The original foundation is based on the will of Elizabeth Godolphin made in 1726 and the school moved to its present site on the edge of Salisbury in 1891. The main building is Victorian and the other buildings reflect the full range of 20th-century architectural styles, as the school has steadily developed. The most recent addition is a purpose-built performing arts centre and a sixth-form residential study centre. The buildings are surrounded by 16 acres of gardens and playing fields overlooking open countryside. The school was founded in accordance with the Anglican tradition; morning prayers and some religious services are compulsory and there are regular services in Salisbury Cathedral. A broad general education is provided and examination results are very good. Considerable emphasis is placed on careers and higher-education advice. There are very active music, drama and art departments and the school is well equipped with sporting facilities (including a modern sports hall, indoor swimming pool and fitness centre). A wide range of extra-curricular and weekend activities is open to day girls and boarders, including the first all-girls school CCF. The school has its own prep school.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 411 girls (256 day, 155 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 12, 13 and 16. Common Entrance used. For sixth form entry, interview, school report and GCSE results, plus a written paper and GCSE grade B in proposed sixth-form subjects. Small state school entry; intake from a variety of local prep schools including Godolphin Prep (tel 01722 430652).
Scholarships, approx 35 pa (15 major, 20 minor) for academic, music, art and sports; value 5%-50% fees, awarded at age 11, 12, 13 and 16. Variable number of bursaries (approximately 12 pa).
Headmistress: Mrs Sam Price in post from 2010. Educated at Malvern Girls’ College and Edinburgh University (history of art with European history). Previously Deputy Head at Hereford Cathedral School and taught at King’s School, Canterbury and Reading Blue Coat School. Teaching staff: 57 full time, 28 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 68 pupils in the fifth year, 96% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 66 pupils in the upper sixth; 6% passed in 4+ subjects, 94% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 345.
98% sixth-form leavers go on to a degree or foundation course, some after a gap year. 24% take degree courses in science and engineering, 68% in humanities and social sciences, 6% in art and design.
IGCSE/GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, many also at A-level. Key skills assumed to be integrated in courses. Vocational: Work shadowing in lower sixth. RSA Stage 1 Clait and Stages 1 and 2 wordprocessing. Special provision: EFL coaching, and support for dyslexic pupils. Languages: French, Spanish, German and Latin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Italian and classical Greek for fun. All sixth form may continue with languages regardless of sixth form subjects. Cable TV access to European networks. Regular visits and exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 65 computers for pupil use (13 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Clait on offer to sixth form.
Music: 65% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken, also GCSE and A-level. Some 16 musical groups including choirs, bands, orchestras, string orchestras, ensembles. Pupils are members of national and county orchestras and choirs. Pupils regularly go on to conservatoires. Public concerts, UK and foreign music tours, workshops and masterclasses. Drama: Drama at GCSE and A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 50+% take GCSE, 30% A-level. 3D design, pottery, textiles, photography, wood/metal work, sculpture, printing, art history, life class also offered. Trips to local, national and international art galleries; visits by leading artists (workshops and seminars at exam level); students' work regularly exhibited.
Sport: Lacrosse, hockey, netball, gym, dance, athletics, tennis, swimming and rounders compulsory (for 3 years). Choice of other sports. RLSS exams may be taken. Pupils in national athletics and junior lacrosse teams; 26 national and county players (various sports). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; CCF. Up to 30 clubs, including fencing, riding, golf, lifesaving, pets, photography, cricket, touch rugby, pottery, lacemaking, jewellery making, cookery.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmistress after school election. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Debating parties and social activities with local boys' schools (Winchester College and Bishop Wordsworth school). Music, art, ski and adventure trips to Europe, Middle East, Africa, North and South America. Upper sixth allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service.
Personal tutors impose penalties for poor performance and encourage and support achievements, both academic and other, through a commendation/order mark system. Serious offences (eg use of tobacco or alcohol or bullying) are dealt with firmly and immediately; expulsion likely for possession of illegal drugs and suspension for repeated smoking.
15% have own study/bedroom, 85% share with 1-4. Junior houses (11-16) of about 40 (same as competitive houses); sixth form centre of 100. Qualified nurse on site, 24-hour call. Sixth form pupils allowed to cook own food. Flexible boarding offered. All ages may visit local town in groups, frequency depends on age.
is run by Mrs Sandy Martin, The Development Office at the school, tel 01722 430569
Antonia Bernath (actress); Deborah Meaden (Dragon's Den); Dorothy L Sayers, Jilly Cooper, Amanda Brookfield, Minette Walters, Elizabeth Lemarchand and Josephine Bell (writers).
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