Founded in 1901, it is a single-site school in a quiet, pleasant, residential district. The junior department is on the same campus. There have been many modern developments and additions to its late-Victorian buildings. There is a broad curriculum and examination results are very good. A distinguished school with vigorous local support. There is a friendly, informal atmosphere in which plenty of freedom is given to sixth formers who play a considerable part in running the school. A wide range of sport and games, numerous societies and clubs. Very strong indeed in music, drama and sport. Substantial commitment to local community schemes and much success in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 730 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 500 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C. No special skills or religious requirements. Some 50% of senior intake from own junior department.

Variable number of scholarships, academic (at 11), music (sixth form), value up to 50% fees. Some bursaries available.

Headmistress: Mrs Carole Evans, in post since 1997. Educated at Maghull Grammar School and University College of North Wales (economics). Previously Headmistress of Belvedere School, Head of Mathematics at Merchant Taylors' School for Girls. Teaching staff: 58 full time, 20 part time.

GCSE: 96 pupils in upper fifth; 99% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 63 (60 over 5 years). A-levels: 69 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 356.

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to degree course (19% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 16% in science and engineering, 47% in arts and social sciences (5% languages), 10% in vocational subjects, 16% in combined subjects. A few typically go on to art foundation courses or straight in to employment.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 GCSE subjects; 20+ at AS/A-level (including general studies and business studies and technology). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, general studies is optional. 22% take science A-levels; 33% arts/humanities; 45% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French (compulsory from year 7), German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular study visits to France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 224 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take Clait.

Music: Up to 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including 2 orchestras, 3 choirs. School holds own music festival with 300 individual and group entries. Drama: GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies and Poetry Society exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in major school production, annual drama festival and other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 7 A-level. Design, photography also offered.

Sport: Swimming, squash, volleyball, trampolining compulsory. GCSE PE may be taken. Netball teams regularly in national finals. Activities: Many pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, eg Christian Union, politics, French, drama, all sports, history, debating.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: No houses or prefects. Head girl and 3 deputies, elected by the school. Religion: Christian, morning assembly. Social: Debates and joint theatrical productions. Organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a reprimand or lunchtime detention.

Patricia Routledge and Ann Bell (actresses); Judith Collins (first woman Curator of the Tate Gallery); Janet McNeill (novelist, especially of children's books); Doreen Sloane (actress); Dr Vivienne Nathanson (BMA); Penny Hughes (Coca-Cola); Nicola Horlick (City).