A difficult experience
ISCA states that it “promotes wellbeing.” This did not reflect our experience. My daughter arrived in London happy, confident, and excited for her new experience, but she struggled to integrate because she was being excluded and bullied. Her wellbeing deteriorated quickly and significantly: she was stressed, had difficulty sleeping, lost weight, and was at times incapable even of attending lessons. After just four months, we felt we had no choice but to withdraw her from the school. While some support was offered in line with the measures described on the school’s website, it was not effectively translated into practice. The focus appeared to be more on supporting the student being bullied rather than addressing the underlying causes of the bullying itself, and therefore did not lead to any meaningful improvement in the overall situation. Disappointingly, it is my daughter who has now lost out on the opportunity and experience of living and studying in London, rather than those who caused her suffering. We were also mistakenly sent another student’s medical information, which raised serious concerns for us about data handling and protection. We subsequently submitted a data subject access request, and based on the information we received, it appeared to us that other students may also have been facing challenges. Academically, the standard appeared acceptable. However, key information was not clearly communicated. Subjects such as English Literature and Mathematics were not provided, contrary to what we had understood. The additional preparatory year for St Martin’s, as well as the shorter school year (without the preparatory year), were also not made sufficiently transparent to us. Despite her early withdrawal, the school was unwilling to offer even a partial refund, and we were left with the impression that responsibility was placed solely on us. Since moving to a different school, my daughter is herself again. However, the emotional and financial impact remains.
By Laura G.