WHAT IT’S LIKE
Founded in 1842 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, the school moved from Roehampton to Woldingham in 1946. It is now under lay management, part of the international network of Sacred Heart Schools, and run according to its educational aims and philosophy. Set in magnificent grounds, surrounded by 700 acres of farmland, the buildings are a blend of styles from the 17th century to the present day. Recent developments include a sports centre, a design and technology workshop and performing arts centre with 600 seat auditorium, new boarding houses and all weather sports pitch. A Roman Catholic school in the ecumenical tradition, its primary purpose is to provide a broad and balanced education which will help girls to become mature and committed Christians able to make independent decisions in their careers and personal lives. They are expected to play a full part in the running of the school and responsibilities and privileges are introduced at an early stage. There is a favourable staff:pupil ratio of about 1:7. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. A strong commitment to drama, music and art and a good range of sports and games and extra-curricular activities. About 90% participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and there is a strong debating society. There is an exchange programme with Sacred Heart schools in Spain, France, Germany and Austria.


SCHOOL PROFILE

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18; 530 girls (100 day, 430 boarding).
Entrance: Main entry age 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own assessment day used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects).

Scholarships & bursaries 6 pa scholarships awarded at 11 and 13.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Miss Diana Vernon, appointed 2000. Educated at S Michael’s School, Petworth and Durham University (anthropology). Previously Deputy Head at the school, Director of PR and Housemistress at Downe House; early career in corporate and financial public relations. Also Governor of Flexlands School, Chobham.
Teaching staff: 65 full-time; 18 part-time. Annual turnover 7%. Average age 46.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 65 pupils in Year 11: 98% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. Average GCSE score 65 (64 over 3 years).
A-levels: 70 in upper sixth: 100% passed in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 356.

University & college entrance 99% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (26% after a gap year), 2% to Oxbridge. 8% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 7% in science & engineering, 57% in humanities & social sciences, 18% in art, design and media, 9% in music or art colleges.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22–23 examination subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level critical thinking. 11% take maths/science A-levels; 60% arts/humanities; 29% both.
Vocational: Work experience available.
Special provision: For pupils with eg dyslexia, dyspraxia.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also GCSE Italian. Regular exchanges to Germany, France and Spain.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week Years 7–10) and across the whole curriculum (in geography, art, design and technology control, science datalogging, etc); most pupils take IT qualification (ECDL from 2004). 150+ networked computers for pupil use (15+ hours a day), all with e-mail and internet access; also scanners, drawing pads, CD writers, interactive whiteboards etc.

The arts
Music: Most pupils learn a musical instrument and take instrumental exams; A-level music and music technology also available. Wide range of musical groups including choirs, orchestras, concert band, wind groups, rock bands.
Drama: Drama offered; GCSE, AS and A-level may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions.
Art & design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 18 A-level. Art and design, painting and drawing, ceramics, textiles, photography and sculpture also offered. Pupils regularly accepted for art college.

Sport & activities
Sport: Netball, hockey (winter), athletics, rounders, tennis (summer), competitive tennis and swimming (year round). Also badminton, trampolining, cross-country, gymnastics, football, volleyball, basketball, dance, squash, golf, watersports. PE GCSE offered.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Up to 30 clubs, eg pottery, computer, judo, jazz, dancing, photography, riding, grooming, drama, cookery, Amnesty International.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn; own suits in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, prefects, and heads of houses shortlisted by sixth form, selected by senior staff.
Religion: Mass on Sunday and Days of Obligation. Daily assembly. Retreats organised regularly.
Social: Regular debates and dances with local schools, including larger boarding schools. Visits to USA, France, Belgium and Italy (history of art), France, Spain and Germany (languages), annual ski trip; associated with other Sacred Heart schools worldwide. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect direction or detention; those caught smoking on the premises might expect a fine and detention; involvement in drug-taking will incur exclusion from the school.

Boarding 46% have own study bedroom, 41% share (2+), 13% in rooms of 5+. Accommodation by age group. 2 resident qualified nurses; 2 doctors, dentist and physiotherapist in attendance. 2 central dining rooms. Exeats most weekends from Saturday noon. Visits to local town allowed (14+), sixth form to London on Saturday afternoons.

Alumnae association is run by Mrs Alison Aiken, c/o the school.