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Old Palace School of John Whitgift,约翰怀特福特中学 约翰怀特福特学校
Old Palace Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1AX Tel: 020 8688 2027 Fax: 020 8680 5877
• GIRLS, 4–18, Day
• Pupils 850, Upper sixth 70
• Termly fees £1708–£2698
• GSA
• Enquiries/Applications to the Headmistress

What it’s like
Founded in 1889 by the Sisters of the Church, it became an independent day school in 1974. The school is a member of the Whitgift Foundation (together with Whitgift and Trinity boys’ schools). The Old Palace, from which the school takes its name, was a former residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury. The chapel, Great Hall and library, which date back to the 15th century, are used by the school. The historic buildings are complemented by modern ones, including an arts and technology block, swimming pool and good facilities for ICT; a building, adjacent to the school provides sixth-form accommodation, a PE area and a new dining room. The prep and pre-prep departments are in a new building on the same site. The school aims to provide a sound education based on Christian ideas. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered, with notable successes in music and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 4–18; 850 day girls. Senior department 11–18, 545 girls.
Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance examination; for sixth-form entry, 7 GCSEs at least grade B (A in sixth-form subjects). State school entry, 60% of senior intake, 10% to sixth form.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 10+ pa academic scholarships, value up to 50% fees. 30+ Whitgift foundation bursaries (means-tested) on academic merit. No charge for books or public exams.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Mrs Joy Hancock, appointed in 2000. Educated at Queen’s College, London, and at universities of Nottingham (history) and Sussex (education). Previously Headmistress of Bromley High and Deputy Head of Brighton & Hove High. Publications: Teaching History (1970).
Teaching staff: 66 full time, 19 part time.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 79 pupils in upper fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects with an average score of 66 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 69 in upper sixth: 12% passed in 4+ subjects (including general studies); 88% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 412.

University & college entrance All 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 26% took courses in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry etc, 11% in science & engineering, 18% in humanities & social sciences, 40% in business, management & computer science, 4% to art foundation courses.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (encouraged to take 1 contrasting), 3 at A-level; in addition some take AS-level general studies. 30% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities; 35% both.
Languages: French, German, Italian and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Russian GCSE. Regular homestays and exchanges to France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons a week in Years 7–9) and across the curriculum eg project research and presentation. 145+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked and many with email and internet access. ECDL, GCSE, AS and A-level offered.

The arts
Music: 50+% of pupils learn musical instruments. Musical opportunities include choirs, orchestras and chamber music ensembles. Many pupils play in local orchestras. Regular concerts and tours abroad. Drama & debating: Drama offered and GCSE may be taken. 2 productions a year and regular drama workshops. Great attention given to public-speaking and debating.
Art & design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Photography, textile design, screen printing and jewellery also offered; art department works closely with technology department in creating design awareness.

Sport & activities
Sport: Netball, hockey, swimming, tennis, dance, fitness, athletics, volleyball, badminton, fencing. Self-defence for senior pupils. County netball players, swimmers and athletes.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Caritas Society for raising money for charity. Clubs include fencing, debating, Christian Union, ICT, creative writing, music, drama, chess, Young Enterprise.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form.
House & prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, prefects, head of house and house prefects, elected by the school and staff.
Social: Debates with local schools. Combined music and drama activities with Whitgift and Trinity School. Organised visits abroad; World Challenge. Visits to lectures, concerts, plays. Eminent visiting speakers. Exchanges to France, Germany, Italy and Spain.