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What it's like

Founded in 1858, agreeably sited on the outskirts of Bristol near the Downs and in spacious grounds. The style of the school is a combination of discipline and warmth. Girls are encouraged to become thinking, caring and independent young women. Staff-pupil relationships are mature and friendly, based on principles of courtesy and mutual respect. All pupils are encouraged to work hard and play hard; the all-rounder is encouraged. There is an emphasis on opportunity for exceptional talent. It has a reputation for good teaching and a distinguished academic record; examination results are excellent. There is a separate sixth-form centre and sixth formers are treated as students. It is very good on the creative arts and music is particularly strong. There is a lot of emphasis on Europe and the wider world with participation, for example, in the Model United Nations and European Youth Parliament. Full advantage is taken of the facilities of the city and Bristol University. There is a wide range of clubs and activities and it participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme; also a good range of sports and extra-curricular activities.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 422 girls. Senior department 11-18, 302 girls (132 day, 170 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 4-11, 12, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B (grade A in sixth-form subjects). Special skills in music, science, sport, languages, art looked for; no religious requirements. State school entry, 12% of senior intake.

Scholarships & bursaries

20 pa scholarships: 18 academic/all-rounder, 1 art, 1 music. Variable number of bursaries, for existing pupils. Parents expected to buy some textbooks; average extras 400 per term.

Parents

45+% are doctors, lawyers, etc; 25+% in industry or commerce. 40+% live within 30 miles, 20+% overseas.

Head & staff

Headmistress: Mrs Jan Scarrow, appointed in 1997. Educated at school in Yorkshire and at the universities of Manchester (history) and Sheffield (PGCE). Previously Deputy Headmistress at Stonar School and has taught in maintained and independent schools, both day and boarding. Teaching staff: 45 full time staff, 50 part time and peripatetic. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

Exam results

GCSE: 51 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 59. A-levels: 59 in upper sixth, all passing in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 470.

University & college entrance

All sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (23% after a gap year), 20% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 26% in science and engineering, 48% in humanities and social sciences, 17% in art and design, music and drama.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 subjects offered to AS/A-level. Sixth form: Sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level (general studies not taken); sixth-formers often take a broad range of subjects. 40% take science A-levels; 50% arts/humanities; 10% both. Key skills integrated into a range of activities and leading to Certificate of Spoken English for HE for all, interview technique, cooking at university, budgeting etc. Vocational: Work experience available; also word processing and keyboard skills. Special provision: Very little special needs provision. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; other languages on request; also taster courses for sixth form, non-examined Italian and RSA language courses. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. Takes part in European Youth Parliament; Model United Nations. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 80 computers for pupil use (open all day), all networked and the majority with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 80% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 30+ musical groups including orchestras, string groups, wind groups, 4 choirs, jazz groups, 15 small ensembles. Several pupils are members of the National Children's Orchestra and Choir as well as the county orchestra. Music tours (eg France, Italy, Dublin, Hungary); performances in cathedrals in Bath, Bristol etc. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered. A-level theatre studies, ESB, Poetry Society, LAMDA, RAD exams may be taken. 7 drama productions a year; some pupils take parts in professional theatre and work experience. Art and design: On average, 90% take GCSE, 30% A-level. Fashion design, pottery and ceramics, textiles, photography, jewellery, screenprinting, wood/metal work, engraving etc also offered. Winners of art exhibition at Bristol Cathedral and photography exhibitions in South West.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, netball, swimming, athletics, tennis, rounders, gym compulsory. Optional: fencing, squash, golf, judo, aerobics, badminton, riding, volleyball, dance. BAGA, BHS, RLSS, RYA exams may be taken. National level swimmer; ISODE teams. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 100 clubs, eg Young Enterprise, Model United Nations, languages, public speaking, magazine, science, young engineers, performing arts, creative arts, sports clubs.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses; head girls and heads of houses elected. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational school. Worship encouraged but not compulsory. Social: Joint events including Bristol Schools Debating; choral/orchestral with a number of schools; debates, socials, sports. Many organised trips abroad eg exchanges to France, Spain, Germany; skiing trips; expeditions (eg Paris, Russia, US, Iceland), music tours (eg Hungary, Italy), sports tours (eg Barbados). Day pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. Second-hand uniform shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Firm approach to discipline. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect report; those caught with drugs would expect instant expulsion.

Alumni association

is run by Juliet Lyal, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Dame Iris Murdoch; Indira Gandhi; Polly Toynbee; Dame Margaret Miles; Claire Bloom; Rosamund Pike; Professor Seymour Richards, Phyllida Law.