What it’s like
Founded in 1877, it belongs to the Stamford Endowed Schools which also includes Stamford School and Stamford Junior School. They are run separately and each has its own Head but they have a common Principal. They work in close conjunction, sharing many cultural, social and educational activities, including mixed sixth-form teaching, and a common junior school. Their daily life is interwoven with that of the town. Stamford High School has a fine site in the centre of town. Facilities are very good and boarding accommodation comfortable. The school is non-denominational but there is religious education and a daily assembly for all pupils. The school’s academic aim is to avoid early specialisation and to encourage the best of traditional and modern methods of learning. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. Music and drama are strongly supported (a purpose-built performing arts studio). Many girls learn a musical instrument. Drama is part of the curriculum and there are several productions each year. Sports and games are well catered for and include, besides the standard range, tae kwon do, fencing and Olympic gymnastics. There is a wide variety of clubs and societies. Girls are encouraged to take part in community and social services. The school has an outstanding record of success in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, which is very popular and there is a CCF contingent, with navy, army and RAF sections.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18, 642 girls (588 day, 54 boarding).
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. Musical and sporting ability welcomed; no religious requirements. 50% of intake at 11 from state schools; 50% from own junior (enquiries to the Headmistress, Stamford Junior School, Kettering Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2LR).

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Scholarships, value £250–£1000 tuition fees. Some bursaries for families in financial difficulties. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; no compulsory extras.

Parents 60+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.

Head & staff
Principal (of The Stamford Endowed Schools): Dr Peter Mason, appointed 1997. Educated at Rochdale Grammar School and Newcastle University (chemistry). Previously Headmaster of Reading School, Head of Chemistry and Senior Housemaster at Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.
Head: Mrs Dyl Powell, appointed 2003. Educated at King's Norton Grammar School, and Warwick University (PE and maths). Previously Deputy Head of King's School, Peterborough.
Teaching staff: 56 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 44.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 104 pupils in upper fifth: 88% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 9% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 63 (62 over 5 years).
A-levels: 95 in upper sixth: 6% passed in 4+ subjects; 84% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 349.

University & college entrance 95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 5% to Oxbridge. 5% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 32% in science & engineering, 58% in humanities & social sciences, 4% in art & design. Others typically go on to non-degree courses or careers eg banking.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and
A-levels: 18 GCSE subjects offered; 28 at A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth form students take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. Mixed teaching with Stamford School allows a wide range of subjects.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Russian and Italian at A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain).
ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 300 computers for pupil use (9+ hours a day), all networked and with e-mail and internet access.

The arts
Music: About 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 18 musical groups including choral society, orchestras, concert band, chamber singers, chamber groups.
Drama & dance: Both offered. LAMDA, RAD, GCSE drama and A-level performing arts exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and house/other productions.
Art & design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 5 A-level; design, textiles also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, aerobics, rounders compulsory. Sixth form only: tenpin bowling, golf, fencing, squash, trampolining, self-defence. RLSS exams may be taken.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Over 30 clubs, eg band, lifesaving, creative writing, Christian Union, tae kwon do, Young Naturalists, science.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses (for games and activities). Prefects, head girl, head of house and house prefects – elected by the sixth form, except in boarding houses. School Council.
Religion: Religious worship compulsory, though exemption allowed on grounds of conscience.
Social: Joint activities with Stamford School include German Society, historical lectures, science society, joint musical and dramatic performances and dances. Trips abroad include ski trips, visits to Switzerland, Russia, Eastern Europe, classical tours to Greece and Italy; linked school in Bonn, exchange visits to France, Italy and Spain. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike, motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to be admonished and asked to produce it; those caught smoking cannabis on the school premises would be suspended while all factors considered – expulsion likely.

Boarding 25% have own study bedroom, 25% share (mainly 2); 50% in dormitories up to 5. Houses of 20–40, divided by age. Sixth form students can provide and cook own food. Weekend exeats termly plus unlimited day exeats. Visits to the local town: special shopping expeditions by juniors, ranging to daily visits for upper fifth and sixth form.

Alumni association is run by Mrs A Brown, c/o the school.