Founded in 1900 in Harrow and more recently joined the Girls' Day School Trust. It moved in 1982 to its present, 9-acre site which offers ample playing fields and an athletics track. The buildings are spacious and modern. There are good modern facilities, including art studios, ICT and music suites, indoor pool and sports hall; recent developments include a learning resource centre and sixth-form centre. There is a separate junior school, housed in a purpose-built wing on the same site. The school provides an all-round education and examination results are very good. There is also a strong emphasis on pastoral care and extra-curricular activities. The music department is strong. There is a range of games and sports; a number of county lacrosse players. The school has been recognised by the award of an Artsmark, Sportsmark, the International School Award and Careermark.
Pupils: Age range 11-18, 377 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 40% at age 11, plus 10% new intake to sixth form. Many pupils from own junior school (Heathfield Junior).
4-6 pa scholarships, value £980-£2940: most academic, 1 music (awarded at 11 or 16). Approx 8 pa means-tested bursaries. Maximum extras, £130 per term plus lunches.
Headmistress: Miss Christine Juett, appointed 1997. Educated at South Hampstead High and London University (geography). Previously Deputy Head at Wycombe High School. Teaching staff: 44 full time, 16 part time.
GCSE: 58 pupils in Year 11, 93% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects (average in 9.5 subjects; 28% achieved straight A grades). A-levels: 46 in upper sixth, 100% passing in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 356.
All sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 20% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 50% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels, YASS (Open University extension programme). 21 GCSE and 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 40% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 30% both. Special provision: Some extra tuition. Languages: Chinese, French, German, Latin, Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular French, Spanish, Chinese and German trips. French and Spanish nationals in school as assistants. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 187 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email, internet and portal access. Sixth-form pupils have school laptops for home and school use.
Music: Up to 25% pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choir, orchestra, string group, recorder group. 6 in LEA music college, 2 to Royal Academy. Drama: GCSE drama and AS/A level theatre studies offered. Some pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average 6 take A-level. 3 pa usually accepted for art college.
Sport: Rounders, tennis, athletics, lacrosse, netball, football, badminton, swimming available. 10 county lacrosse players. Activities: Clubs include computer, social service volunteers, public-speaking, speech and drama, chess, Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh, art and craft, ballet, first aid, debating.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl and deputy, and heads of houses - elected by upper part of school. Religion: Inter-denominational. Daily assembly. Social: Trips abroad to eg France, China, New York, Spain and Germany; ski trip, sports tour to USA. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service.
Punishment given by subject teacher and then in a line through the form tutor and ultimately to Head. Serious transgressions would lead to parental involvement immediately.
GDST Minerva Network.
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