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What it's like

Founded in 1972, it is a single site of 9 acres in the southern outskirts of Rutherglen, high above Glasgow and overlooking the Cathkin Braes and a golf course; an altogether pleasant and healthy environment. It has good accommodation. It is a Roman Catholic school but other denominations are welcome. Attendance at religious services in school is compulsory. Its declared priorities are the training of the intellect and will according to Christian principles, the development of habits of hard work, the fostering of good social relationships and success in study. A sound education is given and examination results are good. Strong in music, art, drama and chess; also in hockey (national and regional players in the school).

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 12-18; 165 day girls. Entrance: Main entry age 12. Own entrance exam used. No special skills required; school is Roman Catholic but other denominations accepted. 30% of main intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form). High proportion from own primary department (enquiries to the Office Administrator, Tel 0141 634 2674). Extras: Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headteacher: Mrs Jacqueline Sexton, in post from 2007. Teaching staff: 12 full time, 4 part time. Annual turnover low. Average age 40.

Exam results

S-grade: On average, 31 pupils in S grade year: 29 pass in 8 subjects; 31 in 5+ subjects. Highers: 29 in Higher year: 80% pass in 5+ subjects; 13% in 3+ subjects. 9 in Advanced Higher year. Average final score point achieved 288.

University & college entrance

90% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (few take a gap year), 1% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 13% in science and engineering, 60% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 5% in vocational subjects. Others typically go on to further education colleges.

Curriculum

S-grades, Highers and Advanced Highers. 15 subjects offered (no general studies). 15% take science Highers; 15% arts/humanities; 70% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French (compulsory to S4) and German offered at S-grade and Higher; also Spanish in S6. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg in art, music. 21 computers for pupil use (7 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take a recognised IT qualification.

The arts

Music: Over 20% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 3 musical groups: chamber ensemble, wind group, choirs. Girls won classes in city festivals; 5 pupils in Scottish Independent Schools Orchestra summer school; 5 pupils in regional schools orchestra/wind band; finalist in Audi Young Musician; recital at Glasgow University. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school/house productions. Art and design: Printmaking, jewellery, fabric crafts, soft sculpture, graphics etc also offered. 3 commended in art galleries competition, 12 displayed in Scottish Independent Schools art exhibition, and 3 posters at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, netball, volleyball, swimming compulsory. Hockey, representatives in national U16 and regional U18, U16 teams; golf, 1 pupil gained golf scholarship to US university. Activities: Much work for charity and close links with local schools for handicapped. 5 clubs: debating, chess, choir, Pro-life, music.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and house prefects elected by staff and school. Religion: Roman Catholic. Attendance at services compulsory (participation not). Social: Chess, debates, hockey, swimming competitions with local schools. Regular ski trips (Scotland and abroad), occasional educational trips and choir tours abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Packed lunches. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning; any pupils caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be expelled. All pupils are expected to conform to the rules of the school and to maintain a high standard of discipline in all aspects of school life.

Alumni association

is run by former pupil, Mrs Maureen Rees (Secretary).