Founded in 1895 at Sandwich, it moved to its present site in 1939. The main building is a very handsome listed Regency country house set in 80 acres of splendid parkland. Facilities are very good, boarding accommodation is comfortable and an extension to the junior school recently completed. Religious worship is compulsory in the Anglican tradition but all denominations are welcome. A good general education is provided. There is a big commitment to music, drama and art. A fine range of sports and games is available and there is an excellent variety of extra-curricular activities, including riding in the school's internationally renowned equestrian centre. A promising record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 400 girls (220 day, 180 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 330 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11-13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, report and reference from previous school (GCSE at least grade C in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 25% senior intake (plus few to sixth form).

Scholarships up to 50% of day fee (to age 16): academic, good all-rounder, drama, music, art, sport, riding. Services bursaries available to age 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras 100.

30+% live within 30 miles; 10+% live overseas.

Headmistress: Mrs Shirley Shayler, in post from 2007. Teaching staff: 33 full time, 15 part time (teaching). Annual turnover 3%. Average age 40.

GCSE: 51 pupils in Year 11: 74% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 56. A-levels: 36 in upper sixth: 17% passed in 4+ subjects; 72% in 3; and 11% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 317.

89% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, (27% after a gap year). 33% take courses in science and engineering, 44% in humanities and social sciences, 9% in art and design. Others typically go on to non-degree courses eg nursing, HND or art, or direct into careers.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 19 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 25% take science A-levels; 15% arts/humanities; 60% both. Key skills integrated into curriculum plus an extension course. Vocational: Work experience available. BHS AI taken by riding students (competition riding course). Special provision: Help with dyslexia. Specialist teacher for EAL. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum; most pupils take GCSE short course. 80 computers for pupil use (18 hours a day), all networked (including boarding houses) and all with email and internet access.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 5 musical groups: choir, brass and wind bands, orchestra, chamber choir. Music school has own recording studio. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE, AS and A-level drama and LAMDA exams may be taken. All pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Photography A-level popular.

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, athletics, swimming compulsory. Optional: volleyball, golf, riding, tetrathlon, badminton, squash, table tennis, cross country, canoeing, football. GCSE, BAGA and BHS exams may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Some 50 clubs, eg various sports and music, CDT.

Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Prefects and head girl appointed by sixth form and staff, following application process. School Council. Religion: Church of England but pupils of any faith welcome. Boarders attend Anglican or Roman Catholic service on Sundays. Social: Organised local events and trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/horse to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would expect expulsion.

Katharine Schlesinger (actress); Gita Sereny (author); Romola Garai (actress).