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What it's like

Founded in 1889 by the Religious of Christian Education, the school is now an educational trust. It is housed in the former home of the Empress Eugenie of France. A purpose-built school has been added which includes science laboratories, a chapel, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and sports hall. It is Roman Catholic but girls of other Christian denominations, other faiths or no faith are welcomed if they support the school ethos. The school is committed to the education of the whole person within an environment based on gospel values. Each pupil is valued for herself and helped to develop her gifts in a friendly and happy atmosphere. Examination results are very good and numbers in sixth form are increasing. There are also considerable achievements, which are prized, in creative arts and sports.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 522 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance examination, report and interview; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills required; preference given to Roman Catholics. 50% of main intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form). Feeder schools include Rydes Hill, Halstead, Yateley Manor, Grey House, St Patrick.

Scholarships & bursaries

20 pa scholarships, 6 academic (up to 33% of fees), 1 sport, 1 music at 11; 12 sixth form. Unrestricted number of bursaries, based on financial need, up to 40% fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmistress: Mrs Sarah Buckle, in post since 2007. Educated at universities of Exeter and Reading. Previously Deputy Headmistress at Putney High. Teaching staff: 47 full time, 9 part time. 5% annual turnover.

Exam results

GCSE: 84 pupils in fifth year: 100% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 23 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 410.

Pupils' destinations

100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (13% after a gap year), 9% to Oxbridge. 22% take courses in science and engineering, 39% in humanities and social sciences (including languages), 17% in the arts, 13% in other subjects.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 GCSE subjects offered, 26 at AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3+ at A-level; general studies is taught but not examined. 9% take maths and science A-levels; 32% languages/arts/humanities; 59% both. Key skills integrated into sixth form courses. Vocational: Full-time careers advisor. Work experience available for all fifth form pupils. Special provision: Learning support co-ordinator. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (available at GCSE, AS and A-level) and across the curriculum, eg spreadsheets for maths coursework, databases in geography. Clait offered. 144 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Up to 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken, also GCSE and A-level music, A-level music technology. Musical groups include orchestra, handbell group, 4 choirs, swing band, pop group, recorder consort, string group, wind band, baroque group, stomp group, saxophone group. Drama and dance: GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies offered. Up to 40% of pupils take extra drama and may do Guildhall exams. Jazz dance option available. Regular school drama productions and strong tradition in public-speaking. Art and design: GCSE, AS-level and A-level art offered. Painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, pottery, textiles and photography offered.

Sports & activities

Sports and physical activities: Hockey, netball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, rounders, softball, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, keep fit, football, cross-country. Sixth-form options: BAGA, ASA, CCPR sports leadership awards may be taken. County/national representatives at hockey, netball, athletics, tennis, swimming, cross country, tae kwon-do. Activities: 30+ clubs, including art, choir, orchestra, drama, debating, ICT, public-speaking, yoga, various sports and first aid.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Houses competitive for sports and inter-house challenges. Prefects, head girl, head of house (house captain) - appointed by the Headmistress after consultation with staff and senior pupils. Religion: Roman Catholic. Pupils attend assembly and school Mass on holy days of obligation; regular opportunities to attend Mass and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. School aims to build a Christian community of faith. Social: Debates with other schools; choral concerts with other schools and parents. Regular visits abroad; exchanges with France, Spain, Germany. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. School meals or sandwiches. School shop.

Discipline

Various sanctions imposed according to misdemeanour. Detentions may be given outside school hours. Temporary or permanent exclusion reserved for serious offences.

Association of former pupils

is run by Mrs H Williams, President, FHOGA.

Former pupils

Alex Danson (hockey player); Helene Raynsford (paralympic rower); Dame Helen Ghosh (permanent secretary of Defra); Raquel Cassidy (actress); Juliet Aubrey (actress); Anne Robinson (TV presenter).