Founded in 1860 by the Sisters of Mercy, it is situated on a single spacious site with additional playing fields opposite. It has pleasant buildings and recent developments include two large ICT suites, a sixth-form centre, sports hall and library. The junior school is on the same site. It has a reputation for a friendly and caring approach and a strong Christian ethos. Small classes, mostly streamed, allow each girl to progress at her own rate. Examination results are good, and the value added element is high. It is strong in music, drama and art and there is a range of sports and activities. There is also a strong commitment to local community schemes and an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and Young Enterprise.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 400 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and some at 16. Own entrance exam and interview; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade A in sixth-form subjects); plus IELTS level 6.5 if English is not mother tongue. Roman Catholic foundation but school welcomes pupils of all beliefs who wish to share its ideals and expectations. State school entry, 50% main intake. Many pupils from own junior school, Our Lady's Convent Junior School (St John's Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 2HB, tel 01235 523147).

Academic scholarships and exhibitions, up to 50% of fees. Variable number of bursaries.

Headmistress: Mrs Lynne Renwick, appointed in 2004. Teaching staff: 30 full-time, 25 part-time.

GCSE: 60 pupils in Year 11: 98% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 59 (55 over 5 years). A-levels: 38 in upper sixth: Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 337.

Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 25% after a gap year. 28% take courses in science, 28% in humanities and social sciences, 22% in arts, 22% in vocational subjects.

GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 20 AS-level subjects, 21 A-level (including 2 vocational). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies not taken but compulsory, wide-ranging enrichment programme. 9% take science A-levels; 33% arts/humanities; 58% both. Vocational: A-levels in business studies and ICT. Work experience available. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 70 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. All take short course GCSE in Year 9.

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 5 musical groups: orchestras, choral and chamber groups. Drama: LAMDA exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: Many pupils take GCSE, A-level. Textiles also offered.

Sport: Netball, tennis, hockey, swimming, badminton, dance, gymnastics compulsory. Optional: squash. Year 11 and sixth form only: basketball, fitness, scuba, rowing. GCSE, RLSS exams may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service compulsory at age 16, optional at other ages. Up to 30 clubs, eg music, sports, synchronised swimming, science, art, environment, computer, etc.

Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl and deputy head girl appointed by the Headmistress following elections by staff and sixth form. School Council. Religion: Roman Catholic. All pupils join in daily assembly and Mass (once or twice a term). Social: Lectures and activities with other sixth forms; joint drama and choral societies. Model United Nations. Exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school (but no parking provided). Meals formal. School tuck and uniform shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

School guidelines designed to make life happier and safer for all. Few set punishments; problems dealt with on a one-to-one basis. Unsatisfactory work may lead to a girl being put 'on report'. Strong sense among staff, parents and pupils of mutual support and encouragement, in accordance with founders' aspiration Ã'Â�to each according to her needs'.