'Snowplough' parents so over-protective that their children end up 'unable to deal with failure'

A headteacher at a leading London all-girls school has reportedly warned that some "snowplough" parents are so over-protective of their offspring that the children end up unable to deal with failure.

There are parents who have such high aspirations that they are frightened of an occasion when their child may come second, Clarissa Farr, headmistress of St Paul's Girls' School is said to have told a workshop at the Girls' Schools Association conference this week.

Mrs Farr also noted that some parents expect a "specific and bespoke" service from their school, and said expectations have increased, The Times reported.

She said: "Something that shocked me quite a lot and I've seen it more in the last few years, is the naked impatience with the idea of putting other people first that you see coming from parents."

Mrs Farr went on to refer to the over-protective nature of some parents.

Mrs Farr, whose school has famous alumni including actresses Rachel Weisz, Natasha and Joely Richardson and television presenter Susanna Reid, praised pupils for being aware of world events and changing the way they look at life as a result.