Founded in 1890, it is urban single-site, housed in a pleasant late 19th-century building with large adjoining playing fields. There have been many additions over the years and modern facilities are excellent. The school has an innovative octagonal hall and theatre; a state-of-the-art sports hall, all-weather pitch and a drama studio. The library, mathematics department and computer suites have recently been refurbished and new science laboratories are underway. The school has intentionally remained relatively small, allowing a friendly and intimate environment. Pupils come from a wide geographical area and from many different social and cultural backgrounds; the school welcomes pupils of all faiths and none. Academic standards are high and examination results excellent. A very high proportion of sixth formers goes on to Oxbridge. Extremely strong music and drama departments and a fine range of activities. The school has a high reputation for its achievements in sport and games - particularly tennis and lacrosse (there have been many representatives at county, and several at national level). Large numbers participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. There is a strong commitment to local community services, to fund-raising and the school has special relationship with a local primary school and two schools and a hospital in Kenya.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 635 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 540 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam and interview used; for sixth-form entry, at least 6 GCSEs at grade A (including sixth-form subjects). All-round ability and excellent potential looked for; no religious requirements. 35+% of senior intake from state schools; 25-30% from own junior school.

No scholarships; approx 15 bursaries annually awarded to girls who have done well in the entrance exam, whose family circumstances warrant help. Parents not expected to buy textbooks or pay examination fees; music tuition, lunches, pupil insurance and trips extra.

Headmistress: Mrs Janet Pickering, in post since 2000. Educated at Bridlington High and Malton Grammar schools, Yorkshire, and at Sheffield University (biochemistry). Previously Head of St Bees, Cumbria, and Deputy Head at King's School, Canterbury. Also Independent Schools Inspector. Teaching staff: 44 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover under 5%. Average age 43.

GCSE: 71 in upper fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 10 subjects. Average GCSE score 73. A-level: 82 in upper sixth, all taking and passing 3+ A-levels in addition to general studies. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 483.

All sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (16% after a gap year), 23% to Oxbridge. 20% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% science and engineering, 49% in humanities and social sciences, 16% in other vocational subjects eg nursing, architecture, accountancy.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 AS/A-level subjects (including Greek). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level and 3-4 at A-level; in addition, all take A-level general studies. 35% take science A-levels; 23% arts/humanities; 42% both. Vocational: Work experience programme for all. Languages: French, Spanish, German, Latin and Greek offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also A-level Italian; lunchtime Japanese course. Regular foreign exchanges, both school and family based. ICT: Taught both across the curriculum and as a core subject to GCSE. 110 networked computers for pupil use all day, all with internet and email access (in 5 computer suites, strategically placed around the school).

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams are taken (some 250 girls). Musical groups include 3 large orchestras, windband, 5 choirs. 3 girls in national orchestras and choirs. Drama: 4+ productions each year (some written by staff and pupils), involving girls of all ages. A-level theatre studies. Popular dance clubs, run by sixth form. Art and design: GCSE and A-level offered, including design, pottery, textiles and photography.

Sport: Hockey, netball, lacrosse, gymnastics, tennis, rounders, swimming, athletics compulsory. Optional: badminton, basketball, aerobics, fencing, football, cricket. Many pupils play lacrosse in national and regional squads; school competes at national level in tennis. Activities: Most pupils take bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award, some go on to silver and gold. Large number of sixth form take part in voluntary work in the local community. 23,000+ raised for local and national charities in 2003. Science and maths Olympiads; public speaking; debating; Young Enterprise. Over 25 clubs and societies.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: House system (house competitions in sport, music and drama). All sixth form are prefects. Head girl, two deputies and sixth-form committee chosen by Headmistress after consulting sixth form and staff. House captains and vice captains elected by houses. Each form has a representative on school council and catering and charities committees. Religion: All faiths and none welcome; compulsory, non-denominational school assembly; separate Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu assemblies weekly. Social: Girls regularly participate in events, social, cultural and academic, with Manchester Grammar School. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service; vegetarian options provided.

The school encourages respect for self and others, thus few formal rules are required or imposed. Minor acts of indiscipline are dealt with by the form tutor, more serious ones by Heads of Year, Head or Deputy. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a verbal reminder; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be suspended, prior to discussions about their future.

is run by Mrs Celia Priest c/o the school.

Judith and Sandra Chalmers (TV and radio presenters); Christine Rice (principal ENO soloist); Heather Du Quesnay (Director of National College for School Leadership); Sarah Heard (fashion designer) and many distinguished practitioners in law, medicine and the universities.