Central Foundation Girls' School

This school failed me and many others. While leadership may have changed since my time, the long-term damage caused by the safeguarding failures cannot be ignored. I’m sharing this so no other child has to suffer in silence like I did.

Staff often dismissed basic wellbeing. Students were denied access to toilets during lessons, and one was left in urine-soaked clothing the entire day, leading to a vaginal infection. Another vomited during first period and was told to wash in a sink rather than go home to change or offered a change of clothes. Meanwhile, others faking illness were sent home immediately. This is not equality — it’s neglect.

Students who got their period unexpectedly were often mocked or shamed instead of supported — and sanitary products were charged for, even though this was an all-girls’ school. Those who bled through their clothes were ridiculed by students and staff, called “dirty” or “disgusting.”

There were extreme punishments that crossed lines. Some students were locked in the basement isolation room for hours or full days with no food. They were kept out of sight during inspections so they wouldn’t speak out. That wasn’t discipline — that was abuse.

Shockingly, there wasn’t even a dining hall. All students — not just those in trouble — were forced to eat outside every day, even in winter or heavy rain. Wet benches, freezing hands, soaking uniforms — it didn’t matter. It felt dehumanising.

On a reward trip to Thorpe Park, a student was left behind despite three coaches being present. No headcount was done. This is a serious safeguarding failure. When their parent complained, the school dismissed her and refused to take responsibility.

Bullying;from both students and staff, was ignored. Victims were punished or told to delete social media, while bullies faced no consequences. One PE teacher fat-shamed and humiliated a student repeatedly, triggering an eating disorder that still affects them today.

Those who didn’t fit in were excluded from everything — even basic encouragement. A “Gifted and Talented” program gave select students trips and recognition for having high grades, while the rest of us were forgotten. It didn’t inspire — it damaged self-esteem.

Students dealing with mental health or home issues were dismissed as “attention-seeking” or “hormonal.” I told staff I was facing abuse at home. They knew. Yet they didn’t contact social services — they just referred me to CAMHS against my will. I was left to survive on my own.

I was once told not to bother showing up to my GCSE English exam because I would “fail anyway.” I did show up, fasted for Ramadan, passed, and returned to show her my results. That should’ve been a proud moment — but it was proof of how low their expectations of me were.

This school failed its duty of care. I’m now an adult, and the trauma lingers. I suffer from severe social anxiety and am unable to work. I was a child who asked for help and was punished for it. There’s more I could say — but if this helps even one person reflect, then it’s worth it.

Safeguarding is not a policy. It’s a responsibility.

Teachers, mostly es and slt don’t listen to your side of the story and only the teachers who have a-bit of knowledge. Many teachers use favouritism and I hear many es and slt screaming at students to shut up and swear in front of them. Also many teachers laugh behind students backs especially pe and medical department. Also food is BLANDDDD, rats were found next to the kitchen and hair and raw food is common.

The school day is very hard to get through, the school is really suffocating and has very stupid rules. It feels like an absolute prison. There’s no creativity in the school and you’re forced to think alike to everyone else in the school.

Only 1 in 10 teachers are able to teach properly, and adjust lessons to the students needs. The teachers also do not listen to the students opinions, their ways always have to apply, and students generally don’t get an input. In addition, lunch is quite expensive. And one of my science teachers refused to let anyone drink water in the science lab, yet sits comfortably herself with a mug of coffee, is that right??? Very hypocritical if you ask me!