Founded in 1874, it moved in 1940 to its present 11-acre wooded site near central Manchester, close to Manchester Grammar School and the universities. The main buildings, which were built in the 1940s and 1950s, have been frequently updated and recent additions include a specialist music block, IT suites, a multi-purpose auditorium, refurbished science and modern language laboratories and swimming pool. The prep school is on the same site. Originally established to promote the extension of educational opportunities to women, it was a pioneering institution preparing girls for university entrance. The early emphasis on academic strength continues: the seven-year academic programme is planned to lead to university entrance. Examination results are very good. There is a strong pastoral care system with a Head of Year structure and full-time nursing sister. The school is non-denominational and welcomes girls of any religious faiths or none. There are assemblies for religious and multi-denominational services. Music is a strength and there is a variety of instrumental and choral groups. A wide range of sports is offered and a large number of girls participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Sports Leaders Awards. Joint activities with Manchester Grammar include debates, drama, musical performances and lectures.

Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 920 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 720 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 50% senior intake.

Some scholarships (including 1 music). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head Mistress: Mrs Christine Lee-Jones, in post from 1998. Educated at universities of Wales (biblical studies and Far Eastern religions), London (education) and Open University (management of education). Previously Principal of Eccles College, Manchester; also FRSA and Member of BIM. Teaching staff: 70 full time, 15 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.

GCSE: 99 pupils in Year 11; on average gaining at least grade C in 9 subjects, with GCSE score of 68. A-levels: 97 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 395.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 15% to Oxbridge. 19% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 22% in science and engineering, 4% in law, 39% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 2% in vocational subjects eg equine studies, physiotherapy.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 23 AS and A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; AS-level general studies and critical thinking additional options. 35% take science A-levels; 25% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French (compulsory Years 7-11), German and Spanish offered from Year 9 at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 100 computers for pupil use (6.5 hours a day), 50 networked and with email and internet access. All pupils take IT key skills level 2 in Year 11.

Music: 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 12 musical groups include orchestras, choirs, string ensembles, flute and guitar groups, wind band. Drama: GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies offered. Guildhall speech and drama exams may be taken. Art and design: 50 take GCSE, 25 A-level. Textiles offered in Years 7-9.

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, gymnastics compulsory. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Up to 15 clubs, eg philosophy, debating, art, chess.

Uniform: School uniform except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Head girl elected by the school. School council. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at religious worship not compulsory. Social: Joint society meetings, drama productions and debates with Manchester Grammar. Trips abroad include art visits to eg Rome, New York, Prague; hockey tours to Fiji and Australia. Students allowed to bring own car or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

All sanctions depend on the nature and circumstances of the offence. Pupils are expected to adhere to a code of conduct. Good behaviour is encouraged through a formalised system of certification.

is run through the school.