Founded in 1854, the present school dates from 1888. The main building (and the heart of the school) is a very elegant late 18th-century house in a beautiful garden and wooded park of 19 acres on the edge of Darlington. The nursery, junior school and sixth form are co-educational (the sixth form since 2007); education between 11 and 16 is for girls only. All sections of the school share the same site, with very good accommodation and facilities. Great importance is attached to caring for each individual and to the creation of a happy family atmosphere. The school welcomes pupils from a variety of backgrounds and of varying ability, confident that all can be helped to achieve their potential. A broad academic education is given and examination results are very good. The music, art and drama departments are strong and there is a good range of sports, games and activities, as well as tours and world-challenge expeditions. Substantial commitment to local community service, supported through a comprehensive PSHCE programme. Impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 350 pupils, 16 day boys, 334 girls (294 day, 40 boarding). Junior department 2-11, 140 pupils (10 boys, 130 girls). Senior department 11-18, 210 pupils (6 boys, 204 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11, 14 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects) but exceptions for overseas pupils. No religious requirements. State school entry, 35% of senior intake plus small number to sixth form; some 65% of senior intake from own junior department.
Number of annual scholarships, academic, sport and music; value 8%-33% of fees (exceptionally 50%). Variable number of means-tested bursaries. Typically 25% receive some form of support. Parents not expected to buy textbooks or meals; maximum extras £100.
Headmistress: Miss Marie Green, appointed 2004. Educated at Mount St Joseph Convent Grammar (Bolton), Catherine McAuley School (Doncaster) and Lancaster University (English and French; PGCE). Previously Head of English at Withington School, Head of Sixth Form Girls at St Bede's, Manchester, and taught at William Hulme's Grammar School. Involvement in MATE (Manchester Association for the Teaching of English); written several plays for school productions and has regular slot on BBC Radio Tees.
GCSE: 40 pupils in upper fifth, 58% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 30% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 35 in upper sixth, 25% passing in 4+ subjects, 72% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 331.
95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year). 35% take courses in humanities and social sciences, 25% in science and engineering, 25% in business-related subjects and 15% in art or vocational subjects, eg education, nursing.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 22 AS/A-level (including further maths and statistics). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS and 3 at A-level. 40% take maths and science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 20% both. Key skills integrated into courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Dyslexia Institute visits; EFL lessons provided in school; special needs unit. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg introduction of calculus in maths and DTP in English. 100+ computers for pupil use, networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including choir, wind band, chamber groups, jazz band. Members of National Children's Orchestra, National Youth Wind Orchestra, Northern Junior Philharmonic etc. Drama and dance: Both offered. Dance, ballet, tap and modern available. GCSE and A-level drama, ESB, LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Recent productions include Mack the Knife and Twelfth Night. Art and design: On average, 18 take GCSE, 6 AS-level, 5 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles and photography also offered.
Sport: Lacrosse, hockey, netball, swimming, athletics, tennis, rounders compulsory. Optional: badminton, self-defence, squash, basketball, volleyball, aerobic fitness, trampolining. GCSE and A-level PE may be taken. National representation in show jumping, golf, fencing and swimming; some in regional lacrosse squads; many reps in county and area teams (hockey, netball, cross-country). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Junior branch of Rotary (Interact), strong charity committee, Age Concern links. 30+ clubs and societies, eg film, street dance, debating, creative writing, chess, musical theatre, trampolining, running, quiz leagues.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Houses with emphasis on friendly competition. Head student and heads of house elected by school and staff. Religion: Christian, inter-denominational. Morning assembly (reading) compulsory at all ages. Social: Social functions and occasional joint musical activities with local independent schools. Organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Few school rules; code based on respect for self and others. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a lunchtime catch-up session; those caught drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis on the premises may expect suspension or permanent exclusion.
Girls only. 3 houses divided by age. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook limited food. Limited visits to local town allowed.
PHOSA can be contacted c/o the school.
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