Opened in 1880, it was the first purpose-built school in the Girls' Day School Trust. In 1994 the senior school moved to new premises, which consist of a mixture of new and historic buildings with many excellent facilities including a multi-media resource centre and a 345-seat theatre. The junior school is situated in south east London, close to Greenwich Park and the Heath itself. Pupils are drawn from a wide catchment area. The school aims to nurture an enjoyment of learning, to foster an ethos which produces confident, responsible young women and to provide opportunities for every girl to fulfil her potential. A broad and challenging general education is provided and examination results are very good. Music is strong and the art and design department has excellent facilities. Drama is also well supported, with school plays and drama competitions. A range of sports and games are very well catered for and high standards are achieved in netball (representation at county level). There is a wide variety of clubs and activities designed to foster well-being including yoga and pilates. There is keen involvment in charity work and local community schemes. Ample use is made of London's cultural amenities.
Pupils: Age range 3-18; 650 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 310 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam. No special skills or religious requirements. 40% of senior intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form). 60% from own junior department.
Academic scholarships, art and music awards, value up to 50% of fees. Several bursaries, including 2 HSBC scholarships, up to full fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks or pay examination fees; average extras £140 per term (music lessons).
Headteacher: Mrs Elizabeth Laws, in post from 2000. Educated at Coloma Convent Grammar School, Croydon, and at Liverpool University (geography). Previously Head of Bishop Challoner School, Head of Upper School at Cator Park School for Girls, Beckenham, and Geography Teacher at Old Palace School. Teaching staff: 41 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 5%.
GCSE: 48 in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 28 in upper sixth.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (14% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 13% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 22% in science and engineering, 50% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in music, art and design.
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; critical thinking offered (general studies not taken). 19% take science A-levels; 59% arts/humanities; 22% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, Latin, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; also Mandarin. Regular visits and exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject to A-level and across the curriculum. Pupils take ICT GCSE in Year 9. 148 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. All sixth formers are provided with laptops.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. A-levels offered in both music and music technology. Girls in Year 2 and Year 7 receive a musical instrument and free tuition for a year. Musical groups including 2 orchestras, 3 choirs, jazz band, chamber groups. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level drama may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: Popular subject at both GCSE and A-level. Photography also offered.
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, volleyball, badminton, football, swimming, athletics. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh strongly supported, community service optional. Wide range of clubs, including debating, environmental, film, gardening, life drawing, school magazine, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses, for sport, drama, etc. Prefects and head girl, elected by senior pupils. Religion: Non-denominational; all faiths celebrated. Daily assembly. Social: Organised events, eg fashion show, discos, Model United Nations. Trips abroad to eg Russia, New York, China. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service (healthy eating policy). Before and after-school care offered.
Behaviour policy aims to ensure that every member of the school community feels safe and secure and is treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.
Mrs Shelley Robinson, c/o the school
Sophie Aldred (actress/presenter); Mary Quant (fashion designer); Margaret Jay MP; Helen Lederer (actress/comedian/writer).
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