Founded in 1890, it is urban single-site, housed in a pleasant late 19th-century building with large adjoining playing fields. There have been many additions over the years and modern facilities are excellent. The school has an innovative octagonal hall and theatre; a state-of-the-art sports hall, all-weather pitch and a drama studio. There has been a recent programme of refurbishment and a new sixth-form centre and additional classrooms completed. The school has intentionally remained relatively small, allowing a friendly and intimate environment. Pupils come from a wide geographical area and from many different social and cultural backgrounds; the school welcomes pupils of all faiths and none. Academic standards are high and examination results excellent. A very high proportion of sixth formers goes on to Oxbridge. Extremely strong music and drama departments and a fine range of activities. The school has a high reputation for its achievements in sport and games - particularly tennis and lacrosse (there have been many representatives at county, and several at national level). Large numbers participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. There is a strong commitment to local community services and fund-raising; the school has special relationship with a local primary school and a variety of projects in Kenya, Uganda and the Gambia.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 650 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 560 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam and interview used; for sixth form entry, at least 6 GCSEs at grade A (including sixth-form subjects). All-round ability and excellent potential looked for; no religious requirements. 30% of senior intake from state schools; 25-30% from own junior school.
No scholarships; approx 15 bursaries annually awarded to girls who have met the entry criteria, whose family circumstances warrant help. Parents not expected to buy textbooks or pay examination fees; music tuition, lunches, pupil insurance and trips extra.
Headmistress: Mrs Janet Pickering, in post since 2000. Educated at Bridlington High and Malton Grammar schools, Yorkshire, and at Sheffield University (biochemistry). Previously Head of St Bees, Cumbria, and Deputy Head at King's School, Canterbury. Also Independent Schools Inspector. Teaching staff: 45 full time, 15 part time. Annual turnover under 5%. Average age 39.
GCSE: 82 in upper fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 10 subjects. A-level: 76 in upper sixth, all passing 3+ A-levels in addition to general studies, and gaining an average final point score of 527 (including general studies).
All sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (9% after a gap year), 19% to Oxbridge. 16% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 19% science and engineering, 55% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in other vocational subjects such as law, architecture, accountancy.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 AS/A-level subjects (including Greek). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level and 3-4 at A-level; in addition, all take A-level general studies. 29% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 41% both. Vocational: Work experience programme for all. Languages: French, Spanish, German, Latin and Greek offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Italian club at lunchtime. Regular foreign exchanges, both school and family based. ICT: Taught both across the curriculum and as a GCSE short course. 150 networked computers for pupil use all day, all with internet and email access (in 5 computer suites, strategically placed around the school).
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams are taken (some 250 girls). Musical groups include 3 large orchestras, windband, 5 choirs. 3 girls in national orchestras and choirs. Drama: 4+ productions each year (some written by staff and pupils), involving girls of all ages. A-level theatre studies. Popular dance clubs, run by sixth form. Art and design: GCSE and A-level offered, including design, pottery, textiles and photography.
Sport: Hockey, netball, lacrosse, gymnastics, tennis, rounders, swimming, athletics compulsory. Optional: badminton, basketball, aerobics, fencing, football, cricket. Many pupils play lacrosse in national and regional squads; school competes at national level in tennis. Activities: Most pupils take bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award, many go on to silver and gold. Large number of sixth form take part in voluntary work in the local community. £28,000+ pa raised for local and national charities recently. 25+ clubs, including science and maths Olympiads, public speaking, debating, Young Enterprise, Model UN, Youth Parliament.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: House system (house competitions in sport, music and drama). All sixth form are prefects. Head girl, two deputies and sixth-form committee chosen by Headmistress after consulting sixth form and staff. House captains and vice captains elected by houses. Each form has a representative on school council and catering and charities committees. Religion: All faiths and none welcome; compulsory, non-denominational school assembly; separate Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu assemblies weekly. Social: Girls regularly participate in events, social, cultural and academic, with Manchester Grammar School. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service; vegetarian options provided, separate sixth form bistro.
The school encourages respect for self and others, thus few formal rules are required or imposed. Minor acts of indiscipline are dealt with by the form tutor, more serious ones by Heads of Year, Head or Deputy. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a verbal reminder; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be suspended, prior to discussions about their future.
Withington Onwards, is managed by The School Development Department, c/o the school.
Judith and Sandra Chalmers (TV and radio presenters); Christine Rice (principal ENO soloist); Jen Hadfield (poet, winner of T S Elliot Poetry Prize); Dr Brenda Milner (cognitive neuroscientist); Sarah Heard (Head of Studio at Alexander McQueen's fashion house).
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