What it’s like
Started in 1863 when the Duchess of Leeds gave the property to the foundress of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Mother Cornelia Connelly. This comprised the ruins and surrounding land of the Old Palace of the medieval archbishops of Canterbury. These and the synod hall were restored and the school opened in 1872. Besides the original buildings there are extensive modern facilities and accommodation in delightful grounds and gardens. A Roman Catholic foundation, the doctrines and practice of the church (attendance at Mass etc) are an important part of school life. A staff:pupil ratio of about 1:8. High academic standards prevail and examination results are very good. Some vocational qualifications are also offered. Drama and art departments are well supported and music is particularly strong. A wide range of sports, games and activities is available, including riding. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is popular. Pupils are encouraged to participate in local community schemes.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18; 380 girls (193 day, 187 boarding).
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own scholarship/entrance exams used. For sixth-form entry, school report plus 6 GCSEs at least grade C (4 grade B including sixth-form subjects). State school entry, 25% main intake plus 20% to sixth form. Most pupils from prep schols in Kent and Sussex, eg Holmewood House, Skipps Hill Manor, Bricklehurst Manor.

Scholarships & bursaries Scholarships, up to 50% fees: academic, all-rounder, art and music, awarded at 11, 13 and 16.

Parents 35% live within 30 miles; 30% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Mrs Julia Dalton, in post since 2000. Educated at Bedales and York University (English). Previously Deputy Head at St George’s, Harpenden.
Teaching staff: 44 full time, 29 part time.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 58 in Year 11: 86% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 14% in 4–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 62 (61 over 5 years).
A-levels: 58 in upper sixth: 40% passed in 4+ subjects; 53% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 352.

University & college entrance 100% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (23% after a gap or foundation year), 7% to Oxbridge. 8% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 28% in science & engineering, 4% in law, 38% in humanities & social sciences (including 12% on language-related courses), 15% in art & design, 9% in other vocational subjects (eg physiotherapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy). Others typically go on to eg retail, secretarial, nursing.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24–25 AS/A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (a wide variety taken), 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 32% took science A-levels; 48% arts/humanities; 20% both. Key skills: communication and IT taught separately.
Vocational: Work experience available; also City and Guilds cookery certificate and Pitmans typing and word processing.
Special provision: Specialist help for dyslexia. EFL teaching for all levels from Cambridge First Certificate to Certificate of Proficiency.
Languages: French (compulsory from 11), German, Italian, Greek and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level and Institute of Linguists; all take one modern language to GCSE. Regular individual exchanges.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week in Years 7–9) and across the curriculum (eg in project and essay work, scientific experiments, monitoring, graphs etc). 65 computers for pupil use (open at all times), most networked and all with e-mail and internet access. Most pupils take Clait, some GCSE. Some girls have laptops. Many keep in e-mail contact with families.

The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15+ musical groups including 5 choirs, orchestra, woodwind, ensemble, flute ensemble, guitar ensemble, string group, recorder, jazz band.
Drama & dance: GCSE and A-level drama, RAD, Guildhall and ISTD exams may be taken. Dance integrated into PE/games and after school club. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions.
Art & design: On average, 25 take GCSE art, 20 ceramics, 8 A-level art, 7 history of art. Sculpture, design, ceramics, textiles also offered. Ceramics and design prizes in East Sussex Guild of Craftworkers.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, table tennis, trampolining, badminton, basket ball, volley ball, aerobics, dance, fitness activities compulsory at different stages. Optional: volleyball, fencing, football, self-defence and karate, lifesaving, equestrian, badminton, ballet, table tennis, snooker. Sixth form only: canoeing, yoga, aqua aerobics, pop lacrosse, football, touch rugby, squash. BHS exams may be taken. County team members in hockey, netball, tennis, volleyball, badminton at different ages; one girl in England Hockey Squad.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional. Fundraising for charity; family fast days monthly. Adventure Service Challenge Scheme for younger pupils. Some 15+ clubs, eg drama, debating, chess, bridge, Young Enterprise, engineering, modern languages, video, photography, computer.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects and head girl elected by main school and staff, approved by Head.
Religion: Roman Catholic Church; voluntary forms of prayer encouraged.
Social: Debates, socials, joint activities with other schools. Trips abroad, skiing (annual), to Italy (classics), Paris (art), individual exchanges to France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Sixth form allowed to bring own car or bike to school with good reason. Meals mainly self-service. Book stalls, vending machine. Alcohol allowed in controlled situations (eg at meal with tutor); no tobacco.

Discipline Few rules. Disciplinary sanctions are clearly explained but seldom required. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to discuss reason for failure and to produce it; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect immediate suspension, pending full report (all illegal substances are banned).

Boarding All upper sixth have own study bedroom, lower sixth and fifth in single or double rooms; remainder in small dormitories or ones partitioned into cubicles. Houses divided broadly by age. Resident nurse; local practice gives 24-hour cover. Pupils can provide and cook food to limited extent at weekends. 3 or 4 optional exeats termly plus half-term. Visits to local town allowed on Saturdays (lower sixth up); all ages to local village. Full programme of weekend activities, including subject-specific workshops, theatre visits and fun outings for day girls and boarders.