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What it's like

Founded in 1933, it is single-site on the edge of the green belt in pleasant surroundings among the Banstead and Epsom Downs. The buildings are varied and attractive and are mainly purpose-built. A sports hall has been added and, most recently, a building housing music, art, maths, food technology and a modern recording studio. A sound general education is provided and examination results are good. A high proportion of the girls are involved in music, drama and art. There is a range of games and sports and other activities. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is offered and pupils take part in the Model United Nations.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18, 370 day girls. Junior department 3-11, senior department 11-18. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. All junior pupils may proceed to the senior department. State school entry, 20% senior intake.

Scholarships & bursaries

Several scholarships and exhibitions awarded on entry at age 11 and 16; value up to 50% fees. Some bursaries at governors' discretion; sibling discount (5%).

Head & staff

Headmistress: Mrs Lindsay Redding, in post from 2009. Educated at St Joan of Arc Convent Grammar School, Rickmansworth, and University College London (economics and geography). Previously Senior Deputy Head at Caterham. Teaching staff: Annual turnover 10%.

Exam results

GCSE: 50 pupils in Year 11, 90% gaining grade C or above in 8+ subjects; 10% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 24 in upper sixth, 17% passing in 4+ subjects, 78% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 338.

Pupils' destinations

97% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 27% take courses in science and engineering, 37% in English, humanities and social sciences, 9% in modern foreign languages, 27% in creative arts.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: EFL lessons. Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. 220 networked computers for pupil use; interactive whiteboards.

The arts

Music: 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken as well as GCSE and A-level music and music technology. Musical groups including choirs, orchestra, big band. Drama: Drama offered and to GCSE, AS and A-level drama. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: Fine art, textiles and photography offered at GCSE and A-level. Extra-curricular clubs throughout creative arts faculty.

Sports & activities

Sport: Netball, rounders, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, dance, health related fitness, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, basketball offered. Year 11 upwards, also self-defence, aerobics. BAGA gymnastics awards (junior school) and sports leadership (sixth form) may be taken. U14 Surrey netball players. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Approx 12 junior clubs eg dance, choir and chess; 28 senior eg photography, Samba, French/Spanish lingualine, Model United Nations.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and house prefects, elected by the school. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Local community involvement. Many organised trips abroad. Meals self-service.

Discipline

System operates through form or subject staff according to offence. Headteacher, deputy or parents involved if necessary. No illegal substances or tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Association of former pupils

GOGA, may be contacted through the school