The Cracks

 Hello,

Ex-pupil here. Attended said school until I “graduated” (cheers, Covid) in 
2020.

Among pupils at [edited out] there is a general consensus that the teachers themselves are great but the leadership is terrible.

For us, the cracks really began to show following the implementation of high performance learning (whatever the f*ck that is). The senior leadership desperately trying to peddle this teaching structure/mindset (whatever you call it) that probably cost an arm and a leg and had absolutely NO use at all apart from making the school look good. I know HPL became a joke amongst teachers and pupils alike, and it was something many of us could tolerate although it clearly demonstrated the priority of the senior leadership to maintain a perfect school image rather than make any actual changes to learning itself. Many of us have long said that the current principal treats the school as a business/advertisement campaign rather than as a community of teachers and pupils of which their welfare, education and overall experience is his top priority. It wasn’t, however, until the  memorial service of a student where, for me and many others, this really rang true. Instead of remembering a brilliant, funny and loved student who was tragically taken before his time, it seemed to us that the principal decided to use this situation as yet another publicity stunt for the school. I have no idea what possessed him to think this, but the principal thought it would be appropriate to put a self-cited quote about education (which had nothing to do with the passing away of the student) right on the front of the memorial programme. If this wasn’t bad enough, he then went on to describe the pupil as “the epitome of a high performance learning student”. Are you being serious? Can’t this man have some empathy and stop trying to peddle his HPL-cr*p for one evening?! For me, that was a classic example of the senior leadership putting the school image over the needs and welfare of its pupils.

It is unfortunate that the example above is just one of many where the principal puts the image/reputation of the school over the welfare of the students. Let’s not forget the time a pupil was assaulted by a teacher and the principal decided to sweep it under the rug and let the teacher leave the country rather than get the police involved, out of fears of a scandal for the school. Did the senior leadership stop to think of the repercussions this would have on the victim’s mental health for years to come, and the fact this teacher who was let off scot-free may now have the chance to do the same again? I think not. Or what about the time a student was FALSELY accused of assaulting another student, and instead of treating them fairly and equally the principal instantly expelled said pupil and went as far as banning them permanently from the school premises. What on earth happened to innocent until proven guilty?

The school is riddled with inequality, and the senior leadership preach about mental health awareness while students are bullied, often victims of casual racism and homophobia. The way the school itself also puts so much pressure on its students to perform well academically creates inequality.  

For example, those students who opt to take 3 A Levels instead of 4 (which in the UK is now standard) are seen as less bright, and even students who don’t choose to take sciences or maths at A Level are seen as “non-academic”.

The teachers and individual departments are great and please teachers, know that we understand what you’re all going through and that we really do appreciate everything you do for us. I know it’s easy to criticise things and while there are many great parts to the school, the senior leadership is gradually destroying it. I’m so happy I got out when I did, especially before the move to the new, awful, sterile campus.

Regards,
Ex-pupil