Founded in 1884, the main school is housed in a handsome Edwardian building just minutes from the town centre. There have also been many modern additions to the school, so facilities are good and provide specialist accommodation for art, design and technology, ICT, music, drama and science. A Christian foundation, it now welcomes pupils of all religious faiths and none. Examination results are very good. There is a tradition of achievement in sport and games, particularly swimming, netball and hockey. Many clubs and activities flourish and extensive work is done on behalf of national charities. There is considerable co-operation with the boys' school, including joint plays, concerts and societies and the two schools share sixth-form teaching and common room facilities. It enjoys strong local support.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18, 977 day pupils (100 boys, 877 girls). Kindergarten 3-7, 227 pupils (100 boys, 127 girls). Junior department 7-11, 138 girls. Senior department 11-18, 612 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 7 GCSEs at least grade B including English and maths (preferably grade A in sixth-form subjects).
Means-tested governors' awards at age 11, based on academic ability and financial need. Parents are not expected to buy textbooks. Lunches and instrumental musical tuition extra.
Headmistress: Mrs R S Georghiou, appointed 2003. Educated at Caistor Grammar School and Manchester University (English). Previously Deputy Headmistress at Westholme School and Head of English at Bolton School (Girls). Head of Junior School: Mrs V L Hall, appointed 2009. Educated at Howell’s School, Llandaff and Cardiff University (plant sciences). Previously Director of Studies at Stockport Grammar Junior School. Teaching staff: 65 full time, 28 part time (senior school).
GCSE: 87 pupils in Year 11, 99% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects (all included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 69 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.2 subjects with a final point score of 336.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (several after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 9% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 28% in science and engineering, 3% in maths, 6% in law, 16% in humanities and social sciences, 28% in arts, 10% in vocational subjects such as business and management, finance, computer science, education. A few typically go on to art or drama training.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 25 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (5 if they include further maths), 3-4 at A-level; general studies or critical thinking AS-level an additional optional; Extended Project offered as a stand-alone qualification. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, Spanish and German offered to GCSE (one modern foreign language compulsory), AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. In the senior school, 120 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked with email and internet access; plus 32 laptops on wireless network and 16 computers in sixth-form room. GCSE and A-level IT offered.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including orchestras, chamber quartet, brass, wind bands, jazz group, choirs. Drama: Drama offered; A-level theatre studies. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 30-35 take art and design GCSE, 9 A-level. Design, textiles also offered.
Sport: Athletics, hockey, netball, swimming, gymnastics, dance, tennis, rounders, basketball, volleyball, badminton, health-related fitness compulsory. GCSE and A-level PE offered. Regular county, occasional national, swimming, hockey, cross-country; also England netball rep and county badminton players. Activities: Community service optional at age 16-18. Up to 30 clubs, including science, football, photography, badminton, debating, environment, Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Appointed head girl, deputy head girl and elected head of sixth form committee. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational school. All religious faiths welcome. Social: Many concerts, plays and societies are joint with Bury Grammar Boys. Both schools share sixth form common-room facilities. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once would be expected to hand it in the next day (lunchtime detention for repeated offences); those involved in smoking could expect suspension. Anyone with drugs on the premises could expect expulsion.
is run by Mrs Francine Healey, francine@bgsdev.demon.co.uk
Victoria Wood (comedian); Victoria Derbyshire (broadcaster); Amy Nuttall (actress); Nicola Shindler (television producer); Gill Samuels (scientist).
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