Founded in 1928. The main house dates from 1799 and has been greatly extended to provide modern facilities. It is situated amid beautiful, rural surroundings, 22 miles from London, in 45 acres of grounds amongst the Surrey hills. A Roman Catholic foundation, it welcomes other denominations. Classes are small and a broad curriculum provides an all-round education. Examination results are good. Each girl is encouraged to explore her own capabilities in her own way and to discover her own individual talents. Pupils are involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities - music, drama, arts, textiles, public-speaking, debating, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, voluntary service, work experience and Young Enterprise. Facilities for sports and games include an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, all-weather hockey pitch and a multi-purpose sports hall. The preparatory school, from which many pupils are drawn, is about 1.5 miles away.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 330 girls (240 day, 90 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 12, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C. Small state school entry; 40% of intake from own prep school (tel 01372 453456), others from a range of local prep schools.

Academic, art and music scholarships, up to 50% of tuition fees, awarded at 11, 12, 13 and 16; also sixth-form drama and sports awards. Some bursaries for existing pupils, based on financial need.

Headmistress: Mrs Lesley Falconer, in post from 2007. Teaching staff: 36 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 8%. Average age 38.

GCSE: 48 in fifth: 83% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 13% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 60. A-levels: 30 in upper sixth: 17% passed in 4+ subjects, 77% in 3, and 3% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 361.

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (3% after a gap year). 28% take courses in science, engineering and medicine, 41% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 21% other vocational subjects eg business administration, physiotherapy.

GCSE, AS and A-levels: 17 GCSE subjects offered, 27 A-level. Special provision: Learning support and EFL lessons by specialist teachers; small groups or individual teaching. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Latin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level (French compulsory from 11, Spanish or German from 12, Latin for 1 year at 11). Most take GCSE in more than 1 language. Annual visits to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both across the curriculum and as a discrete subject. 100 computers for pupil use (12+ hours a day; some for 24 hours), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choirs, many ensembles. Drama: Drama and theatre arts offered; LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 12 A-level.

Sport: Hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, rounders, basketball, volleyball, athletics, cross-country, badminton, riding, football, swimming, gymnastics, trampolining, swimming. Exams may be taken. County and regional hockey and netball representatives. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Voluntary service includes geriatric visits, working with the blind and disabled. Over 60 extra-curricular activities; clubs include computer, chess, driving lessons, riding, debating, public-speaking.

Uniform: School uniform worn; sixth form uniform for special occasions. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl and deputy, head of house and house prefects elected by school, ratified by Headmistress and staff. School Council. Religion: Roman Catholic. All girls attend assemblies and chapel. Social: Debates, theatre trips, modern languages and social events, sixth-form societies and challenge of management course with local boys independent schools. Organised trips abroad for eg sport (France, Italy), art and Spanish (Spain), World Challenge expedition (Tanzania). Meals self-service. School bank and shop.

Clearly defined school rules and sanctions.

St Teresa's Old Girls' Association (STOGA) c/o the school.

Lynne Reid-Banks (author); Faye Maschler (restaurateur and food critic); Jennifer Michelmore (actress).