Parsons Mead School

1897 - 2006

Friday 7 July 2006 was a very sad day for both junior and senior girls, staff and parents of Parsons Mead. The school gates have been closed and an eerie silence has settled over the much-loved buildings and gardens. Normal end-of term cries of joy were replaced by tears as the girls in both departments left the school for the last time.

The  Senior church service at St Giles was well attended by Old Girls, who found the experience truly moving - the closing chapter of 109 years of history. There were lots of tears during the service and as the pupils and staff filed past the grave of Miss Elliston, the founder of the school. Tears were shed throughout the school day as pupils had to say goodbye to each other.

Old Girls came back to the school to take photographs as a final reminder of the happy years they spent at the school and for the fine institution that was Parsons Mead.

The closure has been handled very insensitivily. Parents were banned from attending senior school prizegiving on Friday morning, despite several requests by parents to be able to watch their daughters receive their hard earned prizes. No governor/ trustee was present at either the junior nor senior prizegiving.

In an unprecedented move and for the first time ever in the school’s history, school gates were locked and guarded by grounds staff to prevent parents gaining access to school premises between 9am and 11.30 am (11.30 was the time of the junior school; departure). Worse, a Danes Hill School security officer patrolled St Giles church, guarding the church doors.

Surely only a senior management team with something to fear and hide could behave in this manner.

Parents were extremely bewildered by these hostile moves.

As emotions settle and the summer holidays start, the Parents Action Group are more determined than ever that answers to our questions are received and financial compensation is gained. A polite and final request has been made to Dame Angela Rumbold to meet with the Parent Action Group committee with a Mediator, in an attempt to avoid costly court action. A reply is expected before 22 July.