What it’s like
Founded at Liège in 1642 and run by the English Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre. When the nuns were compelled to leave during the French Revolution, it was reopened at its present site in 1799. England’s oldest Catholic girls’ school, now with a lay headmistress, it welcomes all pupils in sympathy with its ethos. Magnificent buildings provide excellent facilities. The main building is a Tudor palace (built by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn and once the home of Mary Tudor), set in a beautiful 120-acre estate with excellent playing fields and sporting amenities. Its co-educational prep school is on the same site. Academically selective, standards are high and examination results consistently good. There is a massive commitment to music. It is very strong in drama and dance (many productions) and art (sixth-form students exhibit their work locally). A wide range of sport and games and high standards are attained. A variety of activities caters for most needs: voluntary service activities have gained national awards; there is an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Justice and peace issues are important to the school’s ethos.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3–18; 700 pupils, 90 day boys, 610 girls (430 day, 180 boarding). Senior department 11–18; 420 girls.
Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11 and 16 (also some at 4, 12, 13, 14). Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, minimum GCSE grade B in sixth-form subjects. Variety of skills and a sympathy with Christian values welcomed. State school entry, 25% of intake at 11, plus 50% to sixth form.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 14 pa scholarships: 10 academic, 1 art, 1 drama and 2 music (6 at 11, 1 at 13 and 8 at 16). Some sibling bursaries. Parents expected to buy only a few textbooks that are to be kept; extras usually under £100 per term, maximum £250.

Parents 50% live within 30 miles; 20% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Mrs K A Jeffrey, appointed 2002. Educated at universities of Oxford (PPE), Maynooth (theology), Surrey (PGCE) and Open University (MA educational management). Previously Deputy Headteacher at Marist School, Ascot, and Head of RS at Woldingham.
Teaching staff: 43 full time. Annual turnover approximately 10%.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 57 pupils in Year 11: 100% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 59 (58 over 5 years).
A-levels: 44 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 315.

University & college entrance 98% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (13% after a gap year). 32% took courses in medicine, science & engineering, 35% in arts and humanities, 8% in performing arts and 24% in business, economics and accounting. Others typically go on to HND or secretarial courses or straight into employment.

Curriculum GCSE, Vocational A-levels, AS and A-levels. Approx 20 GCSE subjects, 21 AS-level, 18 A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; AS-level general studies and eg GCSE expressive arts are additional options. Approx 15% take science A-levels; 41% arts/humanities; 44% both.
Vocational: Work experience available.
Special provision: Special teaching and ancillary help for physically handicapped; specialist EFL and dyslexia staff.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level; also French AS-level; Italian GCSE as an extra. Regular exchanges (to France, Germany and Spain).
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons a week) and across the curriculum (eg data logging exercise as part of geography field trip). 50+ computers for pupil use (14 hours a day), 33 networked and with email and internet access. All Year 11 pupils take GCSE short course and most take CIT.

The arts
Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include year-based ensembles, choirs, orchestras, wind ensembles, pop groups. Choir has appeared at Westminster Cathedral, St Peter’s in Rome, St Mark’s in Venice and on BBC 1. Various pupils are members of county youth orchestras.
Drama & dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level drama exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Pupils regularly gain places at major drama schools eg LAMDA, Rose Bruford, Oxford, as well as on drama/English degrees.
Art & design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Pottery, textiles, photography also offered. A number continue art to degree level.

Sport & activities
Sport: Netball, hockey, gym, health-related fitness, tennis, athletics, rounders, swimming compulsory in Years 7–11. Optional: badminton, volleyball, trampolining, aerobics, short tennis, basketball, step aerobics, tae kwando, cricket, table tennis and football. RLSS exams may be taken. Regional and county hockey and netball players; county swimmers.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional at age 15. Voluntary service runs playgroups, visiting the elderly, handicapped club; Justice & Peace group works with homeless, adult literacy group etc. Over 30 clubs, eg all sports, crafts, chess, maths, ballet, drama, music, French, riding.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn; formal occasions only in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses, for sport, public speaking etc. All members of upper sixth have positions of responsibility.
Religion: Compulsory attendance at Eucharist on Sundays, assemblies, house prayers, etc. Many other opportunities.
Social: Debates, choirs, social events with other schools. Theatre and opera trips. Trips abroad arranged most half-terms and holidays. Pupils allowed to bring own bike or caged pet to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco allowed; sixth form permitted limited alcohol under supervision and on special occasions.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect discussion with tutor; any involvement in illegal drugs can lead to expulsion.

Boarding Single study bedrooms for Years 9–11, others in single/twin rooms. Separate sixth-form house. Resident SRN. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook some own food at weekends. Exeats – vary with age (on the principle that some weekend time at school allows pupils to benefit from boarding but contact with home encouraged). Weekend visits to local town allowed, dependent on age.