Founded in 1930, it has been on its present site since 1945. It stands in most agreeable, rural surroundings, high in the Chilterns, with some 36 acres of grounds and gardens. The main building reflects the 17th-century farmhouse out of which the school has grown. It is well equipped with good modern facilities, including a technology and performing arts development, an indoor swimming pool and fitness suite, and comfortable accommodation. A Church of England foundation, it is ecumenical in spirit and policy. Boarders are expected to attend Sunday service either in the school chapel or at the local parish church of Hughenden with which the school has close links. Examination results are good. Drama is strong, there is a variety of sports and games and plentiful extra-curricular activities. Local community services flourish and the school achieves success at bronze level in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 516 girls (484 day, 32 boarding). Senior school 11-18, 390 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, interview, report and satisfactory GCSE results (at least grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements.
11+ pa scholarships at age 11: academic, art, drama, music and PE; some sixth-form scholarships. Scholarships may be supplemented by means-tested bursaries, to a maximum of 100% of fees (day or boarding).
80+% live within 30 miles; up to 5% live overseas.
Headmistress: Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford, appointed 2007. Previously Head of English at Queenswood. Teaching staff: Annual turnover 8%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 60 pupils in upper fifth: 98% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (average in 8.6 subjects). A-levels: 33 in upper sixth. 12% passed 4+ subjects, 70% in 3 and 15% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 275.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course.
GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). Sixth form: 40% take arts/humanities A-levels, 5% take science A-levels, 55% both. Vocational: Hospitality and catering BTEC National Award offered. Special provision: Private EFL. Languages: French, German and Spanish to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Pupils have access to computers, all of which are networked with email and (filtered) internet access.
Music: Over 42% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams are taken. Musical groups include choir, orchestra, wind band, recorder, string groups. Drama and dance: Both offered; GCSE, A-level and LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions, most recently Godspell. Art and design: Art and textile design offered at GCSE and A-level. Photography club.
Sport: Gymnastics, netball, hockey, tennis, athletics, swimming, rounders, lacrosse compulsory to different ages. Fifth and sixth form only: aerobics, basketball, badminton, volleyball, self-defence. Activities: Pupils can take bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Number of clubs, including debating, computers, music, current affairs, eco-club, Christian Fellowship, Young Enterprise, sports, photography, art, riding, yoga.
Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and house prefects, selected by the Headmistress, staff and sixth form. School council. Charity committee. Religion: Church of England foundation; confirmation, church and chapel. Social: Debates, dances with local boys' schools; public-speaking, Youth Speaks (Rotary) and ESU debates with other schools. Some organised trips abroad. Upper-sixth day pupils allowed to bring own cars to school. Lunch self-service; other meals formal. No alcohol allowed.
Ordermarks, restriction of privileges, detentions for minor breaches. Any serious breach, eg smoking, would be liable to suspension or expulsion..
Upper sixth have own study bedroom, lower sixth share (2); others in rooms of 3-6. Houses divided by year groups. Resident nurse; doctor visits. Central dining room. Sixth form can provide and cook snacks. Full, weekly and flexible boarding available. Weekend activities for boarders (and day girls often join them).
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