Founded in 1951 and originally a boys' school, girls were first accepted in 1986. It is situated in spacious grounds overlooking the historic city of Carlisle. A Catholic foundation, it is open to all denominations. The aim is to foster pupils spiritually, academically, socially and physically and all pupils are encouraged to develop their potential. A wide-ranging education is provided and examination results are good. There is a variety of sports and activities and a number of county representatives; awarded a Sportsmark gold award in 2000. An increasing commitment to local community schemes and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Good use is made of the cultural and physical attributes of the Borders and Lake District.

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 483 day pupils (284 boys, 199 girls). Senior department 11-18; 316 pupils (186 boys, 130 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 4+ good GCSEs (preferably grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills required; a Catholic foundation but all denominations welcomed.

7 pa scholarships, value 20-25% of fee: most awarded at 11. Variable number of means tested bursaries. Parents not expected to buy books; average extras, 100.

Headmaster: Chris Lumb, in post from 2004. Educated at universities of Cambridge and Manchester (chemistry, PGCE). Previously Deputy Head at Mount St Mary's College (Spinkhill). Teaching staff: 39 full time, 8 part time. Average age 39.

GCSE: 42 in fifth form, gaining at least grade C in an average of 8 subjects, with GCSE score 56 (58 over 5 years). A-levels: 34 in upper sixth. 78% pass in 4 subjects; 22% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 392.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year). 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 12% in science and engineering, 12% in law, 19% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in art and design, 24% in vocational subjects.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level, usually a broad range; in addition, most take A-level general studies. 35% take science/engineering A-levels; 33% take arts/humanities; 32% both. Special provision: Help for dyslexic pupils. Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Pupils in school from France, Spain and occasionally Italy. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 80 computers for pupil use (8+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: 34% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 6 musical groups: band, chamber music groups, choirs, brass ensemble. Members of city, county and regional youth orchestras. Drama and dance: Both offered. LAMDA exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 5 A-level. Photography, graphics, batik, 3D also offered.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, basketball, tennis, netball, dance, gymnastics, volleyball, cross-country, swimming compulsory. Optional: orienteering, soccer, badminton, canoeing, golf. County representatives at rugby, hockey, tennis and cross-country; national tennis finalists; county honours in wide range of sports. Sports Council Gold Sportsmark Award. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional at age 14. Regular mountaineering expeditions to French and Austrian Alps; Adventure course to Spain; climbing/walking trips to Scotland and Lakes. Up to 15 clubs, eg computer, debating, chess, bridge, indoor cricket.

Uniform: School uniform worn; sixth form may also wear suits. Houses and prefects: 3 competitive houses. Prefects, school captains, head of house and house prefects appointed by the Headmaster in consultation with senior staff. Religion: Assembly compulsory three days a week. All invited to attend Mass during the week. Social: Public-speaking competitions, choral works, careers conventions. Organised trips abroad to eg France, mountaineering expeditions (eg Alps), adventure course (Greece etc). Sixth formers may bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Lunch self-service. School tuck shop and clothing shop. No tobacco allowed; alcohol on supervised social occasions.

High expectations of personal and social conduct, managed by peer review, prefect system, staff disciplinary system. A pupil being discourteous would result in a reprimand and encouragement to improve behaviour; a pupil caught smoking cannabis on the site would expect to be excluded.