What it’s like

Founded in 1858, agreeably sited on the outskirts of Bristol near the Downs and in spacious grounds. The style of the school is a combination of discipline and warmth. Girls are encouraged to become thinking, caring and independent young women. Staff-pupil relationships are mature and friendly, based on principles of courtesy and mutual respect. All pupils are encouraged to work hard and play hard; the all-rounder is encouraged. There is an emphasis on opportunity for exceptional talent. It has a reputation for good teaching and a distinguished academic record; examination results are excellent. There is a new sixth-form centre and sixth formers are treated as students. It is very good on the creative arts and music is particularly strong. There is a lot of emphasis on Europe and the wider world with participation, for example, in the Model United Nations and European Youth Parliament. Full advantage is taken of the facilities of the city and Bristol university. Good range of clubs and activities and it participates in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. A good range of sports and extra-curricular activities.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 4–18; 399 girls. Senior department 11–18, 302 girls (132 day, 170 boarding).
Entrance: Main entry ages 4–11, 12, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B (grade A in sixth-form subjects). Special skills in music, science, sport, languages, art looked for; no religious requirements. State school entry, 12% of senior intake.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 20 pa scholarships: 18 academic/all-rounder, 1 art, 1 music. Variable number of bursaries, for existing pupils. Parents expected to buy some textbooks; average extras £400 per term.

Parents 45+% are doctors, lawyers, etc; 25+% in industry or commerce. 40+% live within 30 miles, 20+% English overseas, 15% foreign.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Mrs Jan Scarrow, appointed in 1997. Educated at school in Yorkshire and at the universities of Manchester (history) and Sheffield (PGCE). Previously Deputy Headmistress at Stonar School and has taught in maintained and independent schools, both day and boarding.
Teaching staff: 45 full time staff, 12 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 41 pupils in Year 11, 100% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 70 (64 over 5 years).
A-levels: 56 in upper sixth: 16% passed in 4+ subjects; 84% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 390.

University & college entrance All 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (23% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 10% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 26% in science & engineering, 48% in humanities & social sciences, 17% in art & design, music & drama.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 subjects offered to AS/ A-level.
Sixth form: Sixth formers take 4–5 subjects at AS-level, 3–4 at A-level (general studies not taken); sixth-formers often take a broad range of subjects. 40% take science A-levels; 50% arts/humanities; 10% both. Key skills integrated into a range of activities and leading to eg Certificate of Spoken English for HE for all, powerpoint presentations etc.
Vocational: Work experience available; also word processing and keyboard skills.
Special provision: Very little special needs provision.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; other languages on request; also taster courses for sixth form, non-examined Italian and RSA language courses. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. Takes part in European Youth Parliament; Model United Nations.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week in Years 7–11) and across the curriculum. 80 computers for pupil use (open all day), all networked and the majority with e-mail and internet access.

The arts
Music: Over 90% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 47 musical groups including orchestras, string groups, wind groups, 4 choirs, jazz groups, 35 small ensembles. 3 members of National Youth Orchestra, 4 National Children’s Orchestra; 6 in county orchestra. Music tours (eg France, Italy, Dublin, Hungary); performances in cathedrals in Bath, Bristol etc.
Drama & dance: Drama and dance offered. A-level theatre studies, ESB, Poetry Society, LAMDA, RAD exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and all in other productions. Parts taken in professional theatre and work experience.
Art & design: On average, 90% take GCSE, 30% A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography, jewellery, screenprinting, wood/metal work, engraving etc also offered. Winners of art exhibition at Bristol Cathedral and photography exhibitions at Bristol and Bath.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, netball, swimming, athletics, tennis, rounders, gym compulsory. Optional: fencing, squash, golf, judo, aerobics, badminton, riding, volleyball, dance. Sixth form only: self-defence, kick boxing. BAGA, BHS, RLSS, RYA exams may be taken. National level swimmer; ISODE teams.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg Young Engineers, Young Enterprise, Model United Nations, languages, public speaking, magazine, science.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses; head girls and heads of houses elected. School Council.
Religion: Worship encouraged but not compulsory.
Social: Joint events including Bristol Schools Debating; choral/orchestral with a number of schools; debates, socials, sports. Many organised trips abroad eg exchanges to France, Spain, Germany; skiing trips; expeditions (eg Paris, Russia, US, Iceland), music tours (eg Hungary, Italy). Day pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. Second-hand uniform shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Firm approach to discipline. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect report; those caught with drugs would expect instant expulsion.

Boarding Sixth form in single study bedrooms in sixth-form centre. Years 7–10 share, Year 11 single or shared dorms with study facilities. Qualified medical staff available. Central dining room. 2 termly exeats (2 nights) plus half-term. Weekend visits to the local city allowed from 16+ (but never alone nor after dark; reporting back in person). Sixth form have flexible exeats, treated as students, encouraged to take responsibility.

Former pupils Dame Iris Murdoch; Indira Gandhi; Polly Toynbee; Dame Margaret Miles; Claire Bloom; Rosamund Pike; Professor Seymour Richards.