Founded 350 years ago to educate girls, the school is set amidst 13 acres of fields and gardens in a pleasant residential area of west London. It offers good amenities, including a floodlit, all-weather pitch for sports. Recent developments include a state-of-the-art science wing, dedicated sixth form areas and private studies, a fifth form academy, art rooms, two ICT suites, a music room, a drama room and a scriptorium. Although Catholic in foundation, it welcomes pupils from other faiths. Academic standards are high, and a philosophy of motivation as opposed to pressure lies behind this. Extra-curricular activities include numerous sports, music and drama clubs, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Public speaking is a particular strength, with pupils competing in national and international competitions.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18, 508 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 300 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry an interview and achievement at GCSE.
Sixth-form scholarships. Some bursaries available throughout the school for cases of financial hardship.
Headmistress: Mrs F Gumley-Mason, in post since 1995. Educated at St Augustine's and at Cambridge University (classics). Previously worked as a journalist, author and broadcaster for the BBC and Channel 4. Teaching staff: 45 full time, 5 part time.
GCSE: 48 pupils in Year 11: 90% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 8% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 35 in upper sixth: 96% passed in 3+ subjects.
97% sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (9% after a gap year). 15% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 23% in science and engineering, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 8% in art and performing arts, 21% in management and business.
GCSE, AS and A-level, AEAs. 20 subjects at GCSE, 23 at AS/A-level. Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS, 3 at A-level; some will also take the AEA. 20% take maths/science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 40% combinations. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French and Latin (from age 9), Spanish and Greek (from age 12) offered at GCSE and A level. Languages are accelerated: GCSE Spanish taken 2 years early, Latin a year early and AS-level Latin taken before the sixth form. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum; offered at GCSE and A-level. 2 ICT suites available (9 hours per day), with use of over 30 networked computers all with Internet access and email.
Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams, GCSE and A-level can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs and many ensembles groups. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and A-level may be taken. Girls achieve continued success at local and national festivals. All girls involved in annual theatrical production (at Questors Theatre), whether as performers, set design etc. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 4 A-level. Design, textiles also offered. Annual exhibition of examination submissions.
Sport: Hockey, netball, rounders, swimming, athletics, cross country, tennis, gymnastics, ballet compulsory. Dance, football, cricket, fencing, horse riding, karate, self-defence optional. GCSE and A-level can be taken. County champions in hockey, borough champions in cross country. Activities: Public speaking and debating are very strong; girls successfully compete nationally and internationally. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available to gold level; recent expeditions to China and Nepal. Over 25 clubs, including music, dance, hieroglyphics, Chinese and astronomy.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, deputies, head of house and house prefects - appointed by Headmistress. Religion: Roman Catholic. Morning assemblies and mass in school's chapel are a fundemental part of school life. Social: Organised events with other schools. Trips and outings in the UK and overseas eg skiing in America, musical tour of Spain, sledding expedition to Norway. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school.
A reward scheme of plus marks is used. Occasional detentions are scheduled, as required.
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