This is a wonderful school, full of intelligent, questioning, confident and kind girls who learn to fly on every level in this haven of calm, compassionate and creative education.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 411 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 88 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £10,329 - £21,561 pa
- Local authority
- Devon County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Mrs Liz Gregory
Since September 2022, Liz Gregory. She won everyone over when she joined by launching a consultation with pupils, parents and staff to audit current perceptions of the school; her resultant strategic development plan has been warmly received. It is
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Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.
Entrance
This is an academically selective school with good retention from the prep to the sixth form so entrance requirements grow with the girls – the school likes to ensure that any girl offered a place can thrive throughout the school.
Entry to the
- Open days
- Please contact the school
Exit
The school has an impressive retention rate; 95 per cent of the year 6 pupils head on into the senior school with financial pressures being the reason behind the five per cent loss, most of whom head into the Devon grammar system. Post GCSEs 80-85
Latest results
In 2025, 76 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 60 per cent A*/A at A level (86 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Small class sizes, wonderfully warm and mutually respectful pupil–teacher relationships and an atmosphere of calm enthusiasm sum up the learning environment here. Subject choices and results at both GCSE and A level suggest a healthy balance across
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Learning support is managed by the highly rated team of one SENCo and one learning mentor with fabulous links to external support, helping girls to get everything from ASD counselling to private one-on-one external tutoring or safeguarding and
Arts & extracurricular
Fashion and textiles highly impressive here and every girl gets the chance to study this subject both in timetable and as an extracurricular club. Whilst it is not currently offered as a GCSE option (despite the pleas of the girls), it is a popular A
Sport
At first glance, you would be mistaken for questioning the lack of green acres and onsite pitches here, maybe wondering whether this school would be the right fit for your sports-mad daughter. Think again. Whilst they do have to hop in a minibus to
Ethos & heritage
Despite its small size, this is a school that ‘absolutely punches above its weight’, according to parents. Hidden in a leafy suburban street, it is a warren of buildings that truly make the most of a small city site. Founded in 1656 as the Blue Maids
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral care is exemplary here. Every single parent and pupil that we spoke to expressed how safe, nurtured and genuinely cared for they felt at the school. The head was at pains to highlight the community feel and this sentiment of working together
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Girls are not allowed mobile phones in year 7 unless they are a non-smart phone. In year 8 – 11 they can have a smartphone but it remains turned off and in their locker during the day. In year 12 – 13 girls can have their smartphone but they cannot use it around site other than in the sixth form centre or if a teacher allows them to use it in lesson.
Pupils & parents
This is a school that both parents and girls fall head-over-heels in love with, seemingly from the very first tour or taster day right through until the end of the sixth form. The sense of gratitude, genuine love and community that this pride in the
Money matters
The school is supported by a robust financial pot thanks to the generosity of past parents. There are various scholarship opportunities on offer, each with a 10 per cent fee reduction, whilst the Maynard Awards are combined scholarship and bursary
- Fee information
- £10,329 - £21,561 pa
The last word
This is a wonderful school, full of intelligent, questioning, confident and kind girls who learn to fly on every level in this haven of calm, compassionate and creative education.