Mrs Susan Goff, our new Headmistress, has joined us from Woldingham School in Surrey. She has been a teacher for 30 years and held many positions of responsibility in a variety of schools. With three daughters of her own, she is a passionate advocate of single sex education and giving girls the best opportunity in every aspect of their school life. She is delighted to be here and has thrown herself into school life with great enthusiasm. She is very keen to get to know all the girls and their parents.
My first week at Alderley Edge School for Girls - the view from the top
People have been asking me if it is very different being Headmistress at Alderley Edge School for Girls rather than in Surrey, where my previous school was. My answer is an instinctive “no” because this school shares many of the wonderful qualities with other schools I have worked in – happy children, inspirational and tireless staff and supportive and committed parents who want the very best for their daughters.
AESG is a very special school because there is a very tangible feel of family and community – where all are working together and every decision taken is based on whether it will improve provision for our girls. I have been struck by the openness of the girls, the willingness of the staff to always go the extra mile and the general buzz of excitement and determination about the school – whether it be in the classroom, on the playing field, rehearsing musical interludes for next week’s annual Prize Day in the Bridgewater Hall or the impressive way in which the girls move round the school.
On my first day I met with all the pupils in the school – each year group in the Senior School and each class in the Juniors. I explained to the Seniors my vision for their education and the specific challenges that awaited them that year. The new VI Form girls looked very grown up in their business suits and had made the transition almost effortlessly – GCSEs were now in the past and there was much talk of A level choices. The Upper VI were busy completing their UCAS forms and discussing choices for universities and courses – and certainly looked ready to move on to the next stage of their education and lives.
Another thing that struck me was the close relationship between the three chaplains – Rev. Jane, Rev. Ben and Sister Anita. As we met as a community to bless the school at the beginning of the academic year they presented a united front, celebrating that which unites us and ensuring that all felt welcome, included and valued. It is so refreshing in today’s increasingly secular and materialistic world to be able to discuss the core values that matter and to face, head on, many of the difficult issues that face the girls on a daily basis. We cannot pretend that they do not exist – rather we can look at the areas of today’s society that concern us all and discuss strategies to ensure that we can master them.
At the end of the first week I cannot believe that we have only been back for five days – so much has happened. New friendships have been made, new topics explored and new challenges grasped. Some local students in Year 8 have asked to do a cake sale next week to raise money for the RSPCA – others are looking to find how they can make a difference and give something back to society and those in need. My lasting memory as the week draws to a close – here come the Alderley Edge girls! Ready to take the world by storm.
Mrs Susan Goff
Lawrence Groves, our new Junior School Headmaster was, prior to joining us, Senior Headmaster of the two confederated schools of the Askew Group in the North West of England, Forest Park in Sale and Forest School in Timperley. He has also recently been elected as Chair of the Independent Schools Association Heads (North). Mr Groves has a reputation in the region as a dynamic and charismatic Head and yet is caring and gracious in his concern for the welfare of children. He has already made a great impression on pupils and parents alike.
Thoughts from the Junior School Study
I have been thrilled and excited by the welcome I have received from the girls and staff at the school, especially with all the change and trepidation a new Head brings. Already I have been impressed with the long hours, energy and enthusiasm that the staff dedicate to the school, and am warmed by their commitment and sensitivity when dealing with the children.
With smiley faces constantly popping into the study to find out if I’m okay and say “hello” I feel spoilt with the care and attention that the girls afford me. At times I feel in a state of euphoria at not having to say, “tuck your shirt in, do your tie up and watch out for those shoe laces!” and it brings a smile to my face to see the girls leave school at the end of the day as smart and pristine as when they arrived in the morning.
Parents too have been very approachable and supportive of the many changes in such a short period of time, and the cooperation and efficiency from the PFA has been overwhelming. I am looking forward to a productive and harmonious partnership in the years to come with a PFA that is so obviously committed to supporting the school in any way it can.
So, the ‘honeymoon period’ has been most enjoyable and following the usual nervous wait over a never-ending summer holiday I now relish the future ahead.
Lawrence BR Groves
