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What it's like

Founded in 1862 and one of a world-wide network of schools founded by the Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion; their aims were to foster bridge-building, tolerance and understanding, inspired by ideals of reconciliation between Christian and Jewish faiths. The school is on an attractive site in the heart of Worthing town centre, close to local sports and leisure facilities. Originally a girls' school, boys have been admitted since 1983; it is now fully co-educational, offering a complete 'wrap-around' education in a caring family community. Its ethos is to promote consideration in a climate permeated by the teachings of the Bible. An inter-denominational school with a Catholic foundation, it welcomes pupils of all faiths, or none, in keeping with the traditions of the Sisters of Sion. Class sizes are small, allowing staff to get to know each pupil well. Exam results are consistently good, although all-round development is equally valued; pupils are encouraged to fulfil their potential in whichever fields their talents lie. There are good music and sports departments. Pupils are encouraged to engage in the wider community and to address issues vital to the well-being of society and the world.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 2½-18; 514 day pupils (240 boys, 274 girls). Junior school 2½-11, 158 pupils (66 boys, 92 girls). Senior school, 11-18, 356 pupils (174 boys, 182 girls). Main entry ages: 2½, 5, 11, 16. Own entrance exam from age 7, plus interview with the Headmaster (pupil and parents); for sixth-form entry, good GCSE results and school report plus interview. No special skills or religious requirements.

Scholarships & bursaries

Academic scholarships awarded at entry at age 11 and 16. Some bursaries available at governors' discretion. Sixth-form scholarships for pupils who have completed the previous 5 years in the school and are in good academic standing.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Michael Scullion, appointed 2000. Also local JP. Teaching staff: 38 full time, 23 part time.

Exam results

GCSE: 53 pupils in upper fifth, 94% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 15 in upper sixth, all passing in 3 subjects, with an average final points score of 332.

Pupils' destinations

100% of sixth form leavers go on to higher education (10% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 8% take courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 27% in humanities or social sciences, 16% in art and design, 19% in vocational subjects eg physiotherapy, midwifery, teaching.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 GCSE subjects, 20 AS-level and 18 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level. All take AS-level general studies. Key skills integrated into sixth form courses. Languages: French and German offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; Spanish and Latin to GCSE. All pupils take French, German and Spanish in Year 7, two of these in Years 8 and 9, and at least one language at GCSE. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject (based on ECDL curriculum) and then applied to work across the curriculum. GCSE in applied ICT offered. 60+ computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Pupils are able to use their own laptops in school.

The arts

Music: Pupils encouraged to discover and enjoy music. GCSE and A-level music offered, also AS/A-level music technology. 6 musical groups including orchestra, flute group, string quartet, choir and brass ensemble. Regular concerts (formal and informal). Drama and dance: Both offered to GCSE. Large numbers involved in school or house productions, performing or backstage; major production each year. Art and design: On average 10 pupils take GCSE, 4 AS/A-level.

Sports & activities

Sport: Athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, dance , fitness training, football, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball all offered. GCSE, AS and A-level PE can be taken. Activities: Optional community service for sixth formers, through school's own in-house community activities; Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Up to 15 clubs, including a full range of music and sports activities, chess, design and technology, gymnastics, dance and puzzle challenge.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy and girl, heads of house and house prefects elected by the school. School Council. Religion: Inter-denominational school; attendance at worship not compulsory. Social: Exchanges scheme with Notre Dame de Sion School in St Omer. Trips abroad for eg geography, history (WW1 battlefields), languages (European Christmas markets), skiing and activity holidays. Pupils may bring own bike to school (no parking for cars or motorbikes).

Discipline

All pupils expected to follow the school code of conduct. Emphasis on rewarding and encouraging positive behaviour, rather than applying sanctions. Merit slips are awarded by teaching staff to promote and publicise achievement (in recognition of good work or for a positive contribution to school life).

Association of former pupils

can be contacted via Headmaster's PA, c/o the school.