Founded in 1892, it has handsome buildings in delightful semi-rural surroundings high above the attractive town of Monmouth, where the school enjoys a good reputation. The site affords splendid views across the Wye Valley. It retains links with the Haberdashers' Company. It is sister school to Monmouth School, with which it shares a range of activities, including musical and dramatic activities and some A-level teaching. Its preparatory department (Gilbert Inglefield House) shares the site with the senior school. Being a Christian (non-denominational) foundation, there is some emphasis on religious instruction and the school has its own chaplain. It has a favourable staff:pupil ratio of about 1:10 and very good exam results. Music is very strong indeed, with a number of ensembles. Art and drama are also very vigorously supported. Considerable emphasis on sport, games, dance and physical education, with an impressive number of representatives at county, district and national level (particularly at lacrosse, rowing, swimming and athletics). There is a wide variety of clubs and societies and a substantial commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Sixth formers can also join the combined CCF.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18, 584 girls (511 day, 73 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 480 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam and Common Entrance used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C including English and maths (grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements.
Scholarships include academic, music, sport and creative arts. Variable number of bursaries awarded to able pupils on financial grounds. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmistress: Mrs Helen Davy, appointed 2008. Educated at Oxford University (history). Previously Headmistress of Cobham Hall, and Senior Mistress and Head of Cultural Studies at Roedean. Teaching staff: 67 full time, 26 part time.
GCSE: 84 pupils in Year 11: 99% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 70 in upper sixth: 4% passed in 4+ subjects, 91% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 332.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (16% after a gap year), 8% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 61% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels offered. 20 GCSE subjects; 30-32 AS/A-level (combined sixth-form timetable with Monmouth School). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (wide range), 3 at A-level; general studies not taken. 18% take pure science A-levels; 40% arts, 42% both. AS-level critical thinking offered in Year 13. Key skills taught as discrete units; all entered for communication and IT. Vocational: Work experience programme. RSA text-processing available in English, French, German and Spanish. Special provision: Special help for dyslexic girls. Languages: French and German (both compulsory aged 11-14) offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; Latin, Spanish, Italian and Russian to A-level (some under reciprocal arrangement with Monmouth School); also Greek GCSE. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Italy). ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. 250 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. All pupils take GCSE ICT (short/full course).
Music: Nearly 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including 3 orchestras, 4 choirs, 2 bands (with Monmouth School), jazz ensemble, variety of chamber groups. Chamber choir recently 3rd in international festival and issued CD; harp trio won prize at National Chamber Music Competition. Drama: On average 30 pupils take GCSE, 15 A-level drama and theatre studies; LAMDA exams may also be taken. Some pupils involved in school and other productions. 5 have gone to drama school, 4 in National Youth Theatre in last 6 years. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Design, textiles, ceramics, photography also offered. Many pupils go on to art foundation and other courses in architecture, design etc. Various successes in DT: 2 finalists in Panasonic Innovation Award, 2 Conti Board finalists; former pupil winner of De Beers Diamonds International Award. Several winners of the Arkwright Scholarship for Engineering.
Sport: Lacrosse, netball, tennis, athletics, rowing, dance, basketball, softball, fitness activities, swimming, trampolining, gymnastics, life-saving, badminton, volleyball, golf and fencing. Sixth form only: Canoeing, aerobics, water polo, aqua-fitness, body conditioning, self-defence. National representatives in lacrosse, tennis, golf, rowing, fencing; many district and county representatives in lacrosse, athletics and tennis; successful rowing teams (U16 fours title holders, GB rowers), tennis, athletics and fencing, lacrosse teams. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community Service optional, including visiting old people in the community. St John's Ambulance first-aid course offered. Up to 30 clubs including photography, debating, chess, classics, history, junior quiz, public-speaking, life class, environmental, modern languages, Harris Society (sixth form science society); successful school newspaper.
Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, school and house prefects and heads of houses, elected by staff and sixth form. School Council. Religion: Follows the Anglican tradition and has its own chaplain. Boarders encouraged to attend places of worship of their own religion. Social: Musical activities, theatrical productions and debates joint with Monmouth School. Exchanges to Carbonne and Berlin; Italian exchanges on an individual basis. Sixth form may bring cars to school. Meals self-service. School uniform shop. No alcohol allowed.
Serious misdemeanours are treated on an individual basis, with suspension and expulsion as a possible sanctions.
90% of sixth form have own study bedroom; 85% in dormitories of 2-4; 5% in dormitories of 5+. Junior house (of 20+) and senior (100+). Resident health care staff. Pupils can provide and cook snacks. Exeats any weekend. Visits allowed to local town (ranging from escorted visits for first years, to unlimited shopping visits in sixth form).
Dr Jane Glover (musician); Charlotte Hume (TV news/economics correspondent); Sandra Huggett and Lisa Rogers (Channel 5 presenters); Zoie Kennedy (actress); Jemima Phillips (harpist); Dr Helen Cugnoni (Consultant A&E, Royal London Hospital); Jacqui Ballard (former MP, now RSPCA).
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