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What it's like

Founded in 1878, it has a pleasant urban site with gardens and playing fields on the west side of the city wall, near the Watergate. A combination of late-Victorian and modern buildings. The school still uses the original assembly hall, built on the site given by the Duke of Westminster in 1882 when Queen Victoria became the first patron. The junior and prep departments are housed in separate buildings in Liverpool Road. The school is non-denominational with a Christian emphasis. A strong, balanced education is provided; all sixth formers take A-level critical thinking. Examination results are excellent. Considerable strength in music, drama and art. There is a good range of sports and games, in which high standards are achieved, and a range of extra-curricular activities.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 600 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 445 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B (grade A in sixth-form subjects). Good all-round academic ability sought; no religious requirements.

Scholarships & bursaries

Some financial help may be available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks, stationery or pay exam fees.

Head & staff

Head Mistress: Mrs C M Buckley, in post from 2001. Educated at Dame Allan's Girls' School, and Oxford University (modern languages). Previously Principal of Girls' Division at King's School, Macclesfield, and taught at Manchester High and Cheadle Hulme. Teaching staff: 47 full time, 27 part time, 9 peripatetic music staff (senior school).

Exam results

GCSE: 71 pupils in Year 11. 99% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 70 (68 over 5 years). A-levels: 51 in upper sixth: 89% passed in 4+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 487.

University & college entrance

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses (12% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 16% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 14% in science and engineering, 2% in law, 18% in humanities and social sciences, 6% in languages, 14% in art and design and 22% in vocational subjects, eg architecture, land management, education, hospitality management, sports science, physiotherapy, dramatic arts.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: All take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (some 15% take 5 at AS, 4 at A-level); in addition, all take A-level critical thinking. 30% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Some individual help. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany), visits to Spain. Native speakers as conversation assistants. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Single campus-wide network; high-speed internet access from classroom PCs; 130 network computers for pupil use including 2 dedicated suites, plus scanners, interactive whiteboards, digital cameras etc.

The arts

Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including choirs, orchestras, flute ensembles, reed group, jazz bands. Pupils regularly participate in musicals and concerts. Drama: Drama taught Years 7-9 and as GCSE option; ESB, LAMDA exams may be taken. Pupils participate in drama clubs and in school productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 8 A-level.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, lacrosse, tennis, athletics, skiing are major sports. Also netball, cross-country, swimming, rounders, gymnastics, badminton; sixth form, golf, squash, fitness, street dance. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's Award from Year 9; community service optional in sixth form; also Young Enterprise. Over 10 clubs, eg Christian Union, Quest, drama, computers, electronics, table tennis, other sports and music.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, dress code in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for games, music and drama. Head girl and deputies appointed by sixth form and staff. School Committee. Religion: Non-denominational. Christian assembly on three mornings. Social: Organised local events and joint functions with other schools from time to time. French and German exchanges; ski trips and adventure holidays abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. Twice-weekly tuckshop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Alumni association

is run by Mrs Margaret Yorke, c/o the school.