Founded in 1905 as a non-denominational school, it was government funded between 1920-1976 but reverted to full independence in 1977. The school stands on a 4-acre site in Hammersmith, West London. Its own playing fields are attached, including an all-weather surface for hockey and tennis. The original Victorian building (built as a boys' boarding school, Godolphin School) has had several additions to it - a gym, laboratories, art studios, lecture room etc. There is a sixth-form centre and rooms for pottery and technology; most recently, the adjacent grade 2 listed church has been converted into a performing arts building, with an 800-seat theatre. Facilities are now excellent. A well-run and academically high-powered school which gets excellent examination results and sends many pupils on to Oxbridge. The International Baccalaureate is offered in the sixth form, as an alternative to AS and A-levels. It is very strong indeed in music, drama and art; there is a massive commitment among the pupils. An excellent record in games and sports (several county hockey representatives) and a wide range is on offer. There is a strong relationship between staff and parents, including two parent governors.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 700 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used, including for sixth-form entry. No special skills or religious requirements. 30% of pupils from state schools (plus 20% of new intake to sixth form). Large number of feeder schools.
Scholarships (value up to 30% of fees) for music at 11, music and art at 16. Also HSBC scholarships; school bursaries. Fees include textbooks, stationery, public examination fees and some visits out of school.
15+% are doctors, lawyers etc; 15+% in industry or commerce; 15+% in theatre, media, music, etc.
Head Mistress: Mrs Ruth Mercer, in post from 2009. Educated at Educated at Penwortham Girls’ Grammar School, and at the universities of London (Bedford College) and Oxford. Previously Head Mistress of Northwood College, Deputy Head at Godolphin & Latymer and Head of History at Notting Hill & Ealing High. Teaching staff: 60 full time, 30 part time.
GCSE: 103 in upper fifth, gaining at least grade C in an average of 9.1 subjects. A-levels: 100 in upper sixth: 17% took the IB, gaining an average of 40 points. 83% took A-levels, passing an average of 3.3 subjects with an average final point score of 421.
Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 13% to Oxbridge. 11% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 21% in science and engineering, 60% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 5% in vocational subjects eg physiotherapy, hotel management. Others go on to art foundation courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels, IB. 19 GCSE subjects, 24 AS/A-level. Sixth form: 17% take the IB, 83% take AS/A-levels (usually 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-5 at A-level). General studies is taught but not examined; wide range of subjects taken. 6% take science A-level; 37% arts/humanities; 57% both. Key skills not formally taught. Vocational: Work experience available to all after their GCSE exams and again in the sixth form (including in France and Germany). Special provision: Some pupils for whom English is not native tongue, but no special provision made. Languages: French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany, Russia, Italy). ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. Most pupils take Clait. Computers for pupil use all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12+ musical groups including orchestra, various choirs, jazz group, wind band, brass group. Pupil recent leader of National Youth Orchestra; 8 pupils attend junior departments of London conservatoires. Drama and dance: Both offered. Trinity College exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered.
Sport: Gymnastics, hockey, netball, basketball, tennis, rounders, fitness training compulsory. Optional: jazz dance, yoga, fencing, squash, rowing, swimming. Several county hockey players; many club hockey and tennis players. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg chess, debating, BAYS, computing, junior club.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Head girl and team of deputies, elected by the school. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Morning assembly for whole school. Social: Joint orchestra with Latymer Upper School. Exchange visits to France, Germany, Italy, Russia and USA. Senior pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
All discipline matters are looked after on an individual basis. High standards of honesty and courtesy are expected. Pupils failing to produce homework are followed up and extra help given when required.
Samantha Bond (actress), Susan Greenfield (Director of Royal Institution), Hattie Jacques (actress), Nigella Lawson (cookery writer and broadcaster), Davina McCall (broadcaster), Rachel Squire (politician), Kiki King (journalist and novelist), Philippa Dickinson (former Chairman, Random House Children's Publishing).
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