Founded in 1906, it moved to its present 14-acre site on the outskirts of the town in 1930. The nursery and junior schools are housed in their own buildings in a self-contained area of the grounds. It is a non-denominational school. There are good modern facilities including a sixth-form centre, science and technology block, a learning resources centre, design and technology laboratory and a drama/sports pavilion. There are interactive whiteboards in all classrooms. A broad curriculum is provided and examination results are very good. Music and drama are strong, as are games, with regular county representatives in a number of sports. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is popular. Great importance is attached to pastoral care and contact with parents.

Pupils: Total age range 2ý -18; 700 pupils, 647 day (65 boys, 582 girls), 53 boarding girls. Senior department 11-18, 387 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam and interview used. No special skills or religious requirements.

Scholarships available, academic, creative and music. Also means-tested bursaries for existing pupils.

75% live within 30 miles; some abroad (10 different nationalities).

Headmistress: Mrs Ann Aughwane, appointed 2006. Educated at Loughborough University (maths and education). Previously Deputy Head at the school. Also ISI inspector. Teaching staff: 51 full time, 18 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 41.

GCSE: 67 pupils in Year 11, all gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 61 (59 over 5 years). A-levels: 44 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 385.

All sixth-form leavers go on to a degree or art foundation course (30% after a gap year). 30% took courses in science and engineering, 70% in arts, humanities and business.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 GCSE subjects, 24 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; in addition, all follow a life skills programme. 40% take science A-levels; 55% arts/humanities; 6% both. Special provision: Gifted children, mild dyslexics and those with minor physical disabilities welcomed. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. French compulsory Years 4-9; Greek and Mandarin extra-curricular options. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 120 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; interactive whiteboards.

Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10-15 musical groups including 2 full orchestras, choirs and ensembles. Pupils regularly perform in local youth orchestras, are winners in festivals and win scholarships to music colleges. Drama and dance: Drama is very strong. Overseas tours. Joint projects with Worth School. Art and design: Design and/or textiles technology also offered. On average, 24 take GCSE, 14 A-level. Art school entrants each year.

Sport: Netball, hockey, rounders, athletics, tennis, volleyball compulsory. Optional: salsa, basketball, aerobics, badminton, football, riding, rowing, swimming, squash and cricket. Sixth formers: street dance, self-defence, golf, squash. Pupils regularly represent county in netball, hockey, volleyball, cricket, tennis, athletics. County and regional champions in variety of sports. Own equestrian team and events. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Money raised for charity annually. Many clubs eg chess, stamps, drama, art, football, film, riding, garden design, fashion.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, prefects. School council. Religion: Christian school. Inter-denominational assembly compulsory. Social: Drama, music, debates with Worth. Trips abroad include ski trips, sports tours, concerts, field courses, classics trips. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework without genuine reason might expect first a warning (detention thereafter); those caught with illegal drugs on the premises would be asked to leave.

is run by Mrs S Arnold (Chairman), Mrs D Wiltshire (Secretary), email dwiltshire@burgesshill-school.com.