Schools in Northwood and Pinner merge

Northwood College and Heathfield School for Girls, formerly based in Pinner, have merged to create   the latest school in the Girls’ Day School Trust’s (GDST) network. The new school, called Northwood College for Girls, on Maxwell Road, opened its doors for the first time on September 4 and the Headmistress, Jacqualyn Pain, was joined by Deputy Mayor, Cllr George Cooper; Deputy Mayoress, Cllr Judith Cooper; Chair of School Governors, Mr Geoff Hudson; GDST Chief Executive, Helen Fraser and GDST Finance Director, Tom Beardmore-Gray to officially launch the new school. Miss Pain commented: “The merger has built upon the excellent academic and pastoral traditions two great schools.  Both Northwood College and Heathfield School for Girls shared an educational vision based on raising girls’ aspirations and an academic curriculum based on GCSE/IGCSE and A Levels, enhanced and extended by complementary programmes for breadth, and thinking skills for depth.” Initially there was a mixed reaction from parents regarding the merger as some were disappointed with the extra travel but Northwood College worked with the parents from Heathfield and introduced schemes to make life easier. “We have got a bus that takes pupils to and from Heathfield School for free and we also gave the new girls a free uniform so parents didn’t have to fork out the extra cost” said Miss Pain. “We have also arranged over 40 events in the past year for the girls from both schools to get to know each other and this has really helped and the new girls are now excited to be joining.”  Northwood College for Girls will provide an exceptional school with three special features at its heart. The unique Thinking Skills programme will enable girls to develop independent and creative thinking that will take them beyond an exam curriculum; the Emotional Resilience initiative will ensure that each girl is ready to face the challenges, setbacks and successes that the world offers and the school’s excellent pastoral care will rest on the premise that a happy girl who feels valued will always realise her full potential. Miss Pain added: “Good schools help their pupils to achieve the best possible grades but outstanding schools such as Northwood College for Girls do more than this, we will equip our girls with the knowledge, skills and love of learning that they need to exceed all expectations and truly flourish. “Our team of specialist and experienced educators will identify the individual strengths of each girl, and work towards developing her raw talents by supporting, enthusing and challenging every step of the way.