Founded in 1907, it occupies a neo-Tudor Grade I listed building (1879) in glorious landscaped parkland with a view to the Briedden and south Shropshire hills. A small school with a friendly and family atmosphere. It provides a sound academic education. For its size, it offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities in a disciplined and caring community.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 120 girls (80 day, 40 boarding). Junior department 4-11, 40 girls. Senior department 11-18, 80 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4-14 and 16. Admission by school's own day of assessment; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs. No special skills or religious requirements although school is Anglican.
4 pa scholarships, value 25%-75% (up to 100% in exceptional circumstances). Bursaries for families with financial difficulties; forces-friendly policy for service families. Parents expected to buy textbooks for A-level pupils; other extras vary.
Headmaster: Gary Wright, in post from 2009. Educated at Warwick University (history), Oxford Brookes University (PGCE) and King's College London (MA education management); also holds NPQH. Previously Deputy Headmaster at St Piran's Prep School, Maidenhead, and has worked in independent schools in and around London and overseas. Also ISI inspector. Teaching staff: 6 full time, 26 part time.
GCSE: 13 pupils in upper fifth, 85% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 8 in upper sixth, all usually passing in 3 subjects.
100% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 subjects offered to GCSE; 19 to A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: Work experience available in Year 10. All pupils take GCSE business and communication systems. Special provision: Extra specialist teaching available for dyslexics and EAL. Languages: French offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Number of computers, networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include school choir; girls also sing with Shrewsbury School chamber choir and play with its big band and orchestra. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered. ESB exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 50% take GCSE. Design, pottery, photography, screen printing also offered.
Sport: Netball, tennis, rounders, athletics, gym, dance, golf, lacrosse. BAGA, RLSS exams may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Seniors do voluntary community service. Up to 15 clubs, eg several sporting clubs, rowing, drama, golf, art, ICT, archery, dance, judo, circus skills.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, heads of house and head girl appointed by staff. Religion: School assembly compulsory. Boarders attend local C of E or RC church. Social: Music, drama, lectures (both careers and other) and discos with local schools. Organised trips abroad (skiing and cultural); exchange systems with schools abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Some meals formal, others self-service. School shop sells stationery, tuck; also uniform shop.
High standards expected, based on respect for others. School publishes its school rules, of behaviour/expectations and sanctions.
Sixth formers have single or twin study bedrooms, others in rooms of 3-6. Central dining room. Weekly boarding available. Unaccompanied visits to the local town allowed for seniors.
Adcote Old Girls Association, contacted via the school.
Marit Allen (fashion editor and costume designer); Polly Stockton (national event riding squad); Jane Dillon (interior designer).
|
