Founded in 1840 to provide education for the daughters of marine and naval officers put on half pay at the end of the Napoleonic wars. It occupies handsome buildings in 35 acres of pleasant wooded grounds. It has excellent modern facilities which are being expanded, most recently a new sports development. There is a Church of England tradition but girls of other beliefs and denominations are welcomed. A sound education is provided and examination results are good. It is strong in music, dance, art, drama, sport - competing at international, national and county level - and extra-curricular activities. There is a commitment to local community services and to adventure education. It has a fine record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and enthusiastic participation in the Young Enterprise Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 340 girls (270 day, 70 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 238 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used. No special skills required; Church of England school but other religions accepted. Many senior pupils from own junior school (enquiries tel 01428 603052).
Academic, sport, music, drama and arts scholarships. Various bursaries, some means-tested to 100% of fees.
Majority are professionals. 60+% live within 30 miles; up to 10+% live overseas.
Headmistress: Mrs Lynne Taylor-Gooby, in post since 1999. Educated at universities of Bristol (education) and London (MA English). Previously Head of Sixth Form and English teacher at the school and taught at a range of schools and colleges. Teaching staff: 38 full time, 19 part time. Annual turnover 7%. Average age 38.
GCSE: Average of 31 in Year 11: 98% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 23 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 364.
99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course in the UK or overseas. Courses studied included medicine, law, music, forensic science and criminology, psychology, physiotherapy, performing arts, languages, maths and English.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, many take AS and A-level general studies. Vocational: GCSE certificate in IT available. Special provision: EFL, visiting remedial teachers and extra coaching in most subjects. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Germany; visits to Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and totally integrated in all subjects across the curriculum. All take GCSE in ICT in Year 10. 150 computers for pupil use (24 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, wind ensemble, orchestra, various groups formed for musical productions etc. Music technology and composition taught. Drama: GCSE and A-level drama and theatre arts, LAMDA and Poetry Society exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in other productions. Art and design: On average, 10 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, history of art also offered.
Sport: Lacrosse, netball, rounders, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, athletics, dance, squash, aerobics, karate, cricket, football, hockey, health and fitness. Optional: riding. National champions in karate; national, county and regional representatives in lacrosse, netball, athletics, swimming. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service encouraged. All houses adopt charities and raise funds; school sponsored walks for charity; personal development and leadership training. Extra curricular activities include car-building; 25+ clubs, including astronomy, dance, debating, technology, science, ballet, riding, IT, art, drama.
Uniform: School uniform worn, except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, heads of houses and school officers - elected by school. Religion: Church of England. Morning assembly. Social: Dances, debates and social evenings with local boys' schools. Regular school exchanges, skiing trips, sports tours (eg Spain, US), expeditions (eg India, South America). Sixth form allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol at specified dinners and events.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a talking to; those in possession of, or using, prohibited drugs would be excluded.
Sixth formers have own or twin study bedroom. Houses of approx 60+, divided by age. Central dining room. Sixth formers can provide and cook own snacks. 2 weekend exeats each term. Visits to local town allowed at weekends. Range of weekend activities and visits (eg Badminton Horse Trials).
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