Founded in the City in 1894, it is situated in the heart of the Barbican. It is a very well-equipped establishment and a new theatre opened recently. Its central location gives it a very wide catchment area: pupils come from all over London and the home counties. It is strong academically and examination results are very good. The music and art departments are especially strong. The majority of the school is involved in music and drama with frequent opportunities for pupils to perform. There is a good range of clubs and societies. Being in the centre of London, there are numerous opportunities for cultural trips to the theatre, art galleries and museums, as well as careers lectures from doctors, lawyers, bankers, academics, business entrepreneurs etc. Many activities and outings are in association with the boys' school, only 10 minutes walk away. The Corporation of London provides opportunities for girls to participate in a variety of civic functions.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 621 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. North London Consortium entrance exam at 11; for sixth-form entry, own exam and at least grade B in all GCSEs (grade A in sixth-form subjects). 46% of intake from state schools (plus a few to sixth form); many pupils from own prep department, City of London Girls' Prep.
Typically 10 pa scholarships, 5 each at age 11 and 16, value up to £1500 pa (but may be supplemented by a bursary in case of need); most academic, others art and music (1 joint with Guildhall School of Music and Drama). Some means-tested academic bursaries on entry to those in financial need (typically 14 at age 11, 3 at 16), up to full fees.
Headmistress: Miss Diana Vernon appointed 2007. Educated at St Michael's School, Petworth, and at Durham University (anthropology) and King's College London (PGCE). Previously Headmistress at Woldingham School; early career in publishing and corporate and financial public relations before taking up teaching. Also past and current governor of several schools in maintained and independent sectors. Teaching staff: 56 full time, 14 part time, 25 peripatetic.
GCSE: 87 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 72 in upper sixth, 19% passing in 4+ subjects; 74% in 3-3½ subjects, with an average final point score of 434.
100% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (22% after a gap year), 25% to Oxbridge. 20% take courses in science, medicine and engineering, 35% in arts and humanities, 35% in social sciences, 5% in vocational subjects eg law, architecture.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 GCSE subjects offered, 24 AS/A-level (including history of art, DT). Sixth form: All take 4 subjects at AS-level (usually a range of subjects), most reduce to 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 10% take science A-levels; 34% arts/humanities; 56% both. Vocational: Post-GCSE work experience programme. Special provision: Learning support teacher for pupils with specific learning difficulties. Languages: French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin and Greek offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Italian GCSEin sixth form. 60+% take more than 1 language to GCSE. Regular exchanges for pupils to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and embedded in the curriculum, eg maths, modern languages, technology. 375 computers for pupil use (throughout the school day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12 musical groups including orchestras, choirs, madrigal and barber shop groups, chamber ensembles, jazz ensembles, wind band. Some in National Youth Orchestra and LSSO. Students regularly sing and play at City Livery Company functions. Drama: A-level theatre studies offered. Many pupils involved in school productions. Girls occasionally take part in productions for RSC, radio and TV. Art and design: On average 62 take GCSE, 10 A-level. 3D design, pottery, textiles, sculpture offered. Many students go on to leading art schools or related university courses; some go on to become successful artists and designers.
Sport: Netball, gym, dance, swimming, tennis, rounders, athletics, volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, hockey, waterpolo compulsory at various ages. Additional options include: hockey, cheerleading, multi-gym, aerobics, aqua-aerobics. Regional gym medallists; regional and national fencing team champions; regional netball medallists. Own indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including swimming pool. Activities: Many pupils take bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award (encouraged); some continue to take silver and gold. Community service compulsory for 1 year at age 16+. Up to 20 clubs, eg sports, design and technology, debating, maths, theatre, computer, European Youth Parliament, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (for music, sport, art, debating, drama). Head girl and 2 deputies, nominated and elected by staff, fifth and sixth form. Senior committee instead of prefects. School Council. Religion: Regular act of non-denominational worship for all; separate Jewish and Christian assemblies once a week. Social: Joint concerts, theatrical productions and occasional social activities with City of London (Boys). Organised exchanges to France, Germany, North America; occasional trips to eg Italy, Spain, Venezuela, Brazil, China; ski trip. Meals self-service.
Code of conduct published for girls and parents (specifically refers to substance abuse and truancy). This makes clear that major or persistent breaches can result in temporary or permanent exclusion and describes other sanctions and rewards. The school publishes procedures for appeals. All individual cases dealt with on own merits. Exclusions and other sanctions rarely used in practice. Praise and rewards actively encouraged.
CLOGA, c/o the school.
Katharine Dyson (D'Oyly Carte); Elizabeth Emanuel (dress designer); Anne Farell (actress); Claire Rayner (author); Claudia Winkleman (TV presenter); Dido (pop singer); Romola Garai (actress); Dinah Rose (human rights lawyer); Sahar Hashemi (founder of Coffee Republic).
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