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Alton Convent School, Alton

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Alton Convent School details

Address:

Alton Convent School
Anstey Lane, Alton, Hampshire GU34 2NG

Telephone:

01420 82070

Fax:

01420 541 711

Email:

enquiries@alton-convent.com

Website:

www.alton-convent.hants.sch.uk

Authority:

Hampshire

Gender of entry:

Mixed

Age range:

2-18

Number of students:

476

Affiliation:

ISA

Gender of sixth form:

Girls

Last inspection:

March 2001. Read the full inspection report.

General information

Headteacher: Sue Kirkham, appointed in 1998.

Staff: 63 (men 8, women 52).

Background: Alton Convent is an academic school which nurtures individual excellence and cultivates all-round achievement in sport and the creative arts. The original school building is a Victorian manor house set in 19 acres of grounds with woodland walks, tennis courts and playing fields. Founded in 1938 by the Sisters of Our Lady of Providence, it is a Catholic school but welcomes pupils of all faiths and denominations. Pastoral support is strong. Pupils are given tailor-made programmes of study. In their first three years they follow a traditional line. The core modern language is French but girls also learn German, Spanish and Latin. Physics, biology and chemistry are taught separately throughout the school. Girls take 10 GCSEs and most are encouraged to study four or five subjects to AS-level and continue with three or four toA-level. The expanded options include law, performing arts and photography. The school has a strong tradition of drama and music, literary and visual arts. It has an Artsmark Gold award for its commitment to providing the full range of arts, and in the past year several girls have gained places at the National Youth Theatre. In sport the school consistently produces county players in netball and hockey. Equestrian andcross-country teams have recently represented the school at national finals. There is an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes for all lower-sixth pupils, cultural visits, ski trips and leadership and personal development weekends.

Alumni: Hannah Taylor-Gordon, Catherine McCormack, actors; Cecilia Buffery, Home Office forensic scientist.

Higher education: 100%.

Special needs: Senior school pupils with specific conditions are assessed and appropriate support is co-ordinated by the special educational needs department. The school can cope with pupils with mild forms of Aspergers and mild emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Inspection: March 2001: Alton Convent School is a very good school. Much of the teaching is of high quality and the pupils achieve high standards of work generally, and above average results in GCSE exams. The pastoral care and support provided by the staff enhances the personal and social development of the pupils. The governors have a high level of commitment and the head teacher provides the school with good leadership and effective management.

Feeder schools: Alton Convent Prep; South Farnham; Bentley C of E Primary; St Margaret's; The Royal.

Boys' age range: 3 to 11.

Girls' age range: 3 to 18.

Percentage admitted according to academic ability: 100.

Average class size (seniors; 11-16): 17.

Average class size (sixth form): 3.

Gifted pupils: 20.

Bursary pupils: 16.

Alton Convent School Statistics

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