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What it's like

Founded in 1879, it occupies an interesting urban site in the town of Warwick, near Warwick Preparatory School and the Warwick School for Boys. It is particularly fortunate in its beautiful buildings which span 600 years and include the town's Eastgate. These traditional buildings are complimented by modern additions such as a new sixth form centre, creative arts centre, sports hall and all-weather pitch. A Christian foundation, morning assemblies are inter-denominational in practice and tone. Pupils are recruited from all walks of life as a matter of policy; the social mix ensures that the school remains firmly part of the community. The curriculum aims to give pupils as broad an education as possible, resulting in consistently good examination results. Music and drama are particularly well supported and there is a fine range of sports and games in which high standards are attained. There is a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs and societies, including yoga, ballet and creative textiles. Pupils are encouraged to be fully involved in the life of the school.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 610 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade A in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. A number of pupils from own prep school. (Warwick Preparatory School, tel 01926 491545, www.warwickprep.com).

Scholarships & bursaries

Academic scholarships for entry at 11 and 16, value up to 25% (which can be topped up with means-tested awards up to full fees). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmistress: Elizabeth Surber, appointed 2001. Educated at Tiffin Girls' School, Kingston upon Thames, and at the universities of Exeter and Oxford. Previously Headmistress at Laurel Park School, Glasgow, Second Deputy Headmistress at Bedford High, French Teacher at Cheltenham Ladies' College and Lectrice at Universite de Haute-Bretagne. Teaching staff: 47 full time, 19 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 46.

Exam results

GCSE: 82 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 75 in upper sixth: 9% passed in 4 subjects and 89% in 3 subjects - and achieving an average final point score of 326.

Pupils' destinations

98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 11% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 13% in science and engineering, 40% in arts and humanities, 25% in social sciences, 16% in business and finance. A few go on to art foundation courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects, 25 AS/A-levels. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 22% took science A-levels; 28% arts/humanities; 50% both. Vocational: Work experience available; exams in ICT; St John Ambulance first aid; Young Enterprise. Languages: French, German, and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg use of internet for research, Excel for coursework. 360+ computers for pupil use (access all day and after school), all networked and with email and internet access. All pupils take ECDL at 16.

The arts

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 9 musical groups including choirs, orchestra, wind bands. Drama and dance: Theatre arts at GCSE and A-level offered. Many in major productions. Successful participation in public-speaking competitions. Ballet lessons. Art and design: On average, 22 take GCSE, 7 A-level. Design and art history also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Gym, dance, swimming, netball, hockey, tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball, health-related fitness all compulsory. Strong county representation in eg netball and hockey. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional at age 14+, visiting old people, working with children etc. Over 30 clubs, eg drama, science, Amnesty, computer, climbing, ballet, yoga, art, Christian Union, chamber music, environment, riding.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; own clothes with guidelines in sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, elected by staff and school. School Council. Religion: Christian, inter-denominational. Social: Joint music, drama, discussion group, expeditions, social with Warwick School; some links with local state and independent schools. Regular ski trips, exchange visits with French, Spanish, German schools. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service.

Association of former pupils

is run by Mrs Polly Beidas, email secoga@sky.com

Former pupils

Harriet Castor (children's author); Catherine Bott (international singer).