Founded in 1882 by the Girls' Day School Trust, it is situated in the heart of Southsea, close to the sea, with the junior school within a 2-minute walk. A sixth-form centre has been added and, most recently, a sports hall and design technology suites. General teaching rooms are well maintained and there is generous provision for science, art and ICT. While broadly Christian, assembly is inclusive and non-confessional and pupils of all faiths or none participate. Pupils come from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds. A broad education is provided in a caring and supportive environment. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. There is much emphasis on pastoral care. A varied programme of extra-curricular activities, with sport, music and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme figuring prominently.

Pupils: Age range 3-18; 610 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 470 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 11, 14 and 16. Own entrance tests used, based on the National Curriculum. For sixth-form entry, 7 GCSEs at grade C or above (at least grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 40% ofà main intakes plus 80% to sixth form. Own junior school provides over 40% senior intake (enquiries to the Headteacher, Portsmouth High Junior School, Dovercourt, 36 Kent Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 3ES).

Scholarships awarded at 11 (academic, music), 13 (music) and for the sixth form (academic, art, drama, sport). Bursaries scheme. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Headmistress: Mrs Jenny Clough, in post since 2006. Educated at Cambridge University (Natural Sciences). Previously Deputy Head of Sherborne Girls' School. Teaching staff: 43 full time, 19 part time. Annual turnover 4%.

GCSE: 78 pupils in Year 11: all gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects with an average score ofà69. A-levels: 33 in upper sixth: all passed in 3+ subjects with a final point score of 352.

All sixth-form leavers typically go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 15% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 21% in science and engineering, 28% in humanities, 22% in social sciences, 12% in art, drama and and music, 2% in vocational subjects eg physiotherapy, teaching.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 13% take science A-levels; 55% arts/humanities; 33% both. Vocational: Post-GCSE work experience compulsory. Special provision: Coaching as necessary. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. 200+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. All pupils take ICAA short course in ICT, with the option of taking the full GCSE.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8+ musical groups including string orchestra, wind band, chamber choir, orchestras, other choirs and groups. Several pupils in both county and youth training orchestras. Drama and dance: Dance offered. Theatre studies at GCSE, AS and A-level. LAMDA and New Era exams may be taken. School productions for each year group. Art and design: On average, 55 take GCSE, 11 take AS/A-level.

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, swimming, football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, athletics, gym, dance, basketball, trampolining. 2 international swimmers. Pupils in various county squads (netball, tennis, gymnastics). Senior pupils can take sports leaders awards. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Also World Challenge, Barnados Business Enterprise Scheme; community service optional in sixth form. Clubs include aerobics, cheer leading, computing, debating, drama, pottery, Islamic, chess, first aid, as well as music and sports clubs.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: House system in place. Head girl and 2 deputies, elected by senior girls. Religion: Non-denominational. Morning assembly unless withdrawn for religious reasons. Social: Concerts, plays, debates, musicals, lectures with local schools. Exchanges with France, Germany, Spain; group cultural visits; skiing trips. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school (no parking provided for cars). Meals self-service. School tuckshop.

Pupils failing to produce homework once will be required to do it; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises can expect immediate suspension and probable expulsion.