Founded in 1933 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, it moved to its present site in 1936. It is two miles from the city centre, on a beautiful site comprising 14 acres of wooded gardens and grounds. The school is very well equipped with up-to-date facilities. From 2007, boys have been accepted into the senior school but taught separately in most core courses (eg languages and maths); boys and girls taught together for humanities (eg geography and history). The school aims to help dyslexic pupils, in particular, to achieve their full potential. Drama and art are well supported by a large number of pupils and the school was recently awarded an Artsmark Silver award. There is a range of sports, games and extra-curricular activities. A variety of outdoor pursuits is encouraged. Although a Catholic foundation, the school welcomes pupils from all faiths. The sixth form is being restructured and is due to reopen in 2011 offering the International Baccalaureate.
Pupils: Total age range, 6 months-16 years, 340 day pupils (165 boys, 175 girls). Senior department 11-16, 140 pupils (53 boys, 87 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 2, 11. Own entrance exam used. Roman Catholic school but pupils of all faiths welcome. State school entry 60% intake at 11.
Scholarships awarded at age 11, minimum of 10% of fees: academic, arts and sports. Also means-tested places for pupils entering at 11.
Headmaster: Jonathan Cramb. Previously Head of International School, Turin. Teaching staff: 68 staff across the whole school.
GCSE: 25 pupils in Year 11: 76% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects.
In the past few years, most sixth formers have left to go on to a degree course (11% after a gap year). 44% take courses in science, 17% in humanities and social sciences, 22% in arts subjects, 17% in vocational subjects eg nursing, accountancy, business management, education, pharmacy.
16+ GCSE subjects; IB Diploma from 2011. Special provision: EFL can be arranged. Tutoring for dyslexia. Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE. Regular exchanges to Spain and France and overseas educational visits. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. GCSE offered. School computers on wireless network and with email and internet access.
Music: All in Year 7 entitled to a term's free instrumental tuition; over 40% continue with a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including choir, orchestra and jazz band. Drama and dance: Both offered at GCSE; numerous drama, musical and dance productions throughout the year. LAMDA exams can be taken. Art and design: On average, 8 take GCSE.
Sports: Key sports include football, rugby, cricket, basketball (boys), netball, hockey, rounders (girls). Tennis, swimming, table tennis, wrestling, badminton, squash optional. GSCE and A-level sport studies may be taken. Strong links with Edgebaston Priory club with professional coaches supporting provision. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Other activities include ballroom dancing, environmental and justice clubs.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl/boy, head of house and house prefects, elected by the school. School Council. Religion: Multi-denominational, with Catholic foundation. Compulsory assembly. Social: Debates, theatre workshops. Organised trips and exchange systems; developing links with European countries. Lunch self-service.
Pupils guilty of misdemeanours are given an order mark or detention. Merit marks given for good work or positive contribution to school life.
is run by the Pupil Relations Officer c/o Priory School.
Karen Armstrong (writer/broadcaster); Noelle Walsh (editor, Good Housekeeping); Ninivah Khomo (designer); Rachel Atkins (theatre/radio); Lolita Chakrabarti (theatre/radio).
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