Adcote
What it's like
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. A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered in a disciplined and caring community.
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 105 girls (70 day, 35 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 60 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.
Scholarships & bursaries
Academic entrance scholarships. Bursaries for families with financial difficulties and children from service families. Parents expected to buy textbooks for A-level pupils; other extras vary.
Head & staff
Head: Miss Deborah Hammond, in post since 2004. Educated at Priory Girls Grammar (Shrewsbury) and Manchester University (botany). Previously Deputy Head at Adcote and Housemistress at Ellesmere. Teaching staff: 5 full time, 20 part time.
Exam results
GCSE: 15 pupils in upper fifth. 75% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 25% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 57 (47 over 5 years). A-levels: 8 in upper sixth; all usually pass in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 255.
University & college entrance
90% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course.
Curriculum
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 16 subjects offered to GCSE; 12 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. 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. All pupils take GCSE business and communication systems.
The arts
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.
Sports & activities
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.
School life
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.
Discipline
High standards expected, based on respect for others. School publishes its school rules, of behaviour/expectations and sanctions.
