Founded in 1895 at Sandwich, it moved to its present site in 1939. The main building is a listed Regency country house set in 80 acres of parkland. Facilities are very good; boarding accommodation is comfortable and an extension to the junior school has recently been completed. Stonar has a Christian ethos but all denominations are welcome. A good education is provided and there is a big commitment to music, drama and art. A fine range of sports and games is available and there is an excellent variety of extra-curricular activities, including riding in the school's internationally renowned equestrian centre. There is also good participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18, 400 girls (220 day, 180 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 330 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11-13 and 16; own entrance exam used. For sixth form entry, report and reference from previous school (GCSE at least grade C in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 25% senior intake (plus a few to sixth form).
Scholarships up to 30% of day fee (to age 16): academic, good all-rounder, drama, music, art, sport, riding. Services bursaries available to age 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; some extras incur additional cost.
50+% live within 30 miles; 10+% live overseas.
Headmistress: Mrs Shirley Shayler, in post from 2007. Teaching staff: 33 full time, 15 part time (teaching). Annual turnover 3%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 56 pupils in Year 11, 91% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-Level: 45 pupils in upper sixth; 17% passed in 4+ subjects; 72% in 3; and 11% in 2 subjects.
95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 33% take courses in science and engineering, 44% in humanities and social sciences, 9% in art and design. Others typically go on to non-degree courses such as nursing, HND or art, or directly into careers.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 19 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 25% take science A-levels; 15% arts/humanities; 60% both. Key skills integrated into curriculum plus an extension course. Vocational: Work experience available. BHS exams taken by riding students (competition riding course). Special provision: Help with dyslexia. Specialist teacher for EAL. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum; most pupils take GCSE short course. 80 computers for pupil use (18 hours a day), all networked (including boarding houses), and all with email and internet access.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 5 musical groups: choir, brass and wind bands, orchestra, chamber choir. Music school has own recording studio. Drama & dance: GCSE, AS and A-level drama and LAMDA exams may be taken. All pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Photography A-level is also popular.
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, athletics, swimming compulsory. Optional: volleyball, golf, riding, tetrathlon, badminton, squash, table tennis, cross country, canoeing, football. GCSE, BAGA and BHS exams may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Some 50 clubs, including various sports and music, CDT.
Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Prefects and head girl appointed by sixth form and staff, following application process. School Council. Religion: Church of England but pupils of any faith welcome. Boarders attend Anglican or Roman Catholic service on Sundays. Social: Organised local events and trips abroad. Active parents' association. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/horse to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would expect expulsion.
Sixth form have study bedrooms, rest share 2-5. Houses of approximately 35. Qualified nurse. Central dining room. 2 weekend exeats and a week at half-term; flexi-boarding popular. Regular excursions.
Katharine Schlesinger (actress); Gita Sereny (author); Romola Garai (actress); Lucy Wiegersma (international event rider).
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