Welcome to Watford Grammar School for Girls. I am honoured to lead this outstanding school, that has attracted talented and energetic staff and an engaged Trustee body. Our rich academic curriculum, our strong and supportive pastoral care, wide range of extended activities are designed to educate, encourage and empower our girls. The school motto is Sperate Parati – or ‘Go forward with preparation’ – which encapsulates our aim for every member of the school community.
Our school maxim, “I can do it and I will do it” guides the students through their own Watford Girls journey.
Strong academic traditions and the importance of service to others have shaped the ethos of our school since its foundation by Elizabeth Fuller in 1704. We value hard work and nurture scholarship, always encouraging our students and the staff to achieve excellence in all fields of study. Our pedagogical approach is rooted in developing metacognition and self-regulation, to promote deep understanding and higher order thinking skills. The girls have the opportunity to excel at music, drama and sport, as well as to play an active role in the wider community by taking part in many charitable activities. Thus, they learn to be their best selves: hard working, compassionate and high achieving in all areas of life.
We are a diverse and thriving community, founded on consideration, tolerance and trust. Watford Girls is fortunate to have the support of an active Parents Association and the Women of Vision Trust that allow us to invest in superb facilities. The community ensure that each girl is given opportunities to develop confidence and resilience both in and outside the classroom, and to develop a sense of personal responsibility that is best summarised in the maxim ‘I can do it, and I will do it’ – words which every member of the school learns and takes to heart.
We value our status as a single-sex school whilst enjoying a close relationship with Watford Grammar School for Boys, with whom we share a common foundation, history and many joint learning opportunities.
Thank you for your interest in our school. I invite you to explore the website, and to visit us on the relevant Open Day, better to understand the unique learning environment that is Watford Grammar School for Girls.
Mrs Chris Wilshaw,
Headteacher