Founded in 1880 by the Girls' Day School Trust, it moved in 1887 to its present site in the centre of Wimbledon. The most recent additions to facilities include a new performing arts centre, design and technology centre and a renovated sixth-form house. A swimming pool and sports hall are on site, with playing fields (including an all-weather pitch) nearby on the site of the original All England Tennis Club. Academically selective, students are well motivated and challenged to believe in themselves and grow in confidence. The school aims to promote an adventurous culture that encourages risk-taking in and outside the classroom. Examination results are very good. Girls are encouraged to practise leadership through the school council and sixth-form committee. Music, art and drama are very strong; there is a high level of participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and World Challenge. There are close links with local organisations and charities, chosen by the pupils.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 900 day girls. Junior school 4-11, 320 girls. Senior school 11-18, 580 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11 and 16 (some at 7 and 13). Own entrance exam used at 11+. For sixth-form entry, own entrance tests, interview and at least 7 GCSEs at grade B (grade A in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. Own junior school provides some 60% of senior intake.
Limited number of academic scholarships available at 11 and 16, value 5% of fees; also music scholarship at 11 (10% of fees) and science at 16 (50% of fees). Means-tested bursaries awarded at 11 and 16, up to 100% of fees. Fees include exam fees and textbooks. Music tuition and lunches extra.
Headmistress: Mrs Heather Hanbury, in post since 2008. Educated at Princess Gardens School in Belfast, and universities of Edinburgh and Cambridge (geography). Previously Deputy Head at Latymer Upper School. Teaching staff: 60 full time, 20 part time (with 20 visiting music staff). Average annual turnover 10%. Average age 45.
GCSE: 87 pupils in Year 11, almost all gaining at least grade C in 10+ subjects. A-levels: 74 in Year 13, all passing in 3-4 subject, with an average final point score of 359.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (some 20% after a gap year), 8%% to Oxbridge and others to leading US universities.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 subjects (including A-level Latin and Greek, economics, theatre studies, psychology); design technology taught from Years 7-13. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; options in critical thinking or general studies. Vocational: Work experience in Year 11. Special provision: Some support for dyslexic and dyspraxic pupils. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Study visits and language exchange in Year 9. ICT: Integral to all learning; all sixth form take key skills level 3. 196 multimedia workstations in networked computer rooms plus 60+ pupil laptops, all with email and internet access; also specialist departmental resources.
Music: 80% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, jazz, chamber choir, various chamber groups. Several in county orchestras and national and local youth choirs; a number attend London Saturdays conservatoires; each year some go on to study music at university/college. Annual musicals; musicians regularly tour abroad. Drama and dance: Both offered; improvisation classes. Majority of pupils involved in regular productions. Art and design: On average, 30% take GCSE, 14% A-level art, 10% A-level history of art.
Sport: Hockey, netball, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, athletics, rounders compulsory. Optional: yoga, step-aerobics, self-defence, basketball, aqua-aerobics, kick boxing, squash, fitness, trampolining. Annual gym and dance display. Pupils act as ball-girls at Wimbledon. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; also World Challenge. Extra-curricular clubs include Mandarin, science, photography, astronomy, chess, mah-jong, drama, cryptic crosswords, technology workshops, engineering days.
Uniform: School uniform worn except from mid-Year 11. Houses and prefects: Houses and house teams led by elected house captains, who are part of School Committee, elected by staff and sixth form; committee led by the head girl team, who also run the school council meetings. Religion: Non-denominational religious assemblies most days. Social: Debating society, some drama, choir and orchestral participation with other schools. Trips abroad include netball tours, French and German exchanges; skiing, classical and art trips to Italy, Spain, Greece, France; activity courses. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect verbal warning and/or referral slip; 5 referrals leads to after-school detention. Strong degree of self-discipline expected; imposed discipline is always in collaboration with students and parents.
c/o the school or via Minerva, GDST alumnae network.
Margaret Rutherford (actress); Michelle Paver (children's author); Rosie Millard (journalist); Professor Lynne Reid (pathologist).
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