Founded in 1897, it occupies an urban site on the Banbury Road, half a mile from the centre of Oxford. It comprises four main houses, alongside other buildings. Facilities are modern and a good standard. Worship is in the Anglican tradition. The school council plays a large part in the daily organisation. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Examination results are good. Art and music are strong throughout the school. Full use is made of Oxford's cultural amenities. There is plenty of opportunity for sports, games and team involvement, as well as a wide range of clubs and activities. Some participation in local community schemes including work experience and voluntary work.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 145 girls (98 day, 47 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance test used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). Children with any special talent encouraged; no religious requirements. State school entry, 50% main intakes.
5-6 pa scholarships, value £600-£1800: 2 academic, 1 science, 1 art and 1-2 music (most awarded at 11, 12 at 16). Parents expected to buy textbooks for pupils in GCSE years and sixth form; other extras variable.
50% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Headmistress: Mrs S M P Wingfield Digby, appointed in 1997. Educated at North Foreland Lodge and the universities of Oxford (Italian and French) and London (PGCE, French and maths). Previously Head of Year 7 at the school, Head of Maths at Lavender Junior School, Enfield, and at Donnington Middle School, Oxford. Teaching staff: 16 full time, 12 part time. Average age 45.
GCSE: 22 pupils in upper fifth: 95% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 5% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 18 in upper sixth: 34% passed in 4+ subjects; 60% in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 393.
All sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 3% in law, 36% in humanities and social sciences, 21% in art and design, 15% in other vocational subjects.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 subjects (including photography, textiles, drama, psychology, business studies and A-level history of art). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is taught but not necessarily examined. 25% take science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 30% both. Key skills integrated into many A-level courses. Vocational: Work experience available for fifth year pupils. Special provision: for dyslexia. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE and A level; other languages on request. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 58 networked computers open 14 hours a day.
Music: About 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choir, various chamber groups. Drama: Offered at GCSE and sometimes A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average 15 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Textiles and photography also offered.
Sport: Hockey, tennis, netball, rounders, swimming, gym compulsory. Optional: squash, badminton, basketball, football, volleyball, dance. BAGA exams may be taken; sports leader award in sixth form. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service available for sixth form. Some 24 clubs and activities, including gym, soft-toy making, dance, cookery, French club, pottery, jewellery/hat making, climbing, swimming, trampolining, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. No prefects but councillors elected by the school. Head girls appointed by Headmistress but girls indicate preference by ballot. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Church attendance compulsory in first three years. Social: Annual socials with local boys' schools and sixth form ball. Visits to France and Spain. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals informal. School tuckshop. No alcohol allowed.
The school has a well-tried and proven system of Majors, which the girls promoted and therefore adhere to. A pupil caught drinking, smoking or going out of school without permission could expect to be sent home immediately. Any pupil abusing the computer facilities (including inappropriate use of email and internet) will have access withdrawn.
Sixth form have own study bedroom; others in bedrooms of up to 4. Central dining room. 2 exeats each term and unlimited weekends. Visits to city allowed for year 10 and above. Weekly outings to places of interest and fun for younger boarders.
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