The school is part of the foundation originally provided by Thomas Burton who, in 1495, endowed a chantry connected to a grammar school for boys. The foundation was extended to girls in 1849. In 1879 the girls' upper school moved to its present site, where it occupies pleasant grounds on the edge of town. There have been recent additions to the late-Victorian buildings to create good modern facilities. Religious instruction is non-denominational but the school has a Christian basis and all pupils are expected to attend RS lessons and assembly. Standards are high and examination results very good. There is close collaboration with Loughborough Grammar School, including some shared sixth-form teaching, cultural activities and a common prep school. It is very strong in music, drama and art. Sports are played to a high standard, with many representatives at national and county level. A full range of extra-curricular activities is offered. There is a strong commitment to local community projects and a good record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 600 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade A in sixth-form subjects). State school entry, 40% main intake; many from own junior school, Fairfield Preparatory School (enquiries to the Headmaster Mr R Outwin-Flinders).
13 scholarships: 10 academic (awarded at 11 and/or 13) and 3 music (usually at 11); value ranges from free music tuition to £1000 pa. Also means-tested Foundation Bursaries awarded on entry and up to 15 bursaries for existing pupils, based on financial need.
Headmistress: Miss Bridget O'Connor, appointed 2002. Educated at St Helena School, Chesterfield, and universities of Oxford (literae humaniores) and Cambridge (PGCE). Previously Deputy Headmistress at Haberdashers' Aske's, Head of Classics at Old Palace and classics teacher at Francis Holland (Regent's Park). Teaching staff: 51 full time, 11 part time. Annual turnover 3%.
GCSE: 81 pupils in Year 11, all gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 89 in Year 13, 99% passing in 3+ subjects with an average final point score of 483.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 58% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 27 subjects offered at AS-level, 28 at A-level (including general studies). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 5 subjects at AS-level, 4 at A-level. 18% took science A-levels; 32% arts/humanities; 50% both. Key skills integrated into curriculum. Vocational: Work experience and shadowing, voluntary service. Languages: French, German and Spanish to GCSE and A-level (French compulsory from 11 to GCSE). Many regular exchanges (France, Germany, Spain). French, German, Spanish assistants each year. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 90 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over a third of pupils learn one or more musical instruments; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15+ musical groups including 2 orchestras, 3 choirs, woodwind ensembles, concert band, 2 big bands, chamber groups. Drama and dance: Both offered. Some pupils are involved in school productions and many in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 18 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Textiles also offered.
Sport: Netball, hockey, swimming, athletics, dance, gymnastics, tennis, rounders compulsory. Optional: golf, lacrosse, volleyball, new image rugby, aerobics, fencing. National representatives in netball and athletics; regional reps in tennis; county reps in hockey and netball; hockey, netball and tennis teams frequent county champions. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, including drama, debating, bridge, mind games, Christian Society, computer, musical.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress guidelines in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. All Year 13 are prefects. Head girl, two deputies, head of house and house prefects. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at religious worship not compulsory. Social: Music and sporting events locally, regionally and nationally. Joint play/musical/opera with Loughborough Grammar (brother school). Exchange visits with twin town Epinal and Schwäbisch-Hall; many other trips organised by departments, eg to Iceland and France. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals cafeteria style. School uniform shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework are monitored by form staff; persistent failure results in contacting parents; those truanting will serve a detention on a Saturday. Any involvement with drugs would normally lead to suspension, pending further enquiries.
Jenny Woods, Honorary Secretary, Loughborough High School Old Girls' Association (lhsogasec@gmx.com; www.olaoga.co.uk)
Alice Bowe (garden designer), 2nd Lieutenant Jo Dyer (killed in Iraq), Hester Finch (artist).
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