Founded in 1932, it lies in 64 acres of grounds, part of the original Stover Park. There are beautiful landscaped gardens and fine playing fields with splendid views across Dartmoor. The main building is a superb 18th century Palladian mansion, formerly the home of the Duke of Somerset. Since foundation there have been several additions and developments, recently a new science block, art and IT centre. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere prevails and there is a policy of trying to suit the needs of the individual. Worship is in the Anglican tradition. Founded as a girls' school, boys have been accepted into the junior school for some years and now too in the senior school; boys and girls are taught separately until the sixth form, which is co-educational. The school is committed to welcoming pupils of mixed ability and potential, whose talents and aptitudes contribute to school life. A sound general education is provided and results are good. There is a good range of music, performing arts and art. A standard range of games and sports is available, and there is a variety of extra-curricular activities. Considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits for which the environment is ideal, and an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 488 pupils, 418 day (170 boys, 279 girls), 70 boarding (girls in school, boys with host families). Senior department 11-18, 330 pupils (90 boys, 240 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 16. Own entrance exam, standardised tests and interview. No special skills or religious requirements but strong Anglican links. State school entry, 50% main intakes plus occasional pupil to sixth form.
8 pa scholarships, 4 pa bursaries (value 10%-33% fees). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmistress: Mrs Sue Bradley, in post from 2005. Educated at Portsmouth University (biology). Teaching staff: 30 full time, 12 part time. Average age 40.
GCSE: 44 pupils in Year 11, 87% gaining grade C or above in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 20 in upper sixth, gaining an average final point score of 315.
Sixth-form leavers usually all go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year). Majority follow courses in arts and humanities (particularly law and business), 15% take courses in science and maths.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 16 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; mixture of arts and sciences encouraged. Vocational: Work experience encouraged; study skills course, personal development week, first aid offered. Special provision: Some for pupils with dyslexia; learning support. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum; all pupils take short course GCSE. 100 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include ensembles, groups, choirs eg string, flute, madrigal, brass. Some pupils play with the Devon Schools Orchestra. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies, ESB, LAMDA and modern dance exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography and media studies also offered.
Sport: Hockey, cross-country, rugby, football, cricket, swimming, tennis, netball, rounders, athletics, riding. Sports are compulsory, options vary with age group. GCSE, BAGA, RLSS exams may be taken. Regular county team members; Ten Tors teams at 35 and 45 miles. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. All students learn first aid. Up to 30 clubs; national maths olympiads.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, head of games, head of house and house prefects - appointed by the Headmistress after consultation with staff and prefects. Religion: Church of England. Regular weekly services. Social: Some trips abroad, eg sports tours (eg Barbados), French exchange, ski trip, art and photography (eg New York), watersports (eg France, Barcelona, California); Flanders trip. Sixth form allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
Removal of privileges is the normal sanction. Pupils failing to produce homework expect prep detention.
Head pupil has own study bedroom, sixth form in doubles; remainder in dormitories of 5+. Houses divided by age. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Sixth form can provide and cook own food. 2 weekend exeats and half-term. Visits to local town allowed.
(SPA) is run by Mrs Mary Downey, c/o the school.
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