Founded in 1634 through a bequest by John Whitson, it is the oldest girls' school foundation in England. The school occupies a fine 12 acre site in a north-west suburb of Bristol. It has handsome buildings, ancient and modern, set in beautiful gardens and grounds. Facilities are excellent and recent developments include a performing arts centre, ICT suites, new science laboratories and an astroturf pitch. Its own newly-expanded junior school is next door. Pupils are drawn from all sectors of society. A well-balanced education is provided and examination results are very good. The International Baccalaureate is now offered as well as AS and A-levels. Music is a particular strength; drama and art are strongly supported. An impressive range of sports and games is available and high standards are attained (girls regularly represent the school at county level). A wide range of international school trips are arranged. There is commitment to local community services, especially in the sixth form, and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and Young Enterprise.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 450 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 50% main intake plus a few at 16. Many pupils from own junior (enquiries to The Red Maids Junior School, Grange Court, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 4DP, tel 0117 962 9451).
At least 13 pa scholarships awarded at age 11, value up to 50% fees: academic, all-rounder, sport, music; discretionary scholarships for outside applicants at age 13; 4 sixth-form scholarships (academic, sport, creative skills). IB Award (100% of fees, part scholarship, part bursary); school assisted places, including two bursaries (100% of fees) for entry at age 11. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmistress: Mrs Isabel Tobias appointed in 2001. Educated at Heriots Wood Grammar School and Cambridge University (English). Previously Deputy Head at The Royal High School, Bath, Head of English at Bath High School. Teaching staff: 35 full time, 18 part time. Annual turnover 6%. Average age early 40s.
GCSE: 72 pupils in Year 11: 94% gained at least grade C in 8 subjects. A-levels: 40 in upper sixth: 21% passed in 4+ subjects; 74% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 314.
All sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 25% take courses in science, engineering and health sciences, 15% in mathematics, accounting and business, 50% in humanities and social sciences. Others typically go on to art, drama or music colleges.
GCSE, AS/A-levels and International Baccalaureate Diploma. 24 GCSE subjects, 23 AS/A-level (including psychology and classical civilisation). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (breadth encouraged), 3 at A-level; in addition, all follow general studies and key skills courses. Pupils taking IB take 6 subjects, a theory of knowledge module, a creativity, action and service module and an extended essay. Vocational: Work experience expected in Year 11. Special provision: Extra English if needed for dyslexia. Languages: French, Spanish, German and Russian to GCSE, and A-level; also GCSE Italian. Regular exchanges (to France, Germany, Russia and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 194 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Sixth form take ECDL.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 10+ musical groups including choirs, orchestra, wind band, various instrumental ensembles. Pupils in county and national level orchestras and choirs. Joint choir tours with brother school Queen Elizabeth's Hospital. Drama and dance: Both part of curriculum in Years 7-9 (thereafter, drama is an extra-curricular activity). GCSE drama, AS and A-level theatre studies; dance as part of GCSE in PE. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house productions. Joint productions with Queen Elizabeth's Hospital (eg Much Ado About Nothing, Bugsy Malone). Whole school festivals, drama and dance in alternate years. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 10 AS-level, 7 A-level. Design technology, sculpture and textiles also offered.
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, athletics, rounders, badminton, basketball, volleyball, keep fit, weight training, swimming compulsory for first 2 years. GCSE PE and AS/A-level sports studies offered. Netball and hockey representatives at county, sometimes at national level. Activities: Pupils take bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Head almoners organise charity events. 10+ clubs, eg music, sport, creative writing, chess, public speaking, Christian Union, Amnesty International, Guides, debating (national finalists of Cambridge Union competition 2003), Young Enterprise (regional winners 2004).
Uniform: School uniform worn, smart dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl and heads of houses elected by written application, vote and interview; no prefects. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Music/drama, joint activities with brother school (Queen Elizabeth Hospital). Organised trips abroad include for watersports (Italy, France), skiing (Switzerland, France), choir (Salzburg), geography (Peru, Nepal), music (Poland, USA), art (Paris), language exchanges; also Russian students from Moscow State University and link with US school, including head girls' exchange. Pupils allowed to bring own car, motorbike or bike to school. Weekday meals self-service. Healthy eating school tuck shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a verbal warning. For those caught smoking cannabis on the premises exclusion should be expected.
is run by Mrs Linda James c/o the school.
|
