Founded in the City in 1894, it is situated in the heart of the Barbican. A very well-equipped establishment, it is strong academically and examination results are very good. The music and art departments are especially strong. The majority of the school is involved in music and drama with frequent opportunities for pupils to perform. With its central location, it enjoys a very wide catchment area: pupils come from all over London and the home counties. There is a good range of clubs and societies. Many activities and outings are in association with the boys' school, only 10 minutes walk away. Being in the centre of London, there are numerous opportunities for cultural trips to the theatre, art galleries and museums. The Corporation of London provides opportunities for girls to participate in a variety of civic functions.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 675 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 575 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11 and 16. North London Consortium entrance exam at 11, own exam at 7 and 16; for sixth-form entry, at least grade B in all GCSEs (grade A in sixth-form subjects). 44% of intake at 11 from state schools (plus few to sixth form).

Some 19 pa scholarships (awarded at 11 and 16): most academic, others art and music (1 joint with Guildhall School of Music and Drama). Some academic bursaries on entry at 11 and 16, to those in financial need.

Headmistress: Miss Diana Vernon appointed 2007. Educated at St Michael's School, Petworth, and at Durham University (anthropology) and King's College London (PGCE). Previously Headmistress at Woldingham, Housemistress and teacher of biology and business studies at Downe House; early career in publishing and corporate and financial public relations before taking up teaching. Also Governor of several schools in maintained and independent sectors. Teaching staff: 56 full time, 16 part time, 18 visiting.

GCSE: 76 pupils in upper fifth: all gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. Average GCSE score 64 (67 over 5 years). A-levels: 85 in upper sixth: 31% passed in 4+ subjects; 69% in 3-3.5 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 417.

99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (34% after a gap year), 21% to Oxbridge. 14% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 8% in science and engineering, 44% in humanities and social sciences, 9% in art, drama and music, 7% in vocational subjects eg law, architecture, business studies.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects offered, 22-24 AS/A-level (including history of art). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (usually a range of subjects), 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 5% take science A-levels; 47% arts/humanities; 48% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses and activities. Vocational: Work experience available, including overseas. Special provision: Learning support teacher for pupils with specific learning difficulties. Languages: French, German, Spanish, Latin and Greek offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Over 62% take more than 1 language to GCSE. Regular exchanges for pupils to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and embedded in the curriculum, eg maths, modern languages, technology. 260 computers for pupil use (throughout the school day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12 musical groups including orchestras, choirs, madrigal and barber shop groups, chamber ensembles, wind band. Barbican Concert; Ripieno choir in St Matthew Passion with Bach Choir (RFH). TV and radio recordings; some in National Youth Orchestra and LSSO. Students regularly sing and play at City Livery Company functions. Drama: LAMDA and Guildhall exams may be taken; A-level theatre studies offered. New theatre recently opened. Many pupils involved in school productions. Girls occasionally take part in productions for RSC, radio and TV. Art and design: On average 36 take GCSE, 16 A-level. 3D design, pottery, textiles, sculpture offered. Many students go on to leading art schools or related university courses; some go on to become successful artists and designers.

Sport: Netball, gym, dance, swimming, tennis, rounders, athletics, volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, hockey, waterpolo compulsory at various ages. Additional options for seniors include: hockey, multi-gym, aerobics, aqua-aerobics. BAGA awards taken (in prep dept). Regional gym medallists; regional and national fencing team champions; regional netball medallists. Own indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including swimming pool. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service compulsory for 1 year at age 16+. Up to 20 clubs, eg sports, design and technology, debating, maths, theatre, computer, European Youth Parliament, Young Enterprise.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (for music, sport, art, debating, drama). Head girl and 2 deputies, nominated and elected by staff, fifth and sixth form. Senior committee instead of prefects. School Council. Religion: Regular act of non-denominational worship for all; separate Jewish and Christian assemblies once a week. Social: Joint concerts, theatrical productions and occasional social activities with City of London (Boys). Organised exchanges to France, Germany, North America; trips to eg Italy, Spain, Venezuela, Brazil, China; ski trip. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Code of conduct published for girls and parents (specifically refers to substance abuse and truancy). This makes clear that major or persistent breaches can result in temporary or permanent exclusion and describes other sanctions and rewards. The school publishes procedures for appeals. All individual cases dealt with on own merits. Exclusions and other sanctions rarely used in practice. Praise and rewards actively encouraged.

CLOGA, c/o the school.

Katharine Dyson (D'Oyly Carte); Elizabeth Emanuel (dress designer); Anne Farell (actress); Claire Rayner (author); Claudia Winkleman (TV presenter); Dido (pop singer); Romola Garai (actress); Dinah Rose (barrister, expert on Human Rights law); Sahar Hashemi (entrepreneur and Coffee Republic founder).