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What it's like

Founded in 1884 by Rose Kingsley, daughter of the writer Charles Kingsley, and by Joseph Wood, who became Headmaster of Harrow. Situated close to the centre of Leamington Spa, an elegant Regency town, the senior school at Beauchamp Hall lies in a conservation area. The junior school and early-years centre lie close by. There is a separate sixth form centre, extensive games pitches and new facilities for music and art. Academic standards and examination results are good. There is a great commitment to the development of each individual pupil, which is reflected in the extensive range of subjects offered, lively extra-curricular activities, small class sizes and a good pastoral care system. Dance, drama and a large range of musical activities flourish and there are numerous productions from small chamber concerts to large-scale drama or musical performances. Sports and games are well catered for with regular representation at county level. There is a wide variety of clubs and societies and large numbers of pupils are involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme (many silver and over 100 gold awards to date), which involves community services and expeditions in Britain and overseas. Pupils regularly take part in World Challenge expeditions.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-18, 420 day pupils (417 girls, 3 boys). Senior department 11-18, 304 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11 and 16 (a few at 13). Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs grade at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements.

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships offered at age 7, 11, 13 and 16 (English, mathematics, science, performing arts and art ). Means-tested bursaries also available.

Head & staff

Headmistress: Mrs Christine A Mannion Watson, appointed in 1997. Educated at Bellerive High School, Liverpool, and at the universities of Birmingham (French and Spanish), Surrey and the Open University (educational management). Previously Head of Sixth and Director of Studies at Tormead. Teaching staff: 34 full time, 24 part time. Annual turnover 5%.

Exam results

GCSE: 52 pupils in upper fifth: 96% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 34 in upper sixth, all passing 3+ subjects, with an average final point score of 307.

Pupils' destinations

Most sixth form leavers go on to further or higher education

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20+ AS/A-level subjects (including psychology, business studies, economics, government and politics). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken but there is an enrichment programme which develops personal skills and community links. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Learning support; gifted and talented provision. Languages: French, Spanish and German offered to GCSE, AS and A-level.

The arts

Department of performing arts offers music, drama and dance from the age of 4-14. GCSE and AS-level music, GCSE drama and dance, A-level theatre studies offered. Extra-curricular performing arts activities include dance clubs, orchestras, choirs and instrumental ensembles. Instrumental exams and LAMDA drama exams are taken. The majority of girls are involved directly in some aspect of performing arts. Major production annually, plus concerts, recitals and smaller scale performances. Art and design: On average, 22 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Textiles, wood, plastic and metal work also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, netball, gymnastics, tennis, rounders, athletics, health-related fitness, squash, badminton, aerobics, golf, cross-country, riding, swimming, volleyball, table tennis, judo, ballroom dancing. GCSE PE, A-level sports studies and BAGA exams may be taken. Riding team has won national schools jumping and cross-country championships; regional netball, gymnastics and tennis players; county representatives in athletics, hockey, netball, tennis, heptathlon. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (over 100 gold awards to date). Community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, including computer, drama, gymnastics (BAGA and Olympic), riding, science, music, Young Enterprise, Youth Parliament, public speaking, debating.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girls, heads of houses, drama and sports captains. School Council. Religion: Church of England. Social: Trips abroad include skiing trips, World Challenge expeditions (eg to Cambodia and Thailand, South and Central America).

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect an order mark (3 order marks in a term means detention); possession of tobacco or alcohol leads to suspension; suspension and expulsion for the most serious offences.

Former pupils

Jane Booker (RSC); Marie Edgar (European Junior Show Jumping Champion); Dr Gillian Hanson (developed intensive care medicine in GB).