Founded in 1880 by Archbishop Benson, the first Bishop of Truro, it is a single-site school, with a fine view over the city and cathedral. The handsome and well-equipped buildings lie in most attractive gardens and grounds. The school prides itself on a happy, positive atmosphere; it aims to produce rounded, sociable, aspirational individuals, who know how to look after themselves and who genuinely care about others. Regular prayers and services (including some in the cathedral) are held. A well-qualified staff provides a sound general education and examination results are very good. Drama is well supported. There are many musical activities involving choirs, orchestra and jazz band, and musical standards are high. Sport is strong, with many county teams titles and some regional and national representatives. Many excursions, expeditions and cultural trips and the school also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and Ten Tors with success.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 430 pupils (395 day, 35 boarding girls). Prep department 3-11, 100 pupils (3 boys, 97 girls). Senior department 11-18, 330 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. Ability to follow curriculum required; no special religious requirements. State school entry, 50% main intake (plus a few at 16).
Scholarships available at 11 and 16 (academic, music, sport, art ); value up to 25% of fees but may be supplemented by a bursary if necessary. Means-tested bursaries available in senior school, up to 50% of fees (exceptionally up to 100%). Typically 10% of each year group receive either a scholarship or bursary. Parents not expected to buy textbooks. No compulsory extras.
Headmistress: Mrs Caroline Pascoe, in post from 2009. Educated at Bristol University (microbiology and physics); also studying for Doctorate of Education. Previously Deputy Head of Wellington School, Somerset. Teaching staff: 36 full time, 18 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.
GCSE: 62 pupils in Year 11, 96% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 30 in upper sixth, all passing in 3+ subjects with an average final point score of 331.
99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. Typically, 15% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 22% in science and engineering, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 20% in other subjects eg drama, music and education.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 GCSE subjects, 22 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 20% take science A-levels; 36% arts/humanities; 44% both. All sixth formers take the extended project qualification (topic relevant to degree or career), which demands research ability and other key skills. Vocational: Work experience for all Year 10 and lower sixth. Special provision: Support for dyslexic pupils. Languages: Latin, French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular trips to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg coursework, wordprocessing, graphs, project analysis. 130 computers for pupil use (access all day), networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including choirs, orchestra and jazz band. Numerous winners of instrumental categories in county competitions. Drama: GCSE and A-level drama and LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 12 A-level. Design, pottery and textiles also offered.
Sport: Netball, hockey, tennis, swimming, athletics compulsory. BAGA and ASA swimming awards exams may be taken. Regular county representatives at netball, hockey, tennis and swimming at all levels. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Ten Tors. Up to 20 clubs, eg speech and drama, debating, trampolining, lace-making, chess, diva dance.
Uniform: School uniform worn, except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (4). Head girl, heads of houses, appointed by the Headmistress, staff and sixth form; all sixth formers have responsibilities. School Council. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at school assembly compulsory. Social: Social events, local music festivals. Many trips abroad for study, recreational, music and sports, eg to France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, USA, South Africa, Hong Kong and Australia. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike. School lunch compulsory. Second-hand school uniform shop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once should expect detention and extra work; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises should expect expulsion. Parents always informed of disciplinary action.
Upper sixth have own study bedrooms; lower sixth share with one other, younger pupils in rooms of 3-4. Older pupils can cook own food. Exeats by arrangement with parents. Daytime visits to the local town allowed, based on age (from weekly visits in Year 7 to daily in sixth form).
is run by Mrs Marianne Inskip, c/o the school.
Lilian Knowles (economic historian); Dame Lynne Brindley (Chief Executive of the British Library); Hannah Sandling (TV presenter, stylist and writer).
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