Life in Remove

It is important that the girls feel comfortable and supported throughout this exciting phase of their emotional and academic development and that parents understand what to expect for their daughters. For this reason, you will find useful information in this booklet which will inform you fully about every aspect of life at Queen’s Gate: day-to-day routines in Remove and throughout the School; whom to contact with questions or concerns; how the curriculum is organised; and how the partnership between home and school is maintained.

As its name suggests, the Remove year is one of transition in which pupils make careful, confident steps into Senior School life, rather than giant leaps into adolescence. Whilst it is true that your daughter will leave the School as a young adult, she arrives very much as a child, and it is the intention of Queen’s Gate’s staff that the environment in which she learns is also one that nurtures and protects, allowing her to enjoy her childhood. Consequently, the School calendar is organised to allow the Remove girls a gentle induction, with earlier lunch breaks as well as an Induction Week.

Whilst the routines of Queen’s Gate Senior School life will be new to your daughter, they will also provide her with stability and predictability, making her feel supported and helping her to organise her time. The dress code allows her freedom, but also requires that she conforms to common standards; an insistence on politeness and courtesy will be reciprocated by friendliness from others; subject and homework timetables will set her challenges, but will allow her to manage her time sensibly. With the help of her Form Tutor and subject teachers, she will acquire independent organisation skills. We also hope that your daughter will embrace the exciting challenges of life in the Senior School. Many girls are given positions of responsibility and have the opportunity to prove their leadership qualities as soon as they arrive. Form Captains, School Council Representatives, Sports Captains and Tour Monitors are some of the roles available. Inter-Form and whole-School competitions will reward collective and individual attainment and skill as well as contribute to the School. Inter-House competitions will provide stimulating opportunities for talented debaters, musicians, actresses and sportswomen to represent their Houses and earn prizes whilst the Queen’s Gate Challenge will encourage girls to work with their Sixth Form ‘Coaches’ on exciting, independent projects. We also have an interesting programme of clubs which your daughter will enjoy. At the same time we hope that she will find a balance between home and School life, spending time with her family whilst enjoying and maintaining other friendships and activities.

At a time when parents face the challenge of seeing their children develop rapidly, we appreciate the trust you invest in us, as we help your daughter to grow through her teenage years.