Founded in 1898 and set in a pleasant 23 acre site bordering the River Stour. It combines traditional values with modern methods, a sound education is given and examination results are very good. Expansion has incorporated neighbouring houses and much accommodation is now purpose-built with many excellent modern facilities. A girls school with a co-educational prep school, and now the senior school is also accepting boys. A caring community, with a well-organised house system. It is strong on music and drama Being an urban school it has plentiful local ties and is well supported by the community. There is a pronounced sense of service to the town (helping the handicapped, elderly et al).

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 690 pupils, 600 day (150 boys, 540 girls), 90 boarding girls. Senior department 11-18, 345 pupils (currently girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 40% of senior intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form). 50% of senior intake from own prep (enquiries to Ashford Friars Preparatory School, same address).

Various scholarships, value up to 50% day fees: academic, music, sport, art, drama, all-rounder (at 9, 11, 13 and 16). Variable number of bursaries. Parents expected to buy GCSE and A-level textbooks only; other extras vary.

Head: Michael Buchanan, in post since 2005. Previously Head of Senior School at Highgate. Teaching staff: 53 full time, 6 part time (plus music). Annual turnover 4%. Average age 44.

GCSE: On average, 53 pupils in Year 11. 83% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 15% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 58 (59 over 5 years). A-levels: 57 in upper sixth. 32% pass in 4+ subjects; 37% passed in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 373.

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 8% to Oxbridge, 12% take courses in medicine, 25% in science and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences (of which 7% in languages), 9% in art and design, 11% in vocational subjects eg nursing, pharmacy, education. Others typically go on to business management courses.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 exam subjects offered, including theatre studies, economics, technology and business studies; no A-level general studies. 31% take science A-levels; 33% arts/humanities; 36% both. Special provision: Ad hoc extra help, with guidance from experts. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS-level and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. Some European girls in school for 1-2 years. Work experience links being forged in Germany, France and Spain. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 60 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10+ musical groups including orchestras, band, choirs, jazz, recorder, string quartets, various chamber groups. 4 members of county youth orchestra; member of National Youth Orchestra. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies and Guildhall exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Textiles A-level also offered. Pupils regularly go on to art foundation courses.

Sport: Hockey, netball, rugby, football, gym, athletics, tennis, cricket, rounders, swimming compulsory. Optional: judo, fencing, aerobics, trampolining, ballet, volleyball, badminton, squash, golf, yoga. GCSE, BAGA, RLSS exams may be taken. 2 county netball representatives; 5 county hockey players; 2 county cross-country runners; 2 county athletes; 2 county fencers. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; 35-40 pa enrol for bronze. Community service optional for 3 years at age 14. 60% of sixth form involved in volunteering, mostly through Millennium Volunteers.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, 2 head girls (one day, one boarding), head of house and house prefects elected by girls, staff and Head. Religion: Compulsory, non-denominational Christian-based assembly. Boarders attend Parish Church or in-house services on Sundays. Confirmation classes available. Religious studies in the curriculum is academically based, but with the major emphasis on Christianity. Social: Many joint events with local schools, eg productions and debates, local guitar orchestra, host discos, formal sixth-form supper dance etc. Annual ski trip; other recent trips include Australia, Greece, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and America. Pupils allowed to bring own car or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a reprimand, thereafter detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises can expect to be expelled. Other infringements of school rules would bring progressive loss of privileges, communication with parents, suspension and, eventually, expulsion.