My Journey as a Welham Mom

When we first thought for sending our daughter to a boarding school, my heart was came in my mouth. Dehradun is famous for schools, but choosing right one for your daughter is big headache. After reading so many reviews and talking to friends, we decided on Welham Girls School. Today, after two years, I am sitting down to write my own experience for other parents who are feeling confused like I was.

Let me be 100 percent honest, the starting was very tough. When we dropped her at campus, she cried a lot and even my tears also came. The discipline there is too much strict, no mobile phones allowed and limited calls on weekends. For first few weeks, she missed home food so much and called me crying that Mamma, I want to come back.

But then, magic of house system started. She is in Woodpeckers house, all houses are named after birds. Her housemistress and senior girls were very much supportive. They helped her to adjust, and soon she became busy in basketball practice and drama competitions.

Now, coming to positives, and there are many. Change in my daughter's personality is total amazing. Back home, she was very shy type girl and always dependent on me for small small things. Now, she is so independent and speaks with so much confidence. Academically also, school is very strong. Teachers give attention to every child and use modern techniques like flipped classrooms where children discuss things instead of just mugging up. Another thing I like is sports culture. Every girl has to play, whether it is badminton, swimming, or hockey. Campus itself is beautiful and very safe, which gives full peace of mind to a mother living far away.

But all is not perfect, and parents should know everything before deciding. The strictness can feel a bit too much and unnecessary sometimes. For example, they are very rigid about uniform and hair guidelines. Sometimes it feels like they treat parents also like small kids.

Also, regarding mess food, while it is very clean and hygienic, but my daughter says it gets very boring and repetitive. They have student staff committee to fix menu, but end of the day, it is hostel food only. Some days chapatis are tight like rubber, or sabzi is completely tasteless and bland.

Apart from this, fees is on very higher side. It puts big dent in pocket with admission fee, security deposits, and uniform charges. Also, getting admission is not easy at all because entrance exam is quite tough and seats are limited.

Overall, I will give Welham 7.5 out of 10. Environment is safe and it makes girls very smart, but school needs to relax their strict rules a little bit and improve food variety. If you can afford it and your child can handle this tight schedule, then it is good choice.