Wakefield Girls High School

Wakefield Girls' High School (WGHS) is a private school in Wakefield, England established in 1878 in Wentworth House, its current location. The school has grown from 59 pupils when it first began to nearly 750 at the present day (2007).

In the first three years girls aged 11–14 (Year 7-9) are taught a wide and varied range of subjects. All girls study English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. French is taught throughout, with the opportunity to study Spanish or German as a second modern language. Latin is taught in the last term of year seven and year eight, there is the option to study it in year nine.

The school is part of the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation, comprising WGHS Senior and Junior schools, along with the nearby Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Junior School. The current headmistress of the school is Mrs P. Langham who is the current president of the Girls' Schools Association (Jan 2007). The current deputy headmistress is Mrs L M Brookes.

Facilities

A new building for the design technology rooms, drama room, art rooms and five English rooms was opened in 2005 by Helen Fielding, the author of "Bridget Jones' Diary".

Education

The school is renowned nationally for attaining excellent pass rates in both A Levels and GCSEs. In 2006, WGHS achieved record A Level results with 82% of passes at grade A or B. 94% of passes were grade A-C, with 16 girls getting straight A grades. One student was placed in the top 5 nationally for Latin.Fact|date=May 2007

Notable alumnae

* Dame Barbara Hepworth, artist
* Helen Fielding, author of "Bridget Jones' Diary"
* Sarah Clarkson, Professor of Comparative Politics, LSE
* Joanne Harris, author of "Chocolat"
* Katherine Kelly, actress
* Priya Kaur Jones, TV presenter, journalist
* Claire Young from "The Apprentice" (2008)
* Usha Prashar, member of the House of Lords
* Harriet Grunewald, author of "Locke Of The Forest" (2006/2007)

Address Details

Wentworth Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2QS. tel: [phone]

External links

* [http://www.wgsf.org.uk Wakefield Grammar School Foundation website]