Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, East Ipswich School Reviews

Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, East Ipswich

School Reviews

By Student - 24 Nov 2021, Rate: bad

there was only a couple of teachers who really bothered.
Theyre happy to take (A LOT OF) your money but i never really saw the costs equating to better education opportunities. We had special guests etc which held the "elite" image but our technology was not advanced and for camps, trips etc there was additional fees still.
theres a lot of parents who have connections to staff and the students of those parents get a huge advantage and a lot of special treatment.
If you struggle or don't meet the standard in anyway youre seen as an issue and theres no attempt to help, just annoyance directed at you.
don't fall for their "inclusive" marketing, if youre in a minority group in any form, you will feel outcast. Theyll put you in the photos but behind the scenes youre treated as a freak and a burden if i'm completely transparent about it.
i personally had a lot of mental health issues going on and none of the staff had any idea of how to assist me and didn't bother to try and learn. i was met with hostility for struggling which only made things worse and i ended up dropping out. if someone would had taken the time to actually help me i wonder how differently my life could've turned out. i was a vulnerable teen but to this school i was just a black sheep.

By Student - 30 Jan 2020, Rate: excellent

It has great opportunities for us and is great for us to thrive with knowledge

By Parent - 27 Nov 2019, Rate: excellent

I love this school. I love how much my daughters thrive in this environment and that they can try anything. I love how much the teachers love and support the students, and how much the girls love and support each other. I am dismayed by the comments I have just read, but I do know that some people need to blame someone when their own deficient parenting producers a deficient human being - at least in their eyes. This is a great place and I thoroughly recommend it.

By Employee - 30 Jun 2019, Rate: excellent

As a teacher here, I can honestly say that the last 10 years of working here have been the best of my 20 year career as an educator. The staff are all committed to the girls and it is great to be working with a team so unified in its vision. I love the students because the bulk of them appreciate the extra mile you go for them; this is the first school where to students thank you for the lesson as they leave! I have often called this school “Teaching Utopia” and most of the teachers agree with me. Most of my ex-students remember their school days fondly and when I run into them are keen to tell me how well they are doing and ask about the school. I can’t imagine working anywhere else and being as happy as I am here.

By Parent - 30 Jun 2019, Rate: excellent

So happy with this school. Committed staff, lovely students who represent a great cross section of the community and who support each other. My two daughters are thriving here.

By Student - 09 May 2019, Rate: average

The school doesn’t deal with students with mental health issues very well, instead taking pride in the girls that achieve well in sport. There is no doubt a hierarchy between different friendship groups as there would be in all schools. As someone who has attended the school for over ten years I can say it is a good school however there are some flaws. The school offers a range of subjects for years 8 and up. One of the biggest flaws to the school is the laptops; rarely does anyone go a term without at least one technology issue. Other than that if you are sporty and confident this would be a good school for you.

By Parent - 23 Jun 2016, Rate: bad

something is wrong sathuihsco

By Alumnus - 23 Jun 2016, Rate: bad

Five girls apparently leaving Grade 9 this semester. What if they all want to do different types of Maths in senior? And there are about twenty kids left by then at this rate? Doesn't take an accountant to know that a business can't operate that way but then a real business doesn't shaft it's customers either. Word of mouth costs future custom as there's a lot of choice around now. I finished just in time. A family friend was saying last night that even her young child was having bullying issues but she didn't feel much could be done. She's right.

By Parent - 23 Jun 2016, Rate: poor

its disgraceful how these issues are not dealt with immediately and in a positive manner..
poor school management

By Alumnus - 02 Jun 2016, Rate: bad

Lol re board. Some board members agree with the school's issues in private but are too gutless to stand for what's right at the time. How CARELESS of them!! ;)It's time for an overhaul rather than an autocracy who has them by the balls. Gutless wonders. They must be too star struck by being on a board in shitty Ipswich to do what's right. But at least they know which teachers to avoid for their captain children lol. Ha gaaaaaaaaay.

By Parent - 02 Jun 2016, Rate: bad

I think you're entering grub zone when a prep kid draws images of being attacked by other prep students that are deemed by a psych to be commensurate with a frightening and traumatic incident. My child was told to "die in hell, you effhead and b.... and d-head. And we have plans to really hurt you. You will always walk alone!" My child was stabbed with a pencil and nails, penetrating the skin and trodden on repeatedly. Of course it seemed that the head of junior school hoped it would just go unquestioned and investigating the matter properly obviously is clouded when it takes nearly a fortnight to look into it. And that was coerced after stating that my child had a right to feel safe and return to the school we paid fees for. My child had not heard this string of aggressive swear words until enrolling at IJGS.
The issue of mandatory reporting was raised given there's a possibility of peers witnessing violence but that again was dismissed.
That child tenses up when passing the school now. Great start to education.

By Parent - 02 Jun 2016, Rate: poor

Board couldn't run a chook raffle and should be ashamed of being complicit in allowing what they innately know to be unprofessionalism just to cover the backs of their own nepotistic little circle. There seems to be a prize in it for everyone involved. Captain. Captain. Who is next? Bursary. Dux. The funniest part is that they all gossip about each other. But then that's used car salesmen for you. By job and by nature. Slimy and gutless. Principal is safe in his tenure as he's controlled beautifully. Pinnochio.

By Parent - 02 Jun 2016, Rate: poor

Reviews being pulled again about severe bullying of little kids? St Trinians, they call this place.

By Parent - 08 Mar 2016, Rate: average

Actually, to the reviewer below the loss of 19 staff highlighted in the year book is a mix of staff, but yes, that's over 25% of the staff who have left. In 2010, 3 staff left, compared with the 19 this time. That's a pretty high percentage for workforce turnover.

By Student - 04 Jan 2016, Rate: average

Gonna miss Mrs Acut soooooo much when she sells! We love you, Mrs A!!!!!

By Parent - 12 Dec 2015, Rate: excellent

My kids love this school. My children are in the Junior School and the teachers are great. So glad we made the decision to come here.

By Parent - 09 Nov 2015, Rate: average

A few people are wondering what the reason was for the auditor's warning as cited by the media? It's noted that the principal declined to comment but that the chairperson of the board claimed arson issues contributed, yet wouldn't one have insurance? Hopefully the books remain stable now lest insurers decline to insure.
We do wonder what reasons led to what is actually very serious, that is, the initial auditor's warning, eg, unexplained or unsubstantiated material transactions, weak internal controls, or heaven forbid, a breach of policy or procedures. These of course are the usual indicators for an auditor's warning. Hopefully that's the end of it? Thankfully within the year the principal declared that the school is now in the black, yet ten new enrolments usually can't pay off 1.55 million (and were there simultaneous exits?) - although one newspaper claimed that rumours suggested it was more like 20 million dollars. Why on earth would the media say that? That's a rather disparate figure. I would think they'd check their facts quite discerningly lest they cast a shadow of community doubt upon this school / real estate.
Maybe that's why the school laptops seem as old as Methuselah!

By Parent - 02 Nov 2015, Rate: average

I was seduced by the word "grammar".
Carpet Sweepers (underneath) R Us.
Nihil videre hic.
Nothing to see here. Can this be shoved on the crest?

By Student - 27 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

About the situation below, if all was dealt with as it should have been, the case would have been clear cut and closed. When a school clams up by using their own chairperson lawyer to defend something that's distasteful and crystal clear you know there's a dodgy element. Would another lawyer have advised similarly? I think the school has forgotten that there are competitors who outdo IGGS. Go to a music eisteddfod and watch Westmac next to this place. Ten kids in a once forty plus girl choir. You have to wonder about nepotism and who might be related to whom. We are making a game of Cleudo when this joke of a year ends. Many girls have been very annoyed in my year level and some parents feel very ripped off.
My experience was quite different to what is shown in the brochures. Had some of my friends and I lived on smirnoffs we might have fared better. What a head spin. IGGS. Where wrong is right and right is wrong.

By Parent - 22 Oct 2015, Rate: average

Nurturing, not nursing. I must have been thinking of someone else.
If you do, then this is a most generous and selfless act. I would think it most appropriate for all involved. Far better than a smaller, hands on, family environment. And good for recruiting but it's about the kids at the end of the day. That's what we like to see. :-)

By Parent - 22 Oct 2015, Rate: average

Policy. Not police.
Check out the school policies. Know them well.

By Parent - 22 Oct 2015, Rate: average

Despite an auditor's warning for an overwhelming operating loss and debt, isn't it compelling that the same person who spoke to the media about this debt is the same person threatening to fight a family strenuously in court to stop them having access to information which should easily be afforded to them through privacy laws and school police. Has this massive debt cleared, then?
If numbers have dropped one might think it unlikely. Off to check the financial reports......
Do you take wards of the state who need nursing homes as kick backs to help grease the financial wheels? A few of us are wondering. Could we please have a declarative statement as to what the school stance is? It's all a bit cloak and dagger!

By Parent - 17 Oct 2015, Rate: bad

Correction. And I would use pen if I were correcting myself. Not a pencil and rubber to erase or hide my "errors".
That should read: "the"
I am willing to admit errors. This school would admit faults too, if they had any. ;)

By Parent - 17 Oct 2015, Rate: bad

Perhaps the benefactors should read some of the damning correspondence. I would want to know if I were being misled as to the internal goings on.
Then this school can rely on DOCS funding. You won't hear of this little snippet on a tour.
The principal claims in his Better Schools website profile that this school has experienced staff. Is that always the case or is the usual nepotism? Define "experienced", please?

By Parent - 13 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

Spelling and grammatical errors below are a direct result of rushed outrage and the use of a small telephonic device. Perhaps I have not been exposed to the outdated Madeline Hunter model favoured at the lower echelons of Bloom's Taxonomy enough. Something for me to consider.

By Parent - 13 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

Back again. I would like to add that the chairperson of the current board has acted against the school's Privacy Policy and that we have had acknowledgement (and fortunately have proof of this), from his companion, the principal - that this school is beholden to Commonwealth privacy laws. Hence, we smell a rat. It makes us more resolute.
I would like others to be aware of the fact that when things go pear shaped at this school they go pear shaped in a way that will nearly destroy your family. Our entire family (including other children - indirectly) have been thrown under the proverbial bus, despite singing the school's praises until 2014. This school has failed to put our student's interests first. She sees a psychologist and has regular anxiety attacks as a direct outcome of 2014. As do I. How does this board sleep at night, IF they have the full facts? Do they have the full facts? I find it suspicious that the business manager failed to respond to communication that was pertinent and pertained to whether all board members had viewed documentation that was essential in our privacy complaint. Silence is golden. Does it mean, 'No?' If it does, that's interesting from a legal perspective, isn't it? Is that why the chairperson's response to our lawyer was patently obstructive and not in alignment with school policy? One gets the sense that certain people at the top of the chain realise that they have failed to keep their finger on the pulse of staff activities and now know that ultimately that liability for any staff misconduct comes back to THEM. Oops.
In the meantime, go about spending student fees on fighting us - all for someone whom one of your staff admitted was 'not exactly a Good Samaritan' and yet alleged to be entirely irrelevant to your school. Many a parent has said that IGGS isn't used to parents sticking up for their rights. It is abhorrent that you state declaratively, local lawyer, that you will spend copious fees paid by many a family in court. That's immoral given the financial status off IGGS. So you'll forego resources and initiatives that would benefit students? Interesting! I've stated in letters to both principal and board, if I deliver well behaved children and support your purported ethos of standards to the hilt - then it stands to reason that I expect IGGS to uphold that ethos too.
My child's graduation photo be accompanied by the words, 'This student is a success in spite of her senior year and not because of it'. We can thank you for opening her eyes to what self preservation looks like. Just in case you don't know her, or care, as demonstrated, I'll let you know she's very astute but too respectful to be rude, even though she feels betrayed.
I have a fabulous graduation song suggestion for you. It's by Elton John. 'Sorry seems to be the hardest word'. We all know why.
And now, to lighten the mood, on the senior year book entry, where it says, 'What do you want to be?' she was going to merely write, 'ethical'. I'm proud of her for thinking it but holding back. She has maintained her dignity. She will carry some great memories of some outstanding teachers but will take away no good memories re her treatment at the hands of the board and certain execs. Why would she?

By Parent - 13 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

By Parent - 11 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

PS. We have every intention of seeking transparency as the aggressive and declarative tone of the chairperson's response (with no accompanying reasoning) heightens concerns. We also now have confirmation that IGGS (from a managerial perspective) is NOT as invested in care of student welfare as they are in......."hiding something".
Are you calling our bluff, Mr Chairperson?
I'm curious to know what will be revealed. I guess that's the board's fear.
I think a school has failed when a senior student formerly loved her school and is now counting down the days until graduation. Thankfully she's had some wonderful teachers to get her through this disastrous debacle.

By Parent - 10 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

The board chair sent our lawyer a letter to state that this school would fight us vigorously in court if we pursue our right to procedural fairness after a coincidental compilation of personal info was used in a perceived prejudicial manner at the time confidential concerns were lodged. Quite amazing, given the school is financially struggling. And quite bizarre given the board is prepared to protect the identity of a teacher purported to be unrelated to IGGS at any expense. And even more odd given there is nothing in the school policies or contract that would prevent the release of this info. What an interesting way to spend fees. True. Not libel. Letters to prove it. I wonder why? It gives the impression that our children and their contributions are not at all valued. Plus more.
I have every right to report this true experience, Mr Chairperson. Liability is an interesting concept.

By Employee - 01 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

I've been yelled unfairly so left. Shove it. Bulldogs.
I agree it's going to the dogs, pun intended.
Couldn't give two hoots as to professionalism. It's all about cost saving. No wonder people think teaching is a joke of a job. Sad.

By Student - 27 Sep 2015, Rate: average

Miss String. You said the mining industry was booming a couple of months ago. How am I to pick up a guy if I don't get wrekt with the carter captains on the smirnoffs. I prefer beer. My tummy can't take the vodka. Are you sure the mining industry is going to be grand? My parents say that bubble popped like bubbles in champagne. Long ago. I don't know what to do.

By Parent - 27 Sep 2015, Rate: poor

Get photos of all documents and tape all convos. Note the top heavy hierarchy caving. Vacancies coming up that are hushed up. This school is reputated to be broke yet I'm disgusted to hear they're quite willing to take on a family in court to defend their stuff ups. Disgraceful. If you go here know your fees will happily be spent in court to keep the hierarchy afloat. They know they've done the wrong thing and will go to any length to cover it. Even destroy a kid's year and destroy a family. There needs to be an ombudsman to oversee what these allegedly fit and proper persons do in their board meetings. Very secret squirrel - he said, she said. She'll be right, mate. And encourage certain bullies to move on before they're unemployable. They really think the parents are stupid. And can't see through the baloney.

By Alumnus - 27 Sep 2015, Rate: poor

I was given false expectation as to what my life would become. They told me I could easily become a world famous milliner, but these dreams have only been shattered. They said that they were in demand. No one needs milliners in this day and age. Oh, the sadness I feel as a result of these crushed dreams. This loss haunts me to this day. I can no longer gain plentiful employment. My fiscal outlook is bleak. I survive purely on the dole. Thanks, IGGS.
However, to be fair, I always enjoyed the wild and chaotic house parties that were held by the seniors each year. I attended every single one!! Got totally wrecked each time, but unfortunately contracted an STI at a few. Whoops. Don't tell my Mum! ;).

By Student - 25 Sep 2015, Rate: poor

The board made my family's life hell. I've learned resilience and that if you drink a lot you'll be rewarded. If you're a quiet achiever and your family questions anything it gets legal. I used to love this school. The execs didn't know me but underestimated my disgust at their treatment of me. I'm counting the days down now I know that the school cares more about covering their own mistakes than my well being. Maybe I should have been a back stabbing brown noser who mock the staff or a drinker as I may have been treated better. This school taught me that being good gets you nowhere and I think the board is dodge. They don't care at all about the destruction to my family. $92 bucks for grilled haloumi and olives is a joke. Listening to bs speeches isn't worth the cost. I know how the joint operates. Shoddy. Shady. Couldn't give a crap about me and that's my reward for not once being rude. Jam this school. They act like we can't see through the lies.

By Student - 19 Sep 2015, Rate: poor

The school doesn't cater for the kids that need extension. Too busy looking after half-wits.

By Alumnus - 19 Sep 2015, Rate: bad

Got OP of 18 but the dean said I would get a 9. She missed it by that much. Tafing it up now.

By Employee - 19 Sep 2015, Rate: bad

Academic staff get treated like dirt by non-academic staff. So glad I got out of that hell hole.

By Parent - 19 Sep 2015, Rate: poor

My daughter was severely bullied there. School totally overlooked it.

By Alumnus - 19 Sep 2015, Rate: bad

When I went through, all the girls who complained the loudest and drunk the most got the leadership positions. Apparently the same thing happens now.

By Alumnus - 19 Sep 2015, Rate: bad

Sick of the same old celebs in the school mags. One word. Tacky. Using a sad crime to make yourselves look "nice".

By Parent - 14 Sep 2015, Rate: excellent

That should have said principal but I was subliminally thinking of principles, of which there are none. Watch the kiddies leave at the end of the year. Seven families from one prep class. Hmmmm. Wait for high school. You'll really love it from what I hear. It's a shocker. I'm sending my son to Central then BBC. I've not heard squat from the junior school principal until there was a realisation their numbers are dropping. That's the laughing stock.

By Parent - 14 Sep 2015, Rate: poor

Definitely 16 boys. And the junior school principal wrote in desperation to each one in fear of them going to the IGS counterpart. How sad and desperate. It's embarrassing. The value of this sham of a place lies in real estate.
Having a son in the school I know just how many boys are here and who is leaving. They are leaving in droves. Why? Because they're not catered to. It is a GIRLS' school with some boys invited in because they are reputed to be broke from the last principal.
By the way, does anyone ever see the principle attend functions? It's well known he doesn't. That is disgusting.

By Parent - 31 Aug 2015, Rate: excellent

I am very happy with this school. Just want to correct a few things - there are definitely more than 16 boys in the Junior School and in fact they have more boy preps this year than the boys' school. The only reason that the boys' school has reduced their fees for Prep-3 is because their numbers are so low. I can't comment on the high school as my kids are only in the junior school.

By Alumnus - 19 Aug 2015, Rate: poor

You're wrong because they do know how fishy it looks. They just don't give a toss.

By Alumnus - 12 Aug 2015, Rate: poor

It's tight knit because the staff and executives always pick their own as head girls. Even the boys school bro school principal's daughter was a head girl. That's two principals. Then there's the chair of the board. His girl even had a go. It's great to see these people supporting the students, I mean, their kids. The funny part is everyone laughs about it and they don't catch on about how dodgy it looks. I've given the Old Girls offer a miss.

By Employee - 07 Aug 2015, Rate: average

Year 8 is not a half cohort across the state for other sought after schools. Their numbers are not affected at all. There is a marked disparity for "their" schools. A cohort of this size can only decrease with limited subject selections available given the country town sized year level. It's quite odd for a private, city school.

By Parent - 07 Aug 2015, Rate: bad

Oh yeah. At the senior induction day one girl threw herself across the principal in a flirtatious pose. It was embarrassing to watch with so many visitors. His body language should have indicated that it was not welcome. Wouldn't that be a reflex action? There was just no decorum.

By Parent - 07 Aug 2015, Rate: bad

Completely disgusted to hear that my friends have had their private images of children sourced by an external teacher to coincidentally land on a dean's desk just as a confidential concern was raised. It was like a deflection tactic. The board has rallied round to protect the identity of the teacher who has destroyed a student/teacher relationship and even offered that the kid have no class for that subject, but instead just go to the library. That's an absolute joke. True story. There's a lot of dead wood and a petticoat government sense from what I hear. I see that the figures here say there are sixteen boys yet the junior school claims to be co-ed. Doesn't look to be a successful initiative. I have seen stacks of senior photos on public forums with student leaders on the turps too. Real classy joint. They are apparently still leaders too. There is no authority or discipline at that level. Is that a top down thing? But it's Ippy, isn't it. Might need to drop the prices to match what the boys school is trying to do. It's opened my eyes to how a school can screw kids over big time. Public is safer.

By Parent - 27 Jul 2015, Rate: excellent

Complete opposite view to previous review. I have 3 children at this school and I have had an excellent experience as a parent and my kids love it too. Excellent academic results and down to earth, well-behaved kids. Yes there Year 8 is small as that is the half cohort across the state but all of the other year levels are large (around 100). I would most definitely recommend this school to anyone.

By Parent - 24 Jul 2015, Rate: bad

Be prepared to be treated rudely by execs and to have your legitimate concerns fobbed off or deflected with tactics that would make your head spin. The prospectus doesn't match the reality at all. There's a lot being swept under the rug here. This institution is more concerned to protect their own than the welfare of students. They'll stoop to all sorts of lows. It's becoming more and more a haven for wayward girls. Discipline? What's that? Professional ethics seem to be moot and don't dare question a thing or you'll quite possibly be berated and your child potentially compromised. One day they'll learn that they are losing their best staff and good families due to the petticoat government tactics of intimidation or stubbornness. You've wasted all your money if you send your kid here. Better to invest that bit more and go somewhere that upholds the standards they purport to have. With apparently only 2 Year Eight classes this year they may soon be extinct.

By Parent - 04 Jun 2014, Rate: excellent

I only know about the Junior School - my son loves it!

By Employee - 12 Jan 2014, Rate: average

Spends too much time on NAPLAN

By Parent - 07 Dec 2012, Rate: excellent

Love this school. Awesome Junior school