Opened in 1882, this is one of the five schools of the Bedford Charity, the Harpur Trust. The schools share equally in the benefaction of Sir William Harpur and Dame Alice, his wife, who originally endowed the foundation with land in Holborn (London) and Bedford. Over the next 3-5 years, the school is merging with Bedford High School, which belongs to the same foundation. It has a Christian ethos but, while upholding traditional values and standards, is fundamentally ecumenical. The senior school has modern buildings, plus agreeable gardens and playing fields, on a riverside site. It is well equipped with a floodlit all-weather pitch and facilities for design technology and drama; two listed Georgian houses have been adapted to provide a sixth-form centre and music centre. The junior school is opposite. The school offers a broad general education and examination results are very good. Drama is very strong and the music department is especially flourishing (with choirs, orchestras and other ensembles). A wide range of sports and games is provided; many teams compete at county and regional level, and some regularly at national level. Extra-curricular activities include the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, CCF, debating, Youth Theatre, chess, field courses and a wide range of outdoor activities and visits.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 852 day girls. Senior school 11-18, 670 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 7-9, 11, 13, 16. Own entrance exam for senior school, heads' reports and interviews. For sixth-form entry, strong recommendation from present headteacher and good predicted grades in sixth-form subjects. 70% of new senior intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form).
Some bursaries in the senior school, up to 100% of fees in exceptional circumstances.
Headmistress: Mrs Jill Berry, in post from 2000. Educated at Wath-on-Dearne Grammar School, South Yorkshire, and at the universities of Manchester (English) and Liverpool (education). Previously Deputy Head of Nottingham High School for Girls. Teaching staff: 76 full time, 13 part time. Annual turnover less than 5%.
GCSE: 118 pupils in Year 11: 99% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 75 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3 subjects.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 8% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 12% in music and drama. Others typically go on to professional training.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 25 subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: Range of work experience opportunities. Languages: French, German, Latin and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Germany); many visits; work experience in France and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200+ computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and all with email and internet access.
Music: Over a third of pupils learn at least one musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Regular musical groups and numerous ad hoc orchestras, flute choir, choirs etc. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered. GCSE and A-level drama may be taken; thriving Saturday Youth Theatre. Several girls selected each year for county Youth Theatre; occasionally national honours. Art and design: Design, computer-aided design, ceramics, textiles, photography also offered.
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, swimming, athletics etc are core games. Optional sports include water polo, rowing, squash, badminton, volleyball, football, trampolining, self-defence, yoga, circuit training. County and regional success in several sports each year; many representatives at national levels; hockey teams (in and out-door) regularly achieve national honours. Activities: Many pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service are popular options. Very active charity fund-raising; close links with local residences for the elderly and local special schools. Many clubs including debating, mathematics, physics, chess, art, drama, IT, environment, DT, chemistry, food technology, circle of faith, as well as sports and range of musical ensembles.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Houses based on social activities and competition. Head girl and team chosen by senior girls and staff. No prefects (sixth formers share responsibilities). Religion: Inter-denominational school. Attendance at morning assembly expected. Social: Performances, concerts and plays jointly with Bedford and Bedford Modern schools. Many visits and exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own bicycle to school; sixth form may bring cars or motorbikes but no parking on campus. Meals self-service. School shop.
Everyday misdemeanours are dealt with routinely by the teacher involved at the time, or the form tutor. The rare occurrences of more serious disciplinary matters are dealt with by senior staff in liaison with parents.
Jean Muir (fashion designer), Sue Beardsmore (TV presenter), Loo Brealey (actress), Gail Emms (Olympic badminton player).
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