Founded in 1886 it moved to its present site in 1935. It has purpose-built premises on a single site in woodlands 1˝ miles from the town centre and 2 miles from the coast. The junior school is housed in its own buildings on campus but makes full use of the senior school facilities and specialist staff; junior pupils are encouraged to feel an integral part of the school. There are very good facilities, including a science centre, music school, sports hall, astro-turf hockey pitch and heated swimming pool. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. Flourishing art and drama departments and a tremendously strong music department. It is a Church of England foundation but pupils of all faiths and denominations welcomed; a multi-faith chaplaincy committee exists to serve the needs of all. The school aims to provide a stimulating holistic education in a caring environment for all its pupils. Excellent range of sports and games (numerous county representatives) and fine variety of extra-curricular activities.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 564 pupils, 533 day (7 boys, 526 girls), 31 boarding girls. Junior department, 3-11, 201 pupils (7 boys, 194 girls). Senior department 11-18, 363 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 16. Own entrance examination used; for sixth-form entry, GCSE at least grade B in sixth-form subjects. Academic and personal potential looked for. 50% of senior intake from state schools (plus a few at 16), many from own junior department.
Some scholarships, value 10%-50% fees: academic, all-rounder, sport and music (awarded at 11, 12, 13 and 16). Variable number of bursaries, including for church and service bursaries. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmistress: Mrs Angharad Holloway in post from 2010. Educated at Oxford University (German and Italian). Previously, director of IB programme at Royal High School, Bath and taught at Clifton High and Sir William Perkins’ School. Teaching staff: 45 full time, 15 part time plus visiting staff for extra subjects.
GCSE: 71 pupils in upper fifth, 100% gained grade C or above in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 39 in upper sixth: 21% passed in 4 subjects, 79% in 3-3˝ subjects; average final point score of 380.
Typically 90+% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 15% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 15% in other vocational subjects (eg physiotherapy, nursing). Others typically go on to art college or employment.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 AS/A-level subjects offered, also Extended Project Qualification. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies is not taught. Typically 35% take science A-levels, 30% arts and humanities, 35% combinations. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience and careers guidance available. Special provision: Individual support for pupils with specific language difficulties. Languages: French (from age 7), German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Spain; video conferencing links with UK and French schools. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject and to GCSE; internet used as a resource across the curriculum. Approx 200 computers for pupil use (7+ hours a day), all networked with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn at least one musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Some 15-20 musical groups including orchestra, 3 choirs, flute choir, clarinet choir, saxophone choir, wind band, string groups. Drama: LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: Offered to GCSE and A-level with use of varied media.
Sport: Athletics, badminton, cross-country, dance, football, gymnastics, health-related fitness, hockey, lacrosse, netball, rounders, swimming, tennis, volleyball compulsory. Optional sports for older pupils: aerobics, squash, table tennis, trampolining, yoga. Currently national finalists and national representation in badminton, swimming, tennis; regional or county representatives in badminton, hockey, netball, squash, swimming, tennis, volleyball. Activities: Many pupils take bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. Police service and first-aid courses followed. Numerous fundraising projects for wide range of causes undertaken by whole school, form/year groups or individuals. Clubs include Christian Focus, art, drama, Eco Schools, public speaking, computing, sports and musical activities.
Uniform: School uniform worn, except in sixth form (secondhand uniform shop run by parents). Houses and prefects: 2 head girls, 2 deputies, 8 prefects with special responsibilities (by democratic election and final confirmation by Headmistress). All sixth formers share general school duties; each form elects 2 form leaders. Religion: Church of England. Religious studies lessons (general) at all levels; daily morning assembly. Multi-faith chaplaincy committee with chaplains visiting regularly. Social: Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
'Firm but fair' ethos with necessary minimum of formal rules. Privileges granted according to age.
Sixth form in single study bedrooms, other senior pupils in singles/doubles, younger pupils in dormitories. Boarding houses on main campus. Flexible weekend exeats by arrangement.
is run by commitee chaired by the Headmistress.
Judge Daffodil Cosgrave; Lady (Lucy) Faithfull (social worker and reformer); Dilys Powell, Charlie Lee-Potter (journalists); Pat Smythe (showjumper); Natalie Clein (cellist); Shirley Williams (SDP politician); Kate Royal (opera singer); Nicole Faraday (TV actress).
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