Croham Hurst
What it's like
Founded in 1899, it occupies an attractive open site in an accessible area of south Croydon, with gardens and playing fields. The junior school, The Limes, is on the same site. Extensive new facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a music suite and a design and technology block. A broad general education is provided and term-time and holiday care for children (3-11) is offered all day throughout the year. Examination results are good.
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 430 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 350 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements.
Scholarships & bursaries
Scholarships (academic, PE, music) available at 11 and 16. Means-tested bursaries available to girls entering at 11 and 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks. Music, drama etc extra (130 per term).
Head & staff
Head: Mrs Jane Abbott, in post from 2005. Educated at Cheltenham Ladies' College and the universities of Bristol (French with German) and Warwick (education administration). Previously Director of Studies at Cheltenham Ladies' College. Teaching staff: 43 full time, 24 part time. Annual turnover less than 10%.
Exam results
GCSE: Typically, 59 pupils in Year 11: 100% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 61 (over 5 years). A-levels: 42 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 313.
University & college entrance
94% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course or art foundation. 32% took courses in science, engineering and medicine, 52% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design. Others typically go on to career related training or into careers.
Curriculum
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 25 GCSE subjects, 26+ AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level, usually a wide range of subjects; general studies is not taught. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular visits to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: 200 computers for pupil use (170 for seniors, 30 for juniors), all networked and with internet access.
The arts
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument. Musical groups include orchestras, guitar ensemble, jazz band, flute choirs, choirs. Drama: Drama, media studies and theatre studies offered. Art and design: Art an option at both GCSE and A-level.
Sports & activities
Sports available: lacrosse, rounders, netball, tennis, athletics, trampolining, dance, gymnastics and swimming. Activities: Clubs include ICT, debating, gardening, ballroom dancing, drama, chess, Japanese, mandarin, table tennis.
School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. No prefects. Head girl and two deputies, elected by the school. School Council and Sixth-Form Committee. Religion: Interdenomnational. Social: Debates with other schools; joint theatre productions and musical collaborations with Whitgift. Exchange trips to Germany and France; ski trips; foreign tours. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service (compulsory to Year 9).
Discipline
Consideration for and co-operation with others insisted on.
Alumni association
, Old Crohamians Assocation, run by the Secretary, c/o the school.
