first come first served basis.

Book your place today

Join us for refreshments, with a talk welcome from the Head, Ms Davies, and a personalised tour with our pupil ambassadors. There will also be the opportunity to speak to the Admissions Team.

Places are limited, so if you and your daughter would like to join us, please register for one of the dates below:

25 March 2025

At Croydon High School our girls are confident, compassionate, engaged and ambitious – they are always ready to tell you why they love their school.

Visit our Junior School and take a look at our fantastic facilities, and learn about our school from teachers and pupils.

Our Junior School Open Morning will take place 9.15am – 11am and include a talk from the Junior Leadership Team and an opportunity to tour the site.

If you wish to come to this open morning, please register your place today.

Book your place today

Spring Sale until 16 March 2025

Get a extra 10% off when you use discount code CHS25