Founded in 1937 by the Sisters of the Company of Mary, an international teaching order. Pupils must be sympathetic to the Catholic ethos. The original building, Burwood House, is a mansion on a fine estate. A large number of modern additions provide good facilities and equipment, including a new learning resource centre. Both senior and preparatory schools are on the same site, approximately 1 mile from Cobham. A sound general education is provided and examination results are very good. Drama and art are strong. There is a range of sports and games and good facilities on site, including a heated indoor swimming pool and sports hall.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 375 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (including English and maths), grade B in sixth-form subjects. Must be sympathetic to the Catholic ethos. Many pupils from own prep school.

Up to 10 academic scholarships: 4 at 11, up to 6 at 16 (based on GCSE results), value 25%-50% fees. Short term bursaries available for parents of current pupils suffering financial hardship.

Headmistress: Mrs Bridget Williams, in post from 2003. Teaching staff: 39 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 39.

GCSE: 54 pupils in Year 11: 98% gained grade C or above in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 62 (60 over 5 years). A-levels: 23 in upper sixth: 100% passed in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 320.

100% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (17% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 13% take courses in science and engineering, 69% in humanities and social sciences, 18% vocational courses eg education, physiotherapy.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS-level subjects, 20 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 10% take science and maths A-levels; 50% arts and humanities; 40% both. Special provision: Learning support and EFL. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Italian GCSE in sixth form. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 90+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Pupils take ECDL or GCSE.

Music: 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument or take private singing lessons; instrumental and voice exams can be taken. Emphasis on music theatre. Musical ensembles: orchestra, concert band, percussion, choirs, chamber, recorder. CD recorded in 2003. Several pupils play in county youth orchestras/bands; some pupils at junior departments of London conservatoires. Major musical each year. Drama: Drama offered in curriculum; 33% take private drama lessons. GCSE and A-level and LAMDA drama exams may be taken. Many of pupils are involved in school/public productions and inter-house drama events. Art and design: On average, 50% take GCSE, 3-5 pupils take A-level. Design, textiles, photography also offered.

Sport: Netball, tennis, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cross country up to Year 9. Aerobics, basketball, trampolining, indoor hockey, lacrosse from Year 10. GCSE and AS and A-level may be taken. Regular competition in county sports. Winners in county netball and athletics, national biathlon champions; county netball players, swimmers and cross county runners. Activities: Pupils may take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service compulsory in lower sixth. Extensive charity activities (up to 3000 pa); Christmas party for local senior citizens; community work with elderly. Up to 25 clubs, eg computer, film, technology, debating, environment, science, various sports.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl and deputy, head of house and house prefects, appointed by staff and pupil vote. Religion: Roman Catholic. All girls attend Mass regularly; assemblies reflect Christian beliefs. Social: Edinburgh Fringe performers; skiing and sports tours abroad; theatre trips. Sixth formers allowed to bring own cars to school. Meals self-service. School tuck shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework more than once might expect parents to be informed, threatening detention (after-school detention rarely necessary). Consistent and fair approach. Peer monitoring by Year 10 and sixth form.