Founded in 1871, it stands in beautiful grounds on a cliff top, close to Bournemouth's beaches and not far from the New Forest. The main building was formerly part of Lord Portman's estate. In the last thirty years there have been several additions, including a sixth-form complex, design and technology workshop, indoor swimming pool and sports hall. Facilities are good and there are ample playing fields in the school grounds. The school is in the process of becoming co-educational; boys are admitted at age 11-13 and into the sixth form from 2008. Although inter-denominational, the school has close links with the United Reformed Church. Wentworth Plus provides special support for pupils with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The aim is to provide a stimulating and caring environment in which every pupil can reach her full potential whatever her abilities. Strong emphasis is given to the pastoral care and personal development of each pupil. The outdoor education department provides adventurous opportunities as well as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Age range 11-18, 235 girls (160 day, 75 boarding) - before boys admitted. Entrance:à Main entry age 11, 12, 13 and 16. Own exam and Common Entrance used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (normally grade B in sixth-form subjects). State school entry, 15% main intake.

Variable number of scholarships annually: academic, sport, art, music and drama. Discretionary bursaries for daughters of members of United Reformed and Congregational churches.

Headmistress: Miss Sandra D Coe, appointed in 1990. Previously Deputy Head of the Royal Naval School. Also FRGS; Ofsted trained, ISI team inspector. Teaching staff: 34 full time; 14 part time.

GCSE: On average, 35 pupils in Year 11: 90% gain at least grade C in 5 subjects. Average GCSE score 51. A-levels: 20 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 210.

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, (30% after a gap year), 4+% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 25% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 30% in other vocational courses eg tourism, personnel, nursing. Others go on to eg art foundation courses.

GCSE, Vocational A-level, AS and A-levels. 19 GCSE subjects, 20 AS/A-level, 1 Vocational A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 34% take science A-levels; 48% arts/humanities; 17% both. Vocational: Work experience available; also Young Enterprise groups. Special provision: Individual tuition for dyslexics and those for whom English is an additional language. Languages: French, German, and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Most pupils take Clait. 25+ computers for pupil use (up to 14 hours a day), majority networked and a few with email and internet access.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, recorder groups, jazz band, string, brass ensemble, choir. Several participate in National Festival of Music for Youth. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies and LAMDA exams may be taken. School plays and other creative arts production. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 6 A-level.

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, swimming, athletics, fencing, golf, canoeing, aerobics, trampolining, dance, self-defence, badminton. GCSE, AS and A-level PE, and RLSS awards may be taken. County players in a number of sports. Activities: Pupils may take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service (Task Force) optional. Up to 15 clubs, eg dance, science, cookery, ski club. School has its own outdoor education department.

Uniform: School uniform worn, except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, heads of house - elected by the school. School council. Religion: Pupils attend inter-denominational religious worship. Social: Public-speaking, quiz evenings, sport with other local schools. Annual ski course, French course, German exchange and choir trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Most lunches formal; other meals self-service. No school shop but vending machines. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a meeting with personal tutor and a session on time management if thought necessary by either party; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be suspended and a meeting between the Head and parents arranged. School has a clear discipline code, aiming to develop increasing self-discipline and maturity; integrated within tutorial and pastoral care.