Founded in 1924, it passed to an Educational Trust in 1972. It is housed in a superb Palladian country mansion built in 1720 and set in 27 acres of beautiful parkland. Recent buildings include a sports centre with swimming pool, fitness suite, sports hall, and sixth form centre. The prep school is on the same site. Originally Roman Catholic it accepts all denominations. Christian doctrine is central to the curriculum; the syllabus is ecumenical. It caters for a range of abilities and talents; examination results are very good. It is strong in music and drama. There is a range of sports, games and activities and the standard in games is high. Participation in local community schemes.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 390 day pupils. Senior department 11-18, 200 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used. For sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B, including maths and English (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements; any special skills (eg music, sport) an advantage.
Scholarships (academic, music and sports) awarded at 11 and 16, of up to 50% of fees. Also a limited number of bursaries, awarded on the basis of financial circumstances (particularly in examination years).
Headmistress: Mrs Jane Abbotts, in post from 2008. Educated at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and the universities of Bristol (French) and Warwick (education administration). Previously Head of Croham Hurst School and Director of Studies at Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
GCSE: 24 in Year 11, 92% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 15 in upper sixth passed an average of 3 subjects.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course to study a range of professional and vocational subjects. Others typically to art college or employment.
GCSE; AS and A-levels (20 subjects). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (broad range), 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain); second year tour to France, French cuisine and culture; video conferencing with France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 150 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, chamber groups, orchestra, etc. Specially commissioned musical entered for national competition. Drama: Speech and drama offered. GCSE and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Pupils are involved in school productions and house/other productions. Performances with local boys' school choir. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Photography also offered.
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, athletics, swimming compulsory. Optional: badminton, cross-country, volleyball, unihoc, basketball, golf. Year 11 and sixth form: aerobics, fitness training. GCSE, BAGA exams may be taken. National standard players and teams. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional from age 13. Up to 10 clubs, eg computer, swimming, Latin, Italian.
Uniform: School uniform worn, dress code in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (for eg sport and fun). Head girl (appointed after discussion by staff and sixth form), prefects, head of house and house prefects. School Council. Religion: Roman Catholic foundation. Religious worship encouraged; occasional services compulsory. Social: Young Enterprise, Achievers International, choir (with local choirs). Trips abroad include ski trip, French, German and Spanish exchange. Sixth form allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop sells second-hand uniform.
Based upon care, courtesy and consideration. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to have to repeat in detention.
is run by the School.
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