Founded in 1878, the senior school has a pleasant urban site with gardens and playing fields on the west side of the city wall, near the Watergate. The school comprises a combination of late-Victorian and modern buildings. It still uses the original assembly hall, built on the site given by the Duke of Westminster in 1882 when Queen Victoria became the first patron. The lower school is housed in separate buildings on Liverpool Road. The school is non-denominational with a Christian emphasis. A strong, balanced education is provided and examination results are good. There is considerable strength in music, drama and art. A good range of sports and games is provided, in which high standards are achieved, and a range of extra-curricular activities.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 620 day girls. Lower school 4-11, 220 girls. Senior school 11-18, 400 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 7 GCSEs at least grade B (grade A in sixth form subjects). Good all-round academic ability sought; no religious requirements.
Means-tested bursaries, up to 100% of fees, available to senior-school pupils. Parents not expected to buy textbooks, stationery or pay exam fees.
Headmistress: Mrs Sarah Clark, in post from 2010. Educated at Queen Mary’s High School, Walsall, and Cambridge University (history & classics). Previously Deputy Head (Academic) at Wellingborough School and taught history, classical civilisation, politics and critical thinking at Rochester Grammar School for Girls and at Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls. Teaching staff: 57 full time, 40 part time, 16 peripatetic music and drama staff.
GCSE: 61 pupils in Year 11, 100% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects (90% included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 53 in upper sixth, 92% passing in 4+ subjects, 8% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 426.
On average, 99% of sixth form leavers go on to degree courses, (11% after a gap year), up to 20% to Oxbridge. Some 20% take courses in medicine, veterinary science and health related disciplines; others take a variety of courses, including law, mathematics, architecture, life sciences, modern languages and linguistics, geography, history, psychology, history of art and business degrees. Some take art foundation courses or go to music colleges or drama schools.
GCSE, AS and A-levels/Pre-U. 22 AS/A-level subjects and the Extended Project. Sixth form: all take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (some 10% take 5 at AS, 4 at A-level). In addition, 60% take AS-level critical thinking. 30% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Learning support specialist. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Mandarin taught in Years 7 to 11. Regular exchanges (France, Germany, Spain), visits to China and Spain. Native speakers as conversation assistants. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 217 computers for pupil use (including 5 dedicated suites and 2 music technology rooms), on a campus-wide network allowing remote access from home. Interactive whiteboards or data projectors in 40 classrooms; 170 curriculum software titles.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental and vocal exams can be taken. Music taught at all levels up to A-level (large numbers take GCSE). Wide variety of musical ensembles including choirs, orchestras, jazz bands and chamber groups. Pupils regularly participate in musicals and concerts. Drama: Drama taught Years 7-9 and is a popular GCSE option; ESB, LAMDA exams may be taken. Pupils participate in drama clubs and in school productions. Art: Widely studied at GCSE and in the sixth form (Pre-U offered in place of A-level).
Sport: Hockey, lacrosse, tennis, athletics are major sports; also gymnastics, netball, running, cross country, swimming, rounders, table tennis, badminton, football, equestrian, skiing. Sixth form: areobics and games offered. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's Award from Year 9; strong tradition of sixth-form involvement in Young Enterprise. Approximately 20 other clubs, including debating, equine, Christian Union, where-in-the-world club, composition club.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for games, music and drama. Head girls and deputies appointed by sixth form and staff. School council. Religion: Non-denominational. Assembly on three mornings. Social: Organised local events and joint functions with other schools from time to time. Trips abroad include language exchange visits, skiing and adventure holidays, expeditions and cultural visits. Pupils allowed to bring their own bike to school. Meals self-service; tuckshop.
is run by The Queen's School Alumni Office (01244 356015 or email alumni@queens.cheshire.sch.uk)
Names not disclosed by the school.
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