Founded in 1853, it flourished for most of its first 50 years under Miss Dorothea Beale, a pioneer of the belief that the education of girls is every bit as important as that of boys. In 1873 it moved into fine new buildings at Bayshill, a pleasant area of Regency Cheltenham. There have been many additions since to provide a well-equipped school - an art and technology wing, sports hall, swimming pool, drama studio and editing suite. The boarding houses are within 10 minutes' walk. A civilised, friendly atmosphere prevails ('a caring, gentle, tolerant and inclusive community' and 'an exceptional climate for personal development' according to a recent inspection report). The College has a strong academic tradition with a large, well-qualified staff, which permits a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:7. The school now offers the International Baccalaureate alongside traditional A-levels. Academic standards are high and examination results are consistently excellent; a large number of girls go on to Oxbridge each year. Music, drama and art are strong and good standards are continuously achieved. Facilities for sports are first-rate and a wide variety is available; again, high standards are attained and the College has produced many representatives at county, regional and national level. Girls are expected to attend Prayers (in the Anglican tradition) every morning and services every Sunday. It is also closely associated with local community services and many girls participate successfully in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 867 girls (235 day, 632 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages, 11, 12, 13 and 16. Own exam used (pupils should be fluent in English before being accepted); for sixth-form entry, own sixth-form exam and GCSE grade A in sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements although the school is run on Christian lines. State school entry 10% main intake (plus few to sixth form).

23 pa scholarships, value 10%-50% fees: academic, art, music and sport (most awarded at 11, some at 13, 16 or other ages). Variable number (40+ pa) of bursaries to present pupils, to scholars and needy applicants. Parents not expected to buy textbooks. Average 150 per term extras.

30% live within 30 miles; 27% live overseas.

Principal: Mrs Vicky Tuck appointed 1996. Masters degree in applied European studies. Previously Deputy Head at City of London School, Head of Modern Languages at Bromley High and French and Italian Teacher at Putney High; also PGCE Course Director at Institute of Education; Member of the Institute of Linguists. Teaching staff: 110 full time, 85 part time (including peripatetic). Annual turnover 5%. Average age 43.

GCSE: 136 pupils in fifth year: 99% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 1% in 7 subjects. Average GCSE score 69. A-levels: 144 in upper sixth: 32% passed in 4+ subjects; 68% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 415 (374 excluding AS-levels).

99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (some after a gap year), 19% to Oxbridge. 8% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science, engineering and maths, 39% in social sciences, 39% in arts, classics, English and modern languages. 7 girls took art foundation courses during their gap year.

GCSE, AS and A-levels; also International Baccalaureate Diploma. 25 subjects offered (including Greek and Latin). Sixth form: 17% take science and maths A-levels, 43% arts/humanities, 40% both. General studies not taken. Key skills integrated into sixth-form subjects, plus discrete units in IT for new entrants. Vocational: Work shadowing available. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Italian offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 250 computers for pupil use (11+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access, plus a fully supported laptop scheme. All pupils take GCSE or key skills level 2 IT

Music: 65+% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups, including 16 chamber groups, 6 choirs (including gospel), 2 symphony and 2 string orchestras, 2 flute choirs, jazz band, wind band, contemporary music group and early music consort. Several groups in finals concerts of National Schools Chamber Music Competition. Drama: Drama offered (as part of curriculum and as an extra). GCSE and A-level drama, LAMDA, Guildhall exams may be taken. Number of productions, including musicals, Edinburgh Festival show and house drama competitions. Further courses in lighting and sound, public-speaking and debating, video production and film appreciation. Art and design: 36% take GCSE, 13% A-level. Art history, ceramics, sculpture, etching and silk-screen printing also offered. Museum and gallery visits organised; also painting weekends. Girls regularly gain entry to top schools of art and architecture.

Sport: Hockey, lacrosse, netball, gymnastics, dance, tennis, swimming, athletics, rounders, multi-gym compulsory. Optional: riding, polo, yoga, fencing, judo, self-defence, squash, aerobics, badminton, basketball, volleyball, cricket, rugby, football, dry-slope skiing, rowing, windsurfing, golf, sailing, orienteering, mountain biking, climbing, land yachting, abseiling. National representation in lacrosse; county representation in all major sports. Past national hockey champions; national netball and lacrosse finals; successful in local, regional, county hockey and netball tournaments. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Active community service programme in sixth form; much charitable work, biennial fete raising money for local charities. International links with schools in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. Expeditions to South America, Africa. Over 30 clubs, eg history of art, history, debating, IT/web page design, Platypus (junior philosophy), Christian Union, classical, photography, adventure club, electronics, code breaking, art, music.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Senior prefect, prefects elected by the school; all girls have some house responsibilities. School Forum. Religion: Christian school. Daily act of worship, attendance at Sunday religious worship compulsory for boarders, except in sixth form. Social: Joint choral events, drama productions, debates, dances, house parties etc with other schools. French exchange to Annecy annually; other trips to Paris (art trip), sports tours, cruises, cultural holidays; expeditions to eg South America, Africa. Some formal meals; self-service in sixth-form houses. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once could expect a mild reprimand; anyone caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be dismissed. Any form of bullying or discrimination is unacceptable.

is based at the Guild Office, c/o the school.

Bridget Riley (artist); Katherine Hamnet (dress designer); Penelope Walker (opera singer); Sue Lloyd-Roberts (broadcaster); Cheryl Gillan MP; Fiona Mactaggart MP; Clare Spottiswoode (OFGAS); Clare Marx (first woman orthopaedic surgeon); Amanda Wakeley (dress designer); Rosie Boycott; Rachel Lomax (Deputy Governor, Bank of England).