Croydon High School A GSG School
- Croydon High School
Old Farleigh Road
South Croydon
Surrey
CR2 8YB - Head: Annabel Davies
- T 020 8260 7500
- F 020 8657 5413
- E admissions@cry.gdst.net
- W www.croydonhigh.gdst.net
- An independent school for girls aged from 3 to 18.
- Boarding: No
- Local authority: Croydon
- Pupils: 820; sixth formers: 81
- Religion: Christian Inter-denominational
- Fees: £14,784 - £21,303 pa (last updated on 17/06/2024)
- Review: View The Good Schools Guide Review
- ISI report: View the ISI report
What The Good Schools Guide says..
Founded in 1874, only two years after the establishment of the Girls’ Day School Trust, Croydon High is the Trust’s second-oldest school (after Notting Hill and Ealing High). Its site, backing on to 20 acres of gently rolling, leafy Selsdon, barely qualifies as Croydon. ‘The first thing you need to know about the school,’ a mum emphasised, ‘is that it’s not in Croydon. Its name does it no favours!’ Originally based in the town centre, Croydon High took up residence in this charming pocket in 1966…
What the school says...
At Croydon High School, part of the GDST (Girls Day School Trust), we believe in the transformative power of a girls-only education tailored to each individual. Our guiding mantra, ‘Every Girl, Every Day’, encapsulates our commitment to providing an exceptional learning experience where every girl from age 3-18 can aspire and achieve without limits.
We create a space that fosters personal development, confidence, resilience and a strong sense of self. Girls are encouraged to express their true selves, develop their own identities and build self-worth independently of gender-related pressures. Our approach is designed to meet the unique needs of girls, from classroom teaching to our curricular and co-curricular offerings, creating an environment where they thrive.
Our academic results consistently reflect the dedication of our pupils and the excellence of our teaching staff. This celebratory culture creates a positive and motivating environment, inspiring girls to aim high and take pride in their accomplishments. Our motto, ‘May her character and talent inspire others’, is a lived philosophy, fostering a community where success is shared, and mutual respect thrives.
Our curriculum is both challenging and inspiring, sparking intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning. Whether in academics, the arts, or sports, we ensure every girl has the opportunity to explore her interests and maximise her potential.
Our extensive co-curricular programme offers a wide variety of clubs, activities, and trips. A standout example is our Astrogazers club, which achieved a double weather balloon launch, reaching 33,000 meters to the edge of space - a first for any UK school. We aim to be the first school to launch a CubeSat into low Earth orbit, underscoring our commitment to innovation in STEM. Additionally, our sporting achievements are a source of great pride, with our girls consistently excelling in national and GDST competitions. We are a proud Artsmark GOLD school, which is evident in our outstanding drama and musical productions and our vibrant art department. We are proud of our beautiful grounds which provide an environment for the girls to learn and play, with forest school providing hands-on learning experiences that fosters independence and a love of nature, further enriching the educational experience.
Kindness is one of our core values. We emphasise empathy and compassion in all our interactions. Our strong focus on emotional wellbeing ensures a supportive and inclusive community where every girl feels valued and understood. Our exceptional pastoral care includes innovative initiatives like the Period Project, which empowers girls during their periods, and our much-loved therapy dog, Milo the cockapoo, who is a favourite among our junior school students.
We recognise the unique strengths and potential of every girl from our youngest nursery school girls to our sixth formers, whether she excels in academics, performing arts, sports or other areas. By tailoring our approach to meet the needs of each pupil, we create an environment where learning is engaging, exciting and confidence-building.
The girls who leave Croydon High School are remarkable; they are confident, compassionate and ambitious individuals. ...Read more
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Other features
All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.
What The Good Schools Guide says
Head
Since 2022, Annabel Davies PGCE NPQH, previously principal deputy head (curricular) at Harrow International School, Hong Kong. Educated at St Swithun’s and Wells Cathedral School (sixth form). A flautist, she read music at Royal Holloway before gaining a music PGCE from the Institute of Education and, later, an NPQH. Was head of music at Ravens Wood School in south Bromley (most illustrious old boy, one David Jones, later Bowie) before moving into the independent sector. Assistant head co-curricular and organisation at Surbiton High School for three years before taking a leap of faith, and continents, and heading to Harrow in Hong Kong, site unseen. ‘I was anxious about joining a school of 1500 children overseas that I’d never been to. It was a calculated risk, something we encourage the girls to take,’ says Ms...
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Overall school performance (for comparison or review only)
Results by exam and subject
Subject results
Entry/Exit
Special Education Needs
The school takes an active approach towards identifying and supporting pupils with specific learning needs. Diagnostic screening is given in the Junior School and in Year 7; concerns about individuals raised at a later stage are thoroughly investigated by specialist teachers. Appropriate supporting strategies, discussed with the pupil and her parents, are implemented in the classroom to ensure that each pupil achieves her full learning potential.
| Condition | Provision for in school |
|---|---|
| ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Might cover/be referred to as;
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), PDA , Social skills, Sensory processing disorder |
Y |
| HI - Hearing Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
Hearing Impairment, HI - Hearing Impairment |
|
| MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Learning needs, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty |
|
| MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, Sensory processing |
|
| OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability
Might cover/be referred to as;
Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic , OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, Tics, Tourettes |
|
| PD - Physical Disability
Might cover/be referred to as;
PD - Physical Disability |
|
| PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty |
|
| SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Might cover/be referred to as;
Anxiety , Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Trauma |
|
| SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication
Might cover/be referred to as;
DLD - Developmental Language Disorder, Selective mutism, SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication |
|
| SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Complex needs, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, Cerebral Palsy (CP) |
|
| SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auditory Processing, DCD, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting, Other specific learning difficulty, SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) |
Y |
| VI - Visual Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
Special facilities for Visually Impaired, VI - Visual Impairment |
Who came from where
| School | Year | Places | Scholarships | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St David's School | 2024 | 2 |
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