Founded in 1930, the school moved in 1939 to its present site on Pullen's Lane, a mile or so from the city centre. There is a steady building programme and good modern facilities of all kinds. Modern buildings harmonise with Victorian houses in 12 acres of grounds with beautiful gardens. Christian principles are fundamental to the life and work of the school. It is the only girls' Roman Catholic independent school which is a lay foundation. There is considerable emphasis on personal attention and tuition and examination results are good. Music is strong; half the girls learn one or more instruments. Art is very strong throughout the school; a range of options is available in design, textiles and ceramics. Drama is enthusiastically supported with outstanding results. Good sports facilities and a wide range of sport is available; high standards are attained with regular representation at city, county and regional level. Many girls are involved in local community service. The school has an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Extensive use is made of Oxford's cultural amenities.

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 400 pupils, 330 day (15 boys, 315 girls), 70 boarding girls. Senior department 11-18, 300 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance used at 11, own exam for other years. For sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills required. State school entry, 35% main intake.

8 pa scholarships, value 10%-20% fees: 4 academic, 4 special subject. Bursaries, based on financial need. Average extras 150 a term.

Headmistress: Miss Alison Jones, in post from 1990. Educated at Northampton School for Girls and York University (English). Teaching staff: 42 full time, 17 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 45.

GCSE: 40 pupils in Year 11: 92% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (most in 10-11 subjects). Average GCSE score 60. A-levels: 30 in upper sixth: 95% 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 (10% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 35% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 20% in vocational subjects eg therapeutic radiography and midwifery, 3% in music.

GCSE, AS and A-levels take. 28 GCSE subjects, 20 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 20% take science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 40% both. Separate key skills course. Languages: French (from age 7), Latin (from age 11) and Spanish (from age 13) and to GCSE and A-level. Also Italian, German and Russian according to demand. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. All pupils take GCSE. 120 computers for pupil use (14 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; network includes boarding houses.

Music: Most pupils learn one or more musical instruments; instrumental exams taken. Musical groups include orchestra, ensembles and choirs. Some members of Oxford Girls' Choir, the Oxford Youth Chamber Choir, Oxford Schools' Symphony Orchestra, Oxfordshire Youth Orchestra and the Thames Vale Orchestra. Drama and debating: One major production annually, plus smaller presentations; most pupils involved. Theatre visits most weeks (Oxford Playhouse, Stratford or London). Strong tradition of debating and public speaking; regular successes in city, county and regional competitions. Art: On average, 40% take GCSE, 15% A-level. Termly art exhibitions, including work by staff, pupils and local artists. Weekly art and pottery club.

Sport: Athletics, badminton, fencing, fitness training, gymnastics, football, hockey, netball, rounders, squash, swimming, table-tennis, tennis, touch rugby. Regular city, county and regional representatives in tennis, hockey and netball. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Various weekly activities including music, drama and sports clubs (eg ballet, judo and fencing).

Uniform: School uniform worn, except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for sport, music, drama. Head girl and prefects, elected by the school. Religion: Roman Catholic. All girls attend school Masses and morning assembly. Social: Debates and social events with various local schools. Organised trips abroad, including study visits, skiing holidays and sports tours.

The aim is to teach the girls to recognise their responsibilities as members of a community.

is run by the Headmistress.