Founded in 1823 (the Bronte sisters attended the school in 1824), it was established at Casterton in 1833. It stands in its own grounds of 50 acres on the outskirts of the village; the surroundings are very beautiful. There are handsome solid buildings, excellent modern facilities and comfortable boarding accommodation. Recent developments include a refurbished swimming pool, a new creative arts centre and an all-weather pitch. A sound traditional education is provided and examination results are very good. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:6. Its religious life is based on Anglican practice and the village parish church is used regularly for worship. A happy, friendly place with a family atmosphere, it is strong in music and drama and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Plentiful use is made of the superb Cumbrian countryside for outdoor pursuits, including riding (on the school's own horses), walking, sailing.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 287 pupils, 150 day (16 boys, 134 girls), 137 boarding girls. Junior department 3-11, 64 pupils (16 boys, 48 girls). Senior department 11-18, 223 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam or Common Entrance used. School is Anglican though all denominations are accepted. State school entry 25% intake at 11.
Some scholarships, academic, art, sport, music, value up to 15% of fees (though may be supplemented by a bursary if necessary). Means-tested bursaries available, up to 100% of fees. A limited number of awards for daughters of armed forces and clergy.
10+% live within 30 miles; 10+% live overseas.
Head: Mrs Maxine Lucas, in post from 2010. Educated at universities of Lancaster and Bristol (French and Italian). Previously Assistant Head at Tudor Hall School. Teaching staff: 40 full time, 20 part time.
GCSE: 30 pupils in Year 11, 99% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 26 in Year 13, passing an average of 4 subjects, with a final point score of 436.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (16% after a gap year), 8% to Oxbridge. 20% take courses in science, 10% in languages, 13% in humanities, 7% in business, 23% in the arts, 10% take art foundation course first.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Majority of sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; most take a broad range. General studies AS and A-level additional option, also extended project qualification (EPQ). Special provision: Mild dyslexia, hearing loss catered for. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; Latin to GCSE. Regular visits and exchanges to Europe. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 150+ computers for pupil use, networked across campus, with email and (monitored) internet access.
Music: Approx 70% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental and vocal exams can be taken. Some 14 musical groups including orchestras, wind band, chamber groups, choirs. Regular finalists in National Festival of Music for Youth, county youth orchestra players. Drama and dance: GCSE and A-level drama available, also Associated Board and LAMDA exams may be taken; ballet lessons available. 4 plays/musicals, house plays and concerts involve most pupils. Recent main productions Oliver, The Wizard of Oz and Whistle Down the Wind. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 5 A-level. History of art (A-level), ceramics, textiles also offered.
Sport: Hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, netball, football, cross country, fitness, badminton, basketball, rounders and athletics for all. Optional: table tennis, yoga, street dance, horse riding and running. 1 national lacrosse players, 1 high performance hockey player; 5 county lacrosse players, 14 hockey, 6 athletes, 3 county cross-country runners. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Other activities include public speaking, debating, Young Enterprise, International Club, sub aqua, parachuting and charity work.
Uniform: School uniform worn (casual clothes after school); suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girls, house captains and house prefects - appointed by the Head. Religion: Anglican school but girls of other denominations are accepted; provision for RC pupils locally. Social: Some social events with other schools. Cultural trips to Europe; skiing trips. Most meals self-service; formal dinners on special occasions; girls have input on menu choices with emphasis on healthy options and use of local produce. School book shop. No alcohol allowed.
Honesty, self discipline and consideration for others expected. Disciplinary offences are dealt with sympathetically but firmly. Serious misdemeanours are rare; involvement with drugs would lead to expulsion.
18% have own study bedroom (half of sixth formers), 44% share with 1-4 others. Houses of 20-35; separate houses for under-12s and for sixth-form. Resident SRN. Central dining room. Sixth form can cook own food and visit local inn at weekends. 2 weekend exeats each term (3 for sixth form). Visits to the local towns allowed at weekends.
is run by Sarah-Jane Dunhill (Secretary) - cogasecretary@hotmail.co.uk
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