Founded in 1894 at Clapham Park by two Methodist ministers, in 1925 the school moved to its present 120 acre estate in an exceptionally pleasant area of the green belt. There has been much recent development and the school is now very well equipped. Being within easy reach of London, its pupils make frequent visits to theatres, concerts and exhibitions. The school prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and general community spirit. It has a strong Christian foundation and the chapel plays a significant part in the life of the school. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:7. High academic standards are achieved and exam results are very good. There is a great deal of emphasis on drama, with high standards of performance in the award winning theatre. Music is very strong; there is a large music staff and a variety of musical groups. Achievement is also high in sport, with numerous representatives at county level and some at national level in tennis, hockey, athletics, canoeing, skiing and rounders. There are many clubs and societies for other extra-curricular activities. The school has a substantial commitment to local community schemes and an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 385 girls (188 day, 197 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13, 14 and 16. Common Entrance or own exam used. Special entrance test for sixth form entry, interview, head's report and usually 6 GCSEs at least grade B. No religious requirements. State school entry, 12% main intake. Pupils come from a large number of feeder schools.
Numerous honorary scholarships (benefits 'in-kind', eg free tuition for musicians), awarded at 11 and 13: academic, sport, tennis, art, music, drama, sixth form. Variable number of means-tested bursaries, up to 100% of fees. Sibling discount of 5% of fees. Surcharge of £500 a a term for those entering direct to the sixth form.
50+% live within 30 miles; 17% live overseas, half of whom are foreign nationals.
Principal: Pauline Edgar, appointed 2006. Educated at Dudley High School and London University (history). Previously Head of Sixth Form and Head of History at Francis Holland School and taught at Copthall Girls' School, Barnet. Teaching staff: 60 full time, 40 part time. Annual turnover 3%. Average age 45.
GCSE: 63 pupils in Year 11: 98% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 2% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 66 in upper sixth: 47% passed in 4+ subjects; 49% in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 432.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (4% after a gap year). 14% take courses in medicine, bio-medical sciences and pharmacy, 2% in law, 27% in science, engineering, maths, accountancy and financial management, 46% in humanities and social sciences, 8% in art, design and architecture, 3% in drama and acting.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects offered; 22 at AS/A-level (including economics, theatre studies, business studies, government and politics, history of art, physical education). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 30% take science/maths A-levels; 35% arts/humanities; 35% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Lower sixth involved in Education for Engineering Scheme. Special provision: Specialist help for dyslexic pupils. EFL teaching. Languages: French, Italian, Japanese and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Italy and Spain. Variety of European trips and visits. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg religious studies, geography, modern languages and history). 140 PCs and 365 laptops, all networked and with email and (filtered) internet access; all students have access to networked laptops.
Music: Approx 64% of pupils learn one or more musical instruments; instrumental exams can be taken. Wide range of musical ensembles, which perform regularly in school and major London venues. Drama: Drama offered and popular; GCSE, A-level and LAMDA exams may be taken. Drama technician in residence. School production annually. Art and design: Design, pottery, textiles, photography, printmaking offered. 2-4 students to foundation art courses each year. Artist in residence.
Sport: Hockey, netball, gym, swimming, badminton, football, health-related fitness, outdoor education, dance, aerobics, tennis, rounders, athletics compulsory to Year 10. Optional: trampolining, riding, golf. Year 11 and sixth form: gymnastics, pilates, aerobics, weight training. GCSE and A-level PE, BAGA, RLSS, BTF exams may be taken. National, regional and county hockey, tennis, rounders players; national canoists and skiers. Lawn Tennis Association National Centre. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh Award. Community service compulsory for 1 year at age 16. Over 20 clubs and societies, including chess, pottery, craft, art, fencing, Young Enterprise, outdoor activities, history, photography, debating, Model United Nations, cooking.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (Years 7-11). Head girl (upper sixth) appointed after wide consultation; head of house and house prefects (Year 11) selected within house. All upper sixth receive leadership training. School Council, members chosen by girls. Religion: Christian (Methodist foundation). Both compulsory and voluntary worship exist. Social: Debating, tennis, socials, discos and an annual ball with local boys' schools. Organised trips abroad for skiing, tennis, hockey, music, language, art. Regular exchanges to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. Meals self-service. School shop and school bank. Wine allowed for sixth form at some formal meals (adults present); no other alcohol permitted.
Pupils failing to produce homework or submitting inadequate study are monitored closely by tutors. Rewards and sanctions have recently reviewed (by a group including the Head Girl and deputies). Clear policies on drugs and the possibility of expulsion.
60 have own study bedroom, 72 share with 1 or 2; 80 in bedrooms of 4, remainder in bedrooms of 6+. Houses of 30-40, divided by age group. Medical centre staffed by SRNs. Central dining room. Lower sixth pupils can provide and cook snacks (own kitchen); upper sixth may cook own supper (own large kitchens). Five exeats plus half terms (extra for seniors if no school commitments). Visits to local town allowed for Year 9 and above (usually Saturday); sixth form allowed into London in groups. Weekly boarding possible.
c/o the school.
Natalie Pinkham (radio and TV presenter); Georgie Thompson (TV sports presenter); Jodie Williams (GB athlete); Helen McCrory (actress).
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