Prospective Parents Information

Thank you for your interest in Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School. I do hope you will visit us on one of our open mornings or evening, or indeed, at any other time if the designated mornings and evening are not convenient. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a different time.

However, if you are unable to visit, I would like to use this letter to highlight some of the things I will be speaking about to our visitors.

We are aware that choosing a secondary school is an extremely important decision and that you are quite rightly concerned that you have as much information as possible to ensure that you make the right choice for your daughter. Not all schools are right for all students so it is important that you are aware of the particular strengths and ethos of each school.

At EGA, we are determined that not only should every girl reach her potential in terms of academic achievement, but also have a range of other opportunities which will enrich and enhance her experience. All girls are specifically encouraged to learn to play an instrument and develop their talents in whatever field they choose.

Our outcomes for students are exceptional. Every year some girls achieve the highest grade in every single subject. This clearly shows that, given the right support and encouragement, our students can and do achieve results as good as those of students at any school in the country. It points to excellence in teaching and learning and knowledge about what is needed in order to be successful in examinations; no girl leaves EGA without qualifications.

In addition to academic success, girls at EGA have the opportunity to take part in a huge range of other activities to explore their talents in the arts, sports or to enrich their curriculum. It is quite likely that your daughter will work with a professional musician or artist during her time here and might even perform at the Almeida or other venues. There really is something for everybody.

What contributes to this success is a very positive atmosphere where girls are encouraged to take responsibility and to work with others. We are committed to maintaining our ethos of social harmony in the knowledge that no one can learn when they feel uneasy or unsafe. Girls are rightly proud of their school and enjoy being here. They come to school in the knowledge that we have the highest of expectations and that they can achieve more than ever seemed possible on entry to the school.

I always say to parents that, in all the schools in which I have worked, and they’ve all been very different, the one thing which has characterised those students who are successful is that they are the students whose parents work in partnership with the school; the ones whose parents are interested, who attend parents’ evenings and work collaboratively to ensure the best possible educational experience for their children.

There really is no substitute for visiting the school and meeting the remarkable young women who attend EGA. I know you will be impressed by their commitment to learning and their very high standards both in terms of behaviour and achievement.

I look forward to meeting you.