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What it's like

Founded at Liege in 1642, the school was reopened at its present site in 1799. England's oldest Catholic girls' school, it welcomes all pupils in sympathy with its ethos. Magnificent buildings provide excellent facilities. The main building is a Tudor palace (built by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn and once the home of Mary Tudor), set in a beautiful 120-acre estate with excellent playing fields and sporting amenities. Founded as a girls' school, boys were accepted into the senior school in 2006. Boys and girls are taught separately between the ages of 11-16 and the sixth form is co-educational; the prep school, on the same site, is co-educational throughout. Academically selective, standards are high and examination results consistently good. There is a great commitment to music. It is very strong in drama and dance (many productions) and art (sixth-form students exhibit their work locally). A wide range of sport and games and high standards are attained. A variety of activities caters for most needs: voluntary service activities have gained national awards; there is an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Justice and peace issues are important to the school's ethos.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 950 pupils, 750 day (240 boys, 510 girls), 200 boarding (80 boys, 120 girls). Senior department 11-18, 650 pupils. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 11 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, minimum GCSE grade B in sixth-form subjects. Variety of skills and a sympathy with Christian values welcomed. Many senior pupils from own prep (01245 467588, email prep@newhallschool.co.uk); others from local primary schools and prep schools in London, Suffolk, Essex and Hertfordshire; sixth-form entrants are usually boarders, from UK or overseas.

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships awarded at 11, 13 and 16: academic, all-rounder, drama, music and sport. Also means-tested bursaries (which may supplement a scholarship if necessary). Parents expected to buy only a few textbooks that are to be kept; extras usually under 100 per term, maximum 250.

Parents

50% live within 30 miles; 20% live overseas.

Head & staff

Principal: Mrs Katherine A Jeffrey, appointed 2001. Educated at universities of Oxford (PPE), Maynooth (theology), Surrey (PGCE) and Open University (MA educational management). Previously Deputy Headteacher at Marist School, Ascot, and Head of RS at Woldingham.

Exam results

GCSE: 58 pupils in Year 11: 100% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels (first co-ed cohort); 39 passed on average 3.8 subjects.

Pupils' destinations

98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (13% after a gap year). 32% take courses in medicine, science and engineering, 35% in arts and humanities, 8% in performing arts and 24% in business, economics and accounting. Others typically go on to HND or secretarial courses or straight into employment.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. Approx 25 GCSE subjects, 30 AS/ A-levels. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Special teaching and ancillary help for physically handicapped; specialist EAL and dyslexia staff. Languages: Chinese, French, German and Spanish offered also Italian as an extra. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg data logging exercise as part of geography field trip).

The arts

Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include year-based ensembles, choirs, orchestras, wind ensembles, pop groups. Choir has appeared at Westminster Cathedral, St Peter's in Rome, St Mark's in Venice and on BBC 1. Various pupils are members of county youth orchestras. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level drama exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Pupils regularly gain places at major drama schools eg LAMDA, Rose Bruford, Oxford, as well as on drama/English degrees. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Pottery, textiles, photography also offered. A number continue art to degree level.

Sports & activities

Sport: 15 + sport offered.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; formal occasions only in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses, for sport, public speaking etc. All members of upper sixth have positions of responsibility. Religion: Roman Catholic. Compulsory attendance at Eucharist on Sundays, assemblies, house prayers, etc. Many other opportunities. Social: Debates, choirs, social events with other schools. Theatre and opera trips. Trips abroad arranged most half-terms and holidays. Pupils allowed to bring own bike or caged pet to school. Meals self-service.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect discussion with tutor; any involvement in illegal drugs can lead to expulsion.

Boarding

Single study bedrooms for Years 9-11, others in single/twin rooms. Separate sixth-form house. Resident SRN. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook some own food at weekends. Exeats - vary with age (on the principle that some weekend time at school allows pupils to benefit from boarding but contact with home encouraged). Weekend visits to local town allowed, dependent on age.

Former pupils

Ciaran Madden (actress); Anya Hindmarch (fashion designer); Christina Amanpour (CNN correspondent), Amanda Stretton (racing driver and journalist).