Founded in 1872, it began life in London and moved to its present premises in 1937. The main senior building is a beautiful, old house and there is a modern junior school. Both are set in ample gardens and grounds, providing excellent facilities and resources. It adheres to Anglican practice and tradition although it is non-denominational. Academic standards and examination results are good. There are many opportunities for drama, speech and music and ICT, and a range of games, sports and activities. An impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 330 day girls. Senior department 10-18, 220 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11, and 16. Own entrance exam. 35% senior intake from state schools (plus few into sixth form); some 65% from own junior school.
Academic scholarships awarded at age 7, 11 and 16; 1 music scholarship at 11. Several bursaries are available.
Headmistress: Mrs Jean Ross. Teaching staff: 32 full time, 20 part time. Annual turnover 5%.
GCSE: 28 pupils in Year 11: 96% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 4% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 20 in upper sixth, all passing in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 342.
All sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 25% take courses in science and engineering, 63% in humanities and social sciences, 12% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 20 exam subjects (including A-level theatre studies). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level excluding general studies. 35% take arts/humanities A-levels; 10% science; 55% both. Key skills compulsory, taught as discrete units. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Practical help (eg enlarged papers for visually handicapped) and some special needs teaching. Languages: French (from age 5), Italian, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular foreign trips to France, Germany and Italy. Years 7 and 8 visit France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 110 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 6 musical groups including orchestra, madrigal, choirs, wind, recorder, strings. Drama & dance: Drama offered. GCSE, A-level and LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other drama or dance productions. Art and design: On average, 12 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Design and textiles also offered. Pupils regularly admitted to art college and university. Biennial show of pupils' exam work in local art gallery.
Sport: Badminton, basketball, tennis, trampolining, gymnastics, football, volleyball, dance, hockey, netball, athletics, swimming, rounders compulsory. Optional: self-defence. Sixth form only: flexible program including climbing, kayaking, ice skating, golf, step aerobics, windsurfing etc. National junior badminton chamption; county swimming representatives. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Sixth formers involved in Young Enterprise. Up to 30 clubs, including computers, dancing, science, creative writing, gymnastics, chess.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by Headmistress and staff and election by pupils. Religion: Compulsory non-denominational assembly. Social: Debates, Young Enterprise with other local schools; organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Lunch self-service (compulsory).
Ordermarks, restriction of privileges, detentions for minor breaches. Any serious breach, eg smoking, would be liable to suspension or expulsion. No tobacco, alcohol, make-up or jewellery allowed.
is run by Mrs Katherine Leake, c/o the school.
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