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St Swithun’s School 圣斯威辛学校 , Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HA
Tel: 01962 835700 Fax: 01962 835779
Website: www.stswithuns.com
• GIRLS, 11–18, Day & Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 480, Upper sixth 67
• Termly fees £3760 (Day), £6200 (Boarding)
• GSA, BSA
• Enquiries/application to the Admissions Secretary

What it’s like
Founded in 1884, it moved in 1931 to its present magnificent site on the edge of Winchester. It is set in some 45 acres, 5 minutes east of the centre of the city overlooking open country. The school is now very well equipped with modern, purpose-built buildings for science, technology, sport and arts, including a performing arts centre. The separate junior school shares the same site. It is a Church of England foundation, with close ties with the cathedral and, while pupils of other denominations and faiths are welcome, all are expected to attend the school’s regular acts of worship. Academic education has always been strong – its original aims were ‘sound learning and true religion’ – and the curriculum is flexible. Examination results are excellent; a very high proportion of sixth formers goes on to Oxbridge. Music, drama, art and technology are all strong. So is sport (with regular representation at county, regional and national levels), coupled with an emphasis on enjoyment and an active life-style. There is a strong tradition of service to the community, ranging from fund-raising for charities, community work in Winchester and an active Amnesty group. There is a good range of activities and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

School profile

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Approx 15 pa scholarships (academic and music), value 10%–50% fees (at 11, 13 and 16). Occasional bursaries for pupils already in the school. Parents expected to buy some sixth-form course books only; average extras £300.

Parents Over 30% live within 30 miles; under 10% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Dr Helen L Harvey, appointed 1995. Educated at Lordswood Girls’ School, Birmingham, and London University (physiology). Previously Headmistress at Upper Chine School, Isle of Wight.
Teaching staff: 54 full time, 26 part time. Average annual turnover 6%. Average age 43.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 67 pupils in upper fifth, 100% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. Average GCSE score 66 (64 over 5 years).
A-levels: 59 in upper sixth: 99% pass in 4+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 479.

University & college entrance 98% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (42% after a gap year), 17% to Oxbridge. 7% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 20% in science & engineering, 46% in humanities & social sciences (including 3% in languages), 3% in art & design, 15% other vocational subjects (eg law, nursing, physiotherapy).

Curriculum GCSE and A-levels. 20 subjects at GCSE, 23 AS/A-level
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take A-level general studies. 13% take science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 42% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses.
Vocational: Work experience available for upper fifth. RSA typing and text processing qualifications available.
Special provision: Specialist staff for dyslexia and teaching EFL.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level (French and German compulsory for 3 years); also Russian in sixth form to GCSE and AS-level. Partner schools in France and Germany.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1–2 lessons a week in Years 7–9) and across the curriculum. 75 computers for pupil use (including in boarding houses), all networked and with e-mail and internet access. Use of own laptops popular.

The arts
Music: 74% of pupils learn one or more musical instruments; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 25 musical groups including orchestras, choirs, wind bands, brass and recorder ensembles, jazz band and many chamber groups. Chamber group in finals of National Chamber Music Competition; many girls in Hampshire County Orchestra and other county ensembles. Regular choir performances in Winchester Cathedral and on tour. Musicals becoming a regular feature in the new performing arts centre.
Drama: Drama offered throughout the school; 2-year intermediate course, A-level theatre studies, LAMDA and Guildhall syllabuses. Regular school and house productions. Public speaking skills encouraged.
Art & design: 24–40 take GCSE (divided into small groups). 8–12 take A-level. Painting and drawing, design, CAD, textiles, ceramics, photography, silk screen, dry point etching, paper-making and mono-printing are also offered. Lively art clubs.

Sport & activities
Sport: Lacrosse, netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, swimming, tennis, athletics, rounders, gymnastics, dance compulsory. Optional: judo, fencing, karate, self-defence, cross-country, football, hockey, aerobics, squash, diving. Sixth form only, trampoline. RLSS exams may be taken. Many representatives at county, regional and national levels in lacrosse. Regional tennis winners at senior and U15 level.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional; first aid and life-saving courses. Up to 15 clubs, eg Young Enterprise, Green Society, Christian Union, Amnesty International, science, cooking, drama, Young Engineers (many national prize winners in technology and engineering competitions).

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn, except in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl and house prefects – appointed by the Head and teaching staff. School council.
Religion: Attendance at religious worship compulsory.
Social: Joint music, drama, dances and societies, primarily with Winchester College. European visits (France, Germany), skiing trips, classics trip (eg Provence), choir tour (Florence, Venice, Czech Republic). Upper sixth day girls allowed to bring own car. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect advice on becoming more organised; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would expect expulsion.

Boarding 6 houses of 28–52. Sixth form, upper fifth and some middle fifth in own study-bedrooms; 11-year-olds in dormitories of up to 8; others in cubicles. Predominantly weekly boarding; flexible weekend arrangements. 2 resident RGNs. Pupils may cook their own snacks. Visits to town allowed.

Alumni association is run by The President, St Swithun's Old Girls' Association, c/o the school.

Former pupils Baroness (Mary) Warnock; Vivienne Parry; Fiona Glover; Emma Chambers.