Founded in 1842 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, the school moved from Roehampton to Woldingham in 1946. It is now under lay management, part of the international network of Sacred Heart Schools, and run according to its educational aims and philosophy. Set in magnificent grounds, surrounded by 700 acres of farmland, the buildings are a blend of styles from the 17th century to the present day. Recent developments include a sports centre, a design and technology workshop, performing arts centre (with 600-seat auditorium), sixth-form boarding house and an all weather sports pitch. A Catholic school with Christian values based on its Sacred Heart foundation, it is primarily a boarding school. Its principal purpose is to provide a broad and balanced education which will help girls to become responsible and confident adults, able to make independent decisions in their careers and personal lives. They are expected to play a full part in the running of the school and responsibilities and privileges are introduced at an early stage. There is a favourable staff:pupil ratio of about 1:7. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. There is a strong commitment to drama, music and art and a good range of sports and games and extra-curricular activities are offered. About 90% participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and there are strong debating and politics societies.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 510 girls (168 day, 342 boarding). Entrance: Main entry age 11, 13 and 16. Own entry assessment used; for sixth-form entry 8 GCSEs, at least 6 at grade B including maths and English (grade A in sixth-form subjects).
24 pa scholarships awarded, 8 each at age 11, 13 and 16: 4 academic (up to 20% of tuition fees) plus 1 each for art, music, drama and sport (up to 15% of tuition fees). Bursaries up to 100% of fees may be awarded (including to supplement a scholarship), dependent upon financial and other circumstances .
Headmistress: Mrs Jayne Triffit, appointed 2007. Educated at Truro High and Oxford University (chemistry). Previously Headmistress at St Mary's, Cambridge, Head of Sixth Form at St Mary's Ascot, and Head of Science at La Sainte Union School, London. Teaching staff: 92 full time.
GCSE: 69 pupils in Year 11: 55% gained at least grade C in 10 subjects. A-levels: 82 in upper sixth, all passing in 3 subjects with an average final point score of 414.
97% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 7% to Oxbridge, taking courses in medicine, veterinary science, engineering, humanities and social sciences, art, design and media.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 examination subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; AS-level critical thinking an additional option. 11% take maths/science A-levels; 60% arts/humanities; 29% both. Special provision: For pupils with eg dyslexia, dyspraxia. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Japanese offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular study trips to Germany, France and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the whole curriculum (in geography, art, design and technology, science datalogging, etc); most pupils take ECDL. 200+ networked computers for pupil use (15+ hours a day), all with email and internet access; also scanners, drawing pads, CD writers, interactive whiteboards etc.
Music: Most pupils learn a musical instrument and take instrumental exams; A-level music and music technology also available. Wide range of musical groups including choirs, orchestras, concert band, wind groups, rock bands. Drama: Drama offered; drama workshops for all year groups. GCSE, AS and A-level, Trinity and AB exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 18 A-level. Art and design, painting and drawing, ceramics, textiles, photography and sculpture also offered. Pupils regularly accepted for art college.
Sport: Netball, hockey (winter), athletics, rounders, tennis (summer), competitive tennis and swimming (year round). Also badminton, trampolining, cross-country, gymnastics, football, volleyball, basketball, dance, squash, golf, watersports. PE GCSE offered. Activities: Pupils take bronze and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Up to 30 clubs, including pottery, computer, judo, jazz, dancing, photography, riding, grooming, drama, cookery, Amnesty International, polo, clay-pigeon shooting.
Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, prefects, and heads of houses shortlisted by sixth form, selected by senior staff. Religion: Roman Catholic. Mass on Sunday and Days of Obligation. Assembly. Retreats organised regularly. Social: Regular debates and dances with local schools, including larger boarding schools. Visits to USA, France, Belgium and Italy (history of art), France, Spain and Germany (languages), annual ski trip; associated with other Sacred Heart schools worldwide. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect direction or detention; those caught smoking on the premises might expect a fine and detention; involvement in drug-taking will incur exclusion from the school.
46% have own study bedroom, 41% share (2+), 13% in rooms of 5+. Accommodation by age group. 2 resident qualified nurses; 2 doctors, dentist and physiotherapist in attendance. 2 central dining rooms. Exeats most weekends from Saturday noon. Visits to local town allowed (age 14+), sixth form to London on Saturday afternoons.
is run by Organising Secretary, c/o the school.
Caroline Waldegrave (cookery writer); Caroline Wyatt (BBC journalist); Carey Mulligan (actress); Louise Bagshaw (author).
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