Founded in 1889 by the Sisters of the Church, it became an independent day school in 1974. It merged with nearby Croham Hurst School in 2008. The school is a member of the Whitgift Foundation (together with Whitgift and Trinity boys' schools). The Old Palace, from which the school takes its name, was a former residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury. The chapel, Great Hall and library, which date back to the 15th century, are used by the school. The historic buildings are complemented by modern ones, including an arts and technology block, swimming pool and good facilities for ICT; a building, adjacent to the school provides the sixth-form centre, a PE area and a new dining room. The prep and pre-prep departments are in a separate building on the same site. The school aims to provide a sound education based on Christian ideas. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered, with notable successes in music and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 950 day girls. Senior department, 11-18, 550 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11 and 16. Own entrance examination (including pupils from own junior department); for sixth form entry, 7 GCSEs at least grade B (A in sixth form subjects). State school entry, 60% of senior intake, 10% to sixth form.
Scholarships (academic, music or sport), value up to 50% fees. Limited number of Whitgift Foundation bursaries (means-tested) on academic merit. No charge for books or public exams.
Headmistress: Ms Judy Harris, in post from 2005.
GCSE: 76 pupils in upper fifth, 100% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 61 in upper sixth passing on average 3.2 subjects.
All sixth form leavers typically go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 26% take courses in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry etc, 11% in science and engineering, 18% in humanities and social sciences, 40% in business, management and computer science, 4% to art foundation courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (encouraged to take 1 contrasting), 3 at A-level; in addition some take AS-level general studies. 30% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities; 35% both. Languages: French, German, Italian and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; Russian, Tamil, Gujarati and Greek (modern) offered. Regular homestays and exchanges to France, Germany, Spain and Italy. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum eg project research and presentation. 145+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked and many with email and internet access. ECDL, GCSE, AS and A-level offered.
Music: 50+% of pupils learn musical instruments. Musical opportunities include choirs, orchestras and chamber music ensembles. Many pupils play in local orchestras. Regular concerts and tours abroad. Drama and debating: Drama offered and GCSE may be taken. 2 productions a year and regular drama workshops. Great attention given to public-speaking and debating. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Photography, textile design, screen printing and jewellery also offered; art department works closely with technology department in creating design awareness.
Sport: Netball, hockey, swimming, tennis, dance, fitness, athletics, volleyball, badminton, fencing. Self-defence for senior pupils. County netball players, swimmers and athletes. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Caritas Society for raising money for charity. Clubs include fencing, debating, Christian Union, ICT, creative writing, music, drama, chess, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. House and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, prefects, head of house and house prefects, elected by the school and staff. Religion: Church of England. Social: Debates with local schools. Combined music and drama activities with Whitgift and Trinity School. Organised visits abroad; World Challenge. Visits to lectures, concerts, plays. Eminent visiting speakers. Exchanges to France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
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