Address: Cobham Hall, Cobham, Kent DA12 3BL
Region: Kent (see also London – Outer)
Pupils: 180, Upper sixth 14
Fees: £6,077 – £7,401 per term for day girls and £9,182 – £11,517 per term for Boarders
Description: Founded in 1962, the school is in a magnificent Tudor manor house in 150 acres of historic parkland. There is a purpose-built teaching block, an indoor swimming pool and large indoor activities centre (including dance studio, fitness suite and tennis and netball facilities). It is a member of the Round Square and its values (of internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service) are underpinned through a range of activities, experiences and worldwide opportunities. The school’s approach is that, by encouraging girls to challenge themselves – both their abilities and their perceptions – and to take part in everything on offer, they discover more about themselves and, in turn, do well academically and leave prepared for their chosen path in life. Music, drama and art play an important part in the life of the school. Sport and games are well catered for and standards are high, with girls competing at national and county level in a range of disciplines. There is a plentiful range of extra-curricular activities. Senior girls are involved in voluntary community services locally and help local organisations in their spare time; many participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
School Head: Ms Maggie Roberts
Results: GCSE: 25 pupils in upper fifth, 88% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (including English and maths). IB: 14 in upper sixth, achieving an average of 35.5 IB points (25% of pupils scored 40+ points).
Furtherhigher: 95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 18% take courses in science and engineering, 9% in law, 36% in humanities and social sciences, 18% in art and design, 18% in other subjects eg IT, finance. Others typically go on to art college.
Arts: Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choir, instrumental ensemble. Regular concerts and music festivals. Drama and dance: Drama offered; also ballet, tap and modern dancing as extras. GCSE drama, A-level drama & theatre studies, ABRSM and LAMDA exams may be taken (20% of pupils take LAMDA exams, 96% passing with Merit or Distinction). Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 22 take GCSE, 10 IB. Design and photography also offered.
Sport: 20+ sports available including swimming, netball, football, athletics, golf, self-defence, judo. Also bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; community service (many take part in local community schemes, charity fundraising events in school). Clubs include computer, debating, cookery, art, craft, languages, gymnastics, football, cross country.
Boarding: Houses divided by age: Years 7-10 in one house, separate houses for Year 11 and sixth form. Weekend outings and activities are arranged (girls encouraged to make suggestions). Two exeats per term (but boarders welcome to stay in school).
Alumni: Mrs T Balch, Chairman, Cobham Hall Elders.
Formerpupils: Jane How (actress); Mary-Ann Sieghart (journalist); Duchess of Northumberland; Francesca Amfitheatrof (jewellery designer); Charlotte Metcalf (film director); Marina and Jennie Churchill; Clementine Hambro; Serena Gordon (actress); Saba Douglas-Hamilton (TV presenter); Mishal Hussain (BBC World newsreader & presenter); Amelia Troubridge (photographer); Antonia von Pruessen (Duchess of Westminster); Alex Crawford (journalist); Kate French (modern pentathlete).
