Name: Sofia

Secondary school: City of London School for Girls (2005-2012)

University destination: Cambridge University to study Classics

1. What is your best memory from your school?

In sixth form, one of the options for general studies was Walking the City, where you explored the unique heritage of the City of London and got to tour the interiors of Livery Companies etc. The school did have a lot of connections with the City – useful for those pursuing corporate careers, which was very much the emphasis.

2. What is one thing you would like to change about your school?

There was little attention paid to physical or mental health. The school did not have access to good grounds for sport as it’s based in the Barbican.

3. Any fancy traditions?

Many routines and regular events but, especially compared to other top private schools, it could rarely be described as fancy.

4. How was the academic support?

The teaching for humanities and classics was excellent. If you wanted extra help, you would receive it, and the class sizes were small. Feedback was always very helpful. During my time, there was a science teacher crisis, with constant substitute teachers – although I did not pursue these subjects beyond GCSE.

5. Is your school a religious school?

It’s technically a secular school, tending towards some Christian traditions. In general, it wasn’t a diverse place, so most students were white and either Christian or secular. It did make an effort to highlight/celebrate other religious traditions and festivals too though.

6. What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?

There were many musical options, and I was in various groups (orchestra, swing band, jazz band).

7. How much emphasis is placed on Oxbridge as a university destination?

A lot – most students were applying to one or the other and a lot of the teachers had also attended those universities. Those who weren’t applying felt uncomfortable about it often, and there was a lot of pressure to get in.

8. Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?

I keep in touch with a lot of fellow ex-students, but not the teachers. There are newsletters that keep me informed of developments, and they do organise reunions after 10 years+.

9. Did you ever have a detention at your school?

I did not.

10. What are the pastoral support options?

There was a guidance councillor, but it was more common to speak to a form tutor about issues. During my time there, many did not feel pastorally supported as the emphasis was very much on academic performance.

11. Bonus: If you had to summarise your school in 3 words, what would they be?

Collegiate, ambitious, female