There are around 950 girls and over 50 teachers. According to the school's website the ethos is strong and traditional, and the website also claims a commitment to academic success for its girls, including high standards of behaviour and appearance. The current Headmaster is Mrs Steph Bateman, following the retirement of Mr Hesketh. It is situated between the A662 and A635 in Fairfield. The M60 is less than a mile away to the east. Fairfield Avenue is accessed via the A635 to the south.
History
It was established in 1796 by Mary Tyrrell and the Moravian Church, a Protestant organisation which originates in the 15th century, with just 21 girls and 6 teachers. Thus, it has been providing inclusive girls' education for over 200 years.
Grammar school
It was a girls' high school, based at The Square. There were plans in 1965, by the divisional executive, for it to become a sixth form college, to come into operation by 1967. The Lancashire Education Committee never approved the plan. It was administered by the Borough of Tameside from April 1974.
The school converted to an Academy school on 1 April 2011.
Significant staff changes
Mr Howell, Deputy Headteacher, retired in 2008. He joined the school in January 1984 in the position of Head of Science. After a short time in post, Mr Howell's responsibilities were extended and he led a new initiative, the Technical and Vocational Educational Initiative. Mr Howell was later promoted to the Senior Leadership Team. Shortly afterwards, he was promoted to the position of Head of Upper School, and then he became Deputy Headteacher, working with the ex-Headteacher Mr Penter.
Extra-curricular activities
The school hosts a number of extra-curricula activities, including: ~ The Debating Society. ~ Y7 Circle Time. ~ Choir. ~ Band. ~ Volleyball. ~ Lacrosse. ~ Drama Group. ~ Eco Schools Group. ~ Young Enterprise Group. ~ Computer Club 4 Girls. ~ Design Technology Workshop. ~ Chess Club. ~ Manga Club
Expanding opportunities
They are now offering pupils the chance to study for extra qualifications outside their normal study. For example: ~ Critical ThinkingAS Level. ~ Religious Studies GCSE Full Course on Sikhism. ~ Spanish GCSE. ~ Microsoft Office Specialist Certificates. ~ Additional Maths ~ Twilight Courses The school has a virtual learning space offering pupils help and guidance at home.
Academic performance
The school was ranked second in Tameside in the 2010 school results league table St Thomas More RC College, and 11% above the national average. Tameside GCSE results are more reasonable than many parts of Greater Manchester. The school was graded 1 by Ofsted in its most recent report.
Alumni
The school retains strong links with its alumni through the Old Girls' Association. The group hold two meetings each year, one in the spring and a second in the autumn. These meetings are open to all ex-pupils and offer an opportunity to meet up with old friends in the school hall, with refreshments, whilst raising money for a charity.
