Welcome to the Watford Girls Parents’ Association.

The Parents’ Association supports the school with essential fund raising through the organisation of social events and other activities which in turn serves two valuable purposes: it provides all parents with an opportunity to meet other parents and staff socially, and it raises valuable funds which are used solely by the school to enhance the opportunities available to the girls.

Over the past five years the PA has organised events that with your support have raised over £178,000.  This tremendous amount has contributed towards the purchase of computers and a school minibus, plus the refurbishment of the toilets within the school.  Last year a substantial amount was put towards the Maths Building. Our next surge of fund raising is to go towards the refurbishment of the Drama & Music facilities in the Tennet Hall.

The Gifting Scheme is one of the schools largest fundraisers –  if you’re not already part of it and would like to join, please download and print a form and return the completed form to Mr Nick Durward-Akhurst, Women of Vision Trust Administrator, Watford Grammar School  for Girls, Lady’s Close, Watford, Herts WD18 0AE.

PA Meetings are held about 7-9 times a year and take place in the Common Room, Sixth Form Block.  They are usually held on a Monday evening and start at 7.30pm.  Where possible, we like to finish by 9pm.  Dates for meetings can be found on the PA Calendar or can be obtained from the PA Secretary.  Latest minutes can be viewed here.

The meetings aim to be structured yet informal.  We always work to a pre-set Agenda.  All parents are very welcome to attend the meetings.  It is an ideal opportunity to find out what is happening within the school and to meet other parents.  I promise you that we are a friendly PA.

We run a variety of events throughout the year to raise funds, including a Christmas Fair, Quiz Supper, Indulgence evening, Murder Mystery evening, Fashion Show (click here for previous show review).  We also have a 100 club, and a Gifting Scheme (as mentioned above).  Nearly New Uniform is available at the school.  We gain funds from commission on purchases from Northbrook and BuyAt.

Another fund raising avenue we are exploring: parents working for companies who encourage employees to participate in their local community with Company Sponsorship, £ for £ donations or Pound Matching arrangements. Click on this link if you are interested in following up this suggestion:company support and sponsorship.

As you can imagine, we need all the helpers we can get.  If you would like to add your name to the list of ‘Willing Helpers’, please email the PA Secretary.  When we need help at various school or PA events, e.g. refreshments, setting up/clearing away, we simply email everyone on the list and those who can help respond to the email.  We do not put pressure on people, or inundate them with emails, and we certainly won’t pass your details onto any third parties.

We hope you will enjoy your association with Watford Grammar School for Girls.  If you have any questions you think I may be able to help you with, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Tracey Barraclough
Chair, WGGS PA