Founded in 1883, it moved to its present buildings in Edgbaston in 1940. Purpose-built and well equipped, it has spacious grounds and playing fields. It shares the site and a governing body with its brother school. There is some joint teaching at sixth-form level and much extra-curricular collaboration. It is a non-denominational school. A top priority is to keep the school open to academically able pupils, drawn from as wide a cross section as possible, and means-related assistance is available. The curriculum is designed to nurture a culture of scholarship, creativity, independent learning and thinking. The school enjoys good teaching and academic standards are very high. Examination results are excellent and virtually all leavers go on to degree courses at top universities, including many to Oxbridge. It is strong in music, drama and art. There is a good range of sport and games; particular strength in hockey and netball, with a number of county and regional representatives. A number of extra-curricular activities flourish and there is considerable commitment to local community schemes.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 550 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used including for sixth-form entry. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 48% of main intake (plus 70% new entrants to sixth form). Pupils come from a range of feeder schools.

Up to 2 pa academic scholarships, value up to 50% of fees. A number of means-tested school assisted places. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; lunch, outings, music tuition extra.

Headmistress: Miss Sarah Evans, appointed 1996. Educated at King James' Grammar School, Knaresborough, and at the universities of Sussex, Leicester and Leeds (English). Previously Head at Friends School, Saffron Walden, Deputy Head at Fulneck Girls' School, and Head of English at Leeds High. Teaching staff: 36 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 3%.

GCSE: 78 pupils in upper fifth, all gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 77. A-levels: 75 in upper sixth, all passed in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 485.

Most sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 15% to Oxbridge. 30% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20+ AS/A-level subjects (including Greek). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS and A-level; in addition, all take AS and A-level general studies. 40% took science A-levels, 20% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience compulsory. Languages: French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular visits (France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Russia). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 52 computers for pupil use (8.5 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including orchestra, concert band, choirs. Drama and dance: Both offered. Majority of pupils are involved in school and form/other productions (over 100 in annual dance production). Pupils also take part in out-of-school performing arts. Art and design: On average, 24 take GCSE, 8 AS-level and A-level. Design (2D and 3D), pottery, textiles, photography, history and appreciation of art also offered.

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, rounders, gym, dance, aerobics, basketball, badminton, squash, volleyball, multigym, athletics compulsory at different ages. Number of county/regional hockey and netball players. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service compulsory at age 17 (many continue thereafter). Up to 30 clubs, eg sports, dance, geographical, mathematics, modern languages, debating, classics, Shakespeare, Christian Union, drama, Amnesty.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: No houses or prefects but many leadership opportunities throughout the school. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Many joint activities with brother school (King Edward's). Organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service.

Rules are kept to the minimum necessary for good order and a purposeful working environment. Atmosphere and tradition play an important part in the maintenance of discipline and the encouragement of self-discipline.