Founded in 1942, it is housed in a large Victorian house, with additional buildings, and set in grounds of 22 acres. The school is deliberately kept small and pastoral care is a priority. The school has a tradition in the creative and performing arts and all pupils are taught dance as part of the curriculum. The small sixth form offers a range of A-levels and the BTEC programme in performing arts; academic results are good. Classes are kept small and the school aims to provide a warm and friendly family atmosphere and to help students achieve their potential by encouraging independent learning for life. Citizenship and responsibility to the environment are taught through practical activities: a carbon and waste-reduction programme is run in collaboration with the Eden Project; and the school has established a smallholding and now grows some of its own food.
Pupils: Total age range 3 -18, 161 pupils, 26 day boys, 135 girls (123 day, 12 weekly boarding). Senior department 11-18, 92 pupils (4 boys, 88 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 11, 14 and 16; all ages considered provided pupils are willing to contribute to school life. Entry is not selective: own placing test used at 11; at other ages by interview and school report. No religious requirements; ability in performing arts welcomed
Scholarships available in senior school (academic, dance, music, drama and art). Some bursaries available, depending on need. Parents expected to buy some GCSE and A-level textbooks. Extras in senior school dependent on specific subject requirements.
15+% from industry/commerce, 15+% from theatre, media and music. 30+% live within 30 miles, under 10% live overseas.
Headmistress: Mrs Kate Leiper in post from 2011. Educated at Roedean, London College of Music and Hull University (music). Previously taught at Fyling Hall, Ampleforth and St John’s Priory (Banbury). Teaching staff: 15 full time, 24 part time. Average turnover 3% pa.
GCSE: 20 pupils in Year 11, 85% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 15% in 5−7 subjects (average of 11 per pupil); 45% of pupils included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language. A-levels: 15 in upper sixth, 23% passing in 4+ subjects, 60% in 3 and 15% in 2 subjects, with an average final point score of 290.
Most sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course.
GCSE, AS and A-levels, also BTEC qualification. 18 subjects at GCSE and AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: BTEC national diploma in early years and performing arts offered. Work experience available. Special provision: Specialist SEN unit specialising in dyslexia. Languages: French or Spanish (from age 3) and both offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Students have access to computers, which are networked and with email and controlled internet access; some pupils have laptops.
Music: Music taught as part of the curriculum (and offered at GCSE and A-level). Instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs and other ensembles. Drama: Drama and dance taught as part of curriculum (up to A-level). Pupils may take a BTEC performing arts as well as vocational exams of LAMDA, RAD and ISTD (modern theatre, tap, jazz). Majority of pupils involved in school productions, all in house or other productions. Some girls perform in dance shows and national/West End productions. Art and design: Design, pottery, textiles, photography and graphics offered.
Sport: Netball, rounders, hockey, athletics, swimming, tennis, judo and football. GCSE, AS and A-level offered, also RLSS exams. Activities: Enhanced curriculum ensures pupils take part in debating, careers education, sport and PSHE. Up to 30 clubs and activities including running, maths, jazz, ballet, modern, tap, musical theatre, cookery, riding, judo, IT, maths.
Uniform: School uniform worn; smart suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: 3 competitive houses. Head girl and senior prefect, prefects, heads of house all appointed. School council. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at religious worship not compulsory. Social: Ski trips, outward bound weeks. Pupils allowed to bring own bikes and cars. Meals self-service; no packed lunches. School shop (uniform and stationery).
House points credited/deducted for good/poor behaviour. Suspension or exclusion for more serious misdemenours.
Weekly boarding: 1 dormitory of 8, others in rooms of 2-4. No resident medical staff; no provision for pupils to provide and cook own food.
Alumni association run by Paul Whitlam, c/o the school.
Emma Forbes (TV presenter); Laura Witcombe (actress and fashion model); Juliet Stevenson, Claudie Blakeley, Katie Carr (actresses); Duchess of York.
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