In the Middle School the emphasis continues to be on the provision of a broad and interesting curriculum, giving girls access to as wide a range of subjects as possible. 

In Year 9, the core subjects are English, French, classics, mathematics, science, history, geography, religious studies, and an additional foreign language - German, Italian, or Spanish. Mathematics, French and the three sciences are taught separately in sets to allow each girl to develop at her own pace; English is taught in smaller groups and in classics, different groups pursue either Latin or classical civilisation. The creative subjects remain a valued part of the curriculum and every girl studies drama and music, whilst they can choose between art and ceramics as well as between design technology and food studies. Every girl also studies PE, ICT and PSHE.

During the Lent term of Year 9 girls will be asked to select their preferred GCSE subjects, the study of which begins in Year 10.  Most girls take 10 or 11 subjects to GCSE level. The core GCSE subjects are English and English literature, mathematics, a modern foreign language, religious studies and all three sciences to either double award IGCSE or separate sciences IGCSE. In addition students take three or occasionally four option subjects from the whole curriculum, which can include an extra science and/or modern language. All girls continue lessons in PE and PSHE. The result is that girls have a manageable workload, which enables them to enjoy their studies and continue to pursue their other interests.   

Full details of options and the timetable for choosing GCSEs are available in a separate booklet, available from the admissions office.

During their time in Middle School, girls are encouraged to develop strong time management skills through a more flexible approach to homework so that they can accommodate extra curricular commitments alongside their work. Academic progress is monitored by subject teachers at regular intervals and parents receive information about their daughter’s progress in a termly report or parents’ evening. Form tutors are always on hand to help girls manage their time effectively and give them extra support. 

Preparation for the transition to Upper School (sixth form) begins in year 10 at the Upper School taster day and continues throughout year 11, particularly at the A Level introductory evening in the Michaelmas term. Heads of Departments and Form Tutors give personal advice and guidance on A Level choices so that by the completion of their GCSE’s, girls are fully prepared for the challenges of A Level study.