Founded in 1884 by the Girls' Day School Trust. It occupies what were six adjacent family houses on a 5-acre green site near the centre of Sutton. The school is well resourced and facilities include a sixth-form centre (which includes a gym), a dedicated music building, well-equipped art facilities, large sports hall and indoor swimming pool; girls have access to astroturf pitches, netball and tennis courts. The junior school is on same site. A high value is placed on academic study both as an end in itself and as a preparation for adult life and work. Girls are taught in small groups and follow an enriched version of the National Curriculum, which does not limit or over-emphasise any one area. Examination results are very good. A wide general education is provided with a structured programme of visits. There is a considerable commitment to music and much strength in drama. A wide range of games and sports (high standards are achieved), with many inter-school competitions and rallies through the GDST network and the local community. There are plentiful extra-curricular activities and pupils are encouraged to try new activities; senior pupils to contribute to local social services. The school has an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 755 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 447 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 8 good GCSEs (preferable grade A in sixth-form subjects). Good academic ability looked for; no religious requirements. State school entry 50% of senior intakes.
Academic scholarships, value up to 50% fees (awarded at 11 and 16); also performance scholarships in music, art and sport (at 11 and 16), drama at 16. Means-tested GDST bursaries in cases of financial need. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; extras include additional instrumental studies, speech and drama.
Headteacher: Stephen Callaghan, appointed 2003. Educated at Hitchin Boys' Grammar School and Durham University (French and German). Previously Deputy Head at Guildford High. Teaching staff: 70 full time, 21 part time. Annual turnover approx 5%.
GCSE: 74 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 47 in upper sixth; 13% passed in 4+ subjects; 79% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 327.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 35% take courses in medicine, sciences and engineering, 20% in humanities and social sciences, 13% in art and languages, 15% in maths, economics, law and ICT, 7% in vocational courses eg teaching and sport.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: Work experience encouraged in Years 11 and 12. Languages: French, Spanish and German offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular visits and exchanges to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a core subject to GCSE and across the curriculum (eg research, analysis of findings and presentation of results in many subjects). All pupils take GCSE ICT. 200+ computers for pupil use, including laptops (7+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Music and music technology offered to GCSE. Musical groups include choirs, orchestra, band and string orchestra; mixed choirs and orchestras with local boys' school. Many concerts held. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school productions and annual drama competition for all years. Over 50% take LAMDA, Poetry Society and Guildhall drama awards. School play every 2 years (eg Daisy Pulls it Off), annual musical with local boys' school (eg Sweet Charity). Art, design and technology: Approx 40 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Options include pottery, photography, textiles, graphic design, food technology.
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, swimming, gymnastics, badminton, volleyball, aerobics compulsory. GCSE and AS-level PE may be taken. Several pupils in national and county squads. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Approx £9000 pa raised for charity. World Challenge trip every 2 years, open to Years 10-13. Many clubs, eg computer, chess, debating, drama, football, Christian Union.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (introduced 2009). Head girl and deputy, supported by a committee - elected by staff and seniors. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational; prayer facilities available. Attendance at daily assembly expected unless parents request otherwise. Social: Regular joint activities with Sutton Grammar School. Visits to complement curriculum courses. Organised trips in UK and abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service; compulsory to Year 7.
Pupils failing to produce homework or who commit a serious misdemeanour will have after-school detention. Unacceptable behaviour in lessons will warrant an order mark. Theft, abusive behaviour or being in possession of, or under the influence of any illegal substance or alcohol will lead to exclusion and possibly expulsion. Merit system for recognition of achievement and progress both academically and includes contribution to school life.
Susan Howatch (author); Sue Littlemore (educational correspondent, BBC); Ruth Kelly (politician).
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