Founded in 1725 by Sir William Perkins in Chertsey, it moved to its present site in 1819. It has handsome, well-equipped buildings set in 12 acres of attractive gardens and playing fields. The school has a Christian foundation but is non-denominational and welcomes all. A sound general education is provided and examination results are very good. Girls are encouraged to develop beyond the classroom through an extensive extra-curricular programme, with many leadership opportunities for older girls. Music, drama and art are all very strong; a variety of dramatical and musical productions each year. An increasing range of games and sports is available and many teams are successful (particularly in netball, badminton and hockey and rowing). Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award are successful and there are numerous clubs and societies. Girls are encouraged to contribute to community service in the local area. Each form adopts a charity and works for its support.
Pupils: Age range 11-18, 575 day girls. Entrance: Main entry age 11 and 16; some at 13. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B (grade A in sixth form subjects). State school entry, 40% at 11 and some at 16.
10-15 pa scholarships (at 11 and 16), academic, music and art; value up to 10% of fees . Means-tested bursaries of up to 100% fees available.
Headmistress: Mrs Del Cooke, in post from 2007. Educated at Godolphin & Latymer, and at the universities of Bristol (mathematics), Nottingham (PGCE) and Leicester (MBA, educational management). Previously Deputy Head and Head of Mathematics at Cranleigh. Teaching staff: 42 full time, 22 part time, plus many visiting musicians and drama/sport coaches. Annual turnover about 6%. Average age 44.
GCSE: 81 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 60 in upper sixth; 99% passed in 3+ subjects, with an average final point score of 431.
99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (8% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 70% in arts, humanities and social sciences.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 21 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; in addition, almost all take AS-level critical thinking and some do the extended project and the AQA Baccalaureate. 15% take science A-levels; 38% arts/humanities; 47% both. Vocational: Work experience and Young Enterprise available. Languages: French and Latin (from Year 7), German (Year 8) and Spanish (Year 10) all offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; plus Mandarin, Greek, Italian and Russian clubs. Typically 50% take GCSE in more than one language. Regular trips and a long standing German exchange for Year 9 and sixth-form German work experience exchange. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject; most students take Clait. 125+ computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; virtual learning environment introduced.
Music: 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Typically 12 take GCSE, 3 A-level. Musical groups include orchestras, swing band, choirs, clarinet and flute ensembles. Recent performances include Fauré's Requiem and The Boyfriend. Drama and dance: GCSE and A-level theatre studies, plus speech and drama and Victoria College exams offered. Many pupils involved in school productions. Dance included in PE lessons and clubs, with an annual gym and dance display. Art and design: Typically 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Disciplines include oil painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics and textiles. Regular trips to galleries and museums, and annual residential trips abroad.
Sport: Hockey, netball, athletics, health-related fitness, tennis, gym, rowing, dance, badminton, aerobics, volleyball, trampolining, cross-country, fencing, football, canoeing. Many individual county and national successes (particularly in gymnastics and canoeing) and team achievements (particularly rowing). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Numerous clubs, including eco, orienteering, debating, Christian Union; Young Enterprise in sixth form.
Uniform: Uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. All upper sixth are prefects. Head girl and deputies elected by the school. School Council. Mentoring scheme for new pupils. Religion: Non-denominational. Christian foundation but all welcomed. Attendance at religious worship compulsory (but pupils may be withdrawn at parents' request). Social: Some events with local schools including concerts, competitions, discos. Large number of trips and educational visits (eg art trip to Barcelona, history to Russia). Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
School Council produced school code of conduct. Emphasis on self-discipline and pupils treated as individuals and with respect.
Sir William Perkins's Association, run by Mrs Sheila Hallsworth, Director of Communication & Admissions, c/o the school
Celina Hinchcliffe (BBC presenter), Anna Hemmings (world champion canoeist), Trisha Goddard (TV presenter). Lara McAllen (musician)
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