What it’s like
Founded in 1823 (the Brontë sisters attended the school in 1824), it was established at Casterton in 1833. It stands in its own grounds of 50 acres on the outskirts of the village; the surroundings are very beautiful. There are handsome solid buildings, excellent modern facilities and comfortable boarding accommodation. Recent developments include a creative arts centre and an all-weather pitch. A sound traditional education is provided and examination results are very good. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:6. Its religious life is based on Anglican practice and the village parish church is used regularly for worship. A happy, friendly place with a family atmosphere, it is strong in music and drama and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Plentiful use is made of the superb Cumbrian countryside for outdoor pursuits, including riding (on the school’s own horses), walking, sailing.
School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3–18; 340 pupils, 132 day (20 boys, 112 girls), 208 boarding girls. Senior department 11–18, 260 girls.
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam or Common Entrance used. School is Anglican though all denominations are accepted. State school entry 50% intake at 11.

Scholarships & bursaries Some available, dependent on ability and need.

Parents 10+% live within 30 miles; 10+% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmaster: A F Thomas, in post from 1990. Educated at William Hulme’s Grammar School and Cambridge University (mathematics). Previously Housemaster and Head of Mathematics at Sedbergh. Also Assistant Chief Examiner in GCSE Mathematics. Publications: Co-author of SMP Additional Mathematics. England lacrosse international (tour of USA/Canada and World Cup 1967).
Teaching staff: 43 full time, 13 part time. Annual turnover 3%. Average age 41.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 40 pupils in Year 11: 97% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 57 (58 over 5 years).
A-levels: 46 in Year 13. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 405.

University & college entrance 97% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (30% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 11% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 18% in science & engineering, 12% in law, 52% in humanities & social sciences, 7% in art & design.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level, most take a broad range; in addition, general studies AS and A-level. 35% take science A-levels; 65% arts/humanities. Key skills taught as optional and discrete units and integrated into sixth-form courses.
Vocational: Work experience available; also RSA courses in keyboarding.
Special provision: Mild dyslexia, hearing loss catered for.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Latin to GCSE. Regular visits and exchanges to Europe.
ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 85 computers for pupil use, networked across campus, with email and (monitored) internet access.

The arts
Music: Over 70% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental and vocal exams can be taken. Some 14 musical groups including orchestras, wind band, chamber groups, choirs. Regular finalists in National Festival of Music for Youth, county youth orchestra players.
Drama & dance: GCSE and A-level drama available, also AB exams may be taken. 4 plays/musicals, house plays etc involve most pupils. Recent main productions Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Grease, House of Bernarda Alba.
Art & design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 5 A-level. History of art (A-level), ceramics, textiles also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, lacrosse, netball, rounders, swimming, athletics compulsory. Optional: tennis, riding, sailing. 2 national, 2 regional lacrosse player; 3–4 county hockey, athletics, netball and lacrosse players.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Other activities include public speaking, debating, Young Enterprise, sailing, sub aqua, parachuting.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout (casual clothes after school).
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girls, house captains and house prefects – appointed by the Headmaster.
Religion: Anglican, but girls of other denominations are accepted; provision for RC pupils locally.
Social: Some social events with other schools. Cultural trips to Europe; skiing trips. Some meals self-service, some formal. School shop (books and sundries). No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Honesty, self discipline and consideration for others expected. Disciplinary offences are dealt with sympathetically but firmly. Serious misdemeanours are rare; involvement with drugs would lead to expulsion.

Boarding 18% have own study bedroom, 44% share (1–4). Houses of 20–35 (separate houses for under-12s and for sixth-form). Resident SRN. Central dining room. Sixth form can cook own food and visit local inn at weekends. 2 weekend exeats each term (3 for sixth form). Visits to the local towns allowed at weekends.

Alumni association is run by Miss J Laycock, c/o the school.