Opened in 1882 as a sister school to Bedford School, it is in the centre of Bedford and has 21 acres of playing fields. The boarding houses (one for sixth formers) are in a quiet area, a short distance from the school and town centre. The original Victorian buildings have been extended and current developments include a sports hall, swimming pool and theatre. Non-denominational Christian values of caring, understanding and respect for others are fundamental to the ethos of the school. Pupils come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Academic standards are high and examination results are excellent. The International Baccalaureate is now offered in addition to AS and A-level courses. A wide range of subjects is offered, from traditional disciplines including Latin and Greek, to music technology and ICT skills. Science and languages are particular strengths. There is a strong commitment to the expressive arts including dance. Sports and games are well catered for (including trampolining and golf) and pupils play for county and regional teams; it is recognised as a top rowing school (the boathouse is shared with other Harpur Trust schools). Numerous clubs and activities cater for most needs and there is keen participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Many activities, eg debating, music and drama are joint with Bedford School.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 830 girls (688 day, 142 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 654 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 7-11, 12, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used.

Academic scholarships, value up to 20% fees, awarded at 11, 12, 13 and 16. Means-tested bursaries. Additional assistance for parents whose financial circumstances change. Extras include lunches and eg music tuition, speech and drama.

Headmistress: Mrs Julie Eldridge, appointed 2007. Previously Deputy Head and geography teacher at the school. Teaching staff: 68 full time, 31 part time.

GCSE: 115 pupils in Year 11: 96% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 61 (over 5 years). A-levels: 97 in upper sixth (88 taking A-levels, 9 taking IB). Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 357.

91% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (4% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 10% take medical and related courses, 22% in maths, science and engineering, 3% in law, 28% in humanities, social sciences and languages, 18% in vocational subjects eg architecture, education, management, business studies, 6% in music and performing arts. A further 3% of sixth formers typically go on to non-degree courses eg art foundation prior to a degree.

GCSE, AS and A-levels, IB Diploma. 22 GCSE subjects, 30 AS/A-level, 18 in IB Diploma programme. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level. Also an enriched sixth-form programme. Vocational: Work experience available. ICT qualifications. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level (modern languages from age 9, choice at age 12). Regular exchanges to Belgium, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught across the curriculum, eg word, photoshop, illustrator and full internet skills. 120 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), many networked and with email and internet access. Wireless provision and 'portable class room'. Good links with the ICT industry.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15 musical groups including choirs, orchestras, woodwind, wind, big bands, madrigal group, brass, strings, flute ensembles. Performances in Berlin on exchange visits. Girls regularly record BBC school music programmes. Drama and dance: Both offered and available to GCSE and A-level; LAMDA, RAD, ISTD exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions; biennial dance concert. Art and design: Options in graphic design, textiles, ceramics, drawing and painting. Close co-operation with design technology department.

Sport: Gymnastics, swimming, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, rounders, netball, compulsory. Optional: rowing, basketball, volleyball, aerobics, trampolining, athletics, yoga, show jumping, self-defence, badminton. Many county, regional and some national representatives in tennis, hockey, netball, lacrosse, athletics, rowing and swimming. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional from age 15. Up to 40 clubs, eg computer, swimming, trampolining, gymnastics, Christian Union, languages, design and technology, rock band, art, chess, junior writers, public speaking, classics, chemistry, Young Enterprise.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School officers, head girl - elected by staff and sixth form. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational school. Attendance at daily assemblies compulsory unless written permission obtained. Social: Activities with Bedford School include classical society, debating, music and drama, sport. Trips abroad eg skiing holidays, sports tours (lacrosse, hockey, swimming), classics trips (Italy, Greece), sailing (France). Sixth form pupils may bring own bike or car to school with permission (but no parking facilities). Meals self-service. School shop.