Founded at Liege in 1642, the school was reopened at its present site in 1799. England's oldest Catholic girls' school, it welcomes all pupils in sympathy with its ethos. Magnificent buildings provide excellent facilities. The main building is a Tudor palace (built by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn and once the home of Mary Tudor), set in a beautiful 120-acre estate with excellent playing fields and sporting amenities. The school is set to accept boys into the senior school - into Year 7 and the lower sixth in 2006, so in each year of the school by 2010. Boys and girls will be taught separately between the ages of 11-16 but the sixth form will be co-educational; the prep school, on the same site, is already co-educational. Academically selective, standards are high and examination results consistently good. There is a great commitment to music. It is very strong in drama and dance (many productions) and art (sixth-form students exhibit their work locally). A wide range of sport and games and high standards are attained. A variety of activities caters for most needs: voluntary service activities have gained national awards; there is an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Justice and peace issues are important to the school's ethos.

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 730 pupils, 110 day boys, 620 girls (570 day, 160 boarding). Senior department 11-18; 425 girls (boys currently only in the prep school). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11 and 16 (also some at 4, 12, 13, 14). Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, minimum GCSE grade B in sixth-form subjects. Variety of skills and a sympathy with Christian values welcomed. State school entry, 25% of intake at 11, plus 50% to sixth form.

Scholarships: 24 academic, 2 art, 2 drama and 4 music (10 at 11, 4 at 13 and 18 at 16). Some sibling bursaries. Parents expected to buy only a few textbooks that are to be kept; extras usually under 100 per term, maximum 250.

50% live within 30 miles; 20% live overseas.

Headmistress: Mrs Katherine A Jeffrey, appointed 2002. Educated at universities of Oxford (PPE), Maynooth (theology), Surrey (PGCE) and Open University (MA educational management). Previously Deputy Headteacher at Marist School, Ascot, and Head of RS at Woldingham. Teaching staff: 117 full time. Annual turnover approximately 10%.

GCSE: 57 pupils in Year 11: 99% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 59 (58 over 5 years). A-levels: 44 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 315.

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (13% after a gap year). 32% take courses in medicine, science and engineering, 35% in arts and humanities, 8% in performing arts and 24% in business, economics and accounting. Others typically go on to HND or secretarial courses or straight into employment.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. Approx 20 GCSE subjects, 21 AS-level, 18 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; AS-level general studies and eg GCSE expressive arts are additional options. Approx 15% take science A-levels; 41% arts/humanities; 44% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Special teaching and ancillary help for physically handicapped; specialist EAL and dyslexia staff. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level; also French AS-level; Italian GCSE as an extra. Regular exchanges (to France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg data logging exercise as part of geography field trip). 50+ computers for pupil use (14 hours a day), 33 networked and with email and internet access. All Year 11 pupils take GCSE short course and most take CIT.

Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include year-based ensembles, choirs, orchestras, wind ensembles, pop groups. Choir has appeared at Westminster Cathedral, St Peter's in Rome, St Mark's in Venice and on BBC 1. Various pupils are members of county youth orchestras. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level drama exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Pupils regularly gain places at major drama schools eg LAMDA, Rose Bruford, Oxford, as well as on drama/English degrees. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Pottery, textiles, photography also offered. A number continue art to degree level.

Sport: Netball, hockey, gym, health-related fitness, tennis, athletics, rounders, swimming compulsory in Years 7-11. Optional: badminton, volleyball, trampolining, aerobics, short tennis, basketball, step aerobics, tae kwando, cricket, table tennis and football. RLSS exams may be taken. Regional and county hockey and netball players; county swimmers. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional at age 15. Voluntary service runs playgroups, visiting the elderly, handicapped club; Justice and Peace group works with homeless, adult literacy group etc. Over 30 clubs, eg all sports, crafts, chess, maths, ballet, drama, music, French, riding.

Uniform: School uniform worn; formal occasions only in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses, for sport, public speaking etc. All members of upper sixth have positions of responsibility. Religion: Roman Catholic. Compulsory attendance at Eucharist on Sundays, assemblies, house prayers, etc. Many other opportunities. Social: Debates, choirs, social events with other schools. Theatre and opera trips. Trips abroad arranged most half-terms and holidays. Pupils allowed to bring own bike or caged pet to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco allowed; sixth form permitted limited alcohol under supervision and on special occasions.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect discussion with tutor; any involvement in illegal drugs can lead to expulsion.

Cindy Buxton (natural history film maker); Ciaran Madden (actress); Nadine Beddington (past president, ARIBA); Anya Hindmarch (businesswoman); Christina Amanpour (war correspondent).