HEADMISTRESS Caroline Pascoe firmly believes that energy, happiness and a sense that girls can achieve extraordinary things are central to life at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls and its prep school Inglefield House. KATH SKELLON finds out more.

FOUNDED in 1892, the 600-pupil independent day and boarding school recently won the highest praise possible following an Estyn Inspection when it was judged as excellent in all categories.

“We are absolutely delighted with the report, and could not have hoped for a better start to 2016,” explained Mrs Pascoe.

“It makes very good reading, and to see what we do confirmed as ‘excellent’ by fellow professionals from an independent, external audit is probably the best kind of reward for all the hard work that contributed to such a positive result.”

Mrs Pascoe, who took over the helm in 2014, said the mixture of day and boarding pupils aged between seven and 18 creates a genuine sense of community throughout the school.

Spread over a 36-acre site and boasting picturesque views across the Wye Valley and the town of Monmouth, Mrs Pascoe said academic interests are at the school’s core with consistently high grades at GCSE and A Level and with over 65 per cent of girls going onto Oxbridge or Russell Group universities.

“The girls are offered the widest possible range of subject choices available, taught by dedicated, highly-qualified staff.”

Mrs Pascoe believes it is vital to support each girl in finding a balance between academic and co-curricular activities.

“Whether a pupil’s passion is for sport, music, drama, photography, dance or CCF, the school will encourage her to reach the highest standard.”

“Co-curricular activities are designed to challenge and broaden horizons and staff do their utmost to ensure the girls’ lives and wellbeing are enriched during these invaluable sessions.

“Pupils are given the tools and the guidance to learn for themselves, enhancing their confidence, independence and their thirst for knowledge, giving them a lifelong taste for learning.

“Co-operation with our sibling school, Monmouth enables the girls to interact with boys of their own age in both academic and social settings.

"Mixed classes at A-Level, along with social events across the school years where boys and girls mix together ensure they develop the ability to build friendships, essential as they head off to universities in later years.”

The school is spoilt for outdoor and sports areas from Lacrosse pitches to a state-of-the-art climbing wall funded by the Friends of HMSG, an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium.

Among the sports that pupils can enjoy are netball, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, rounders, rowing, gymnastics, horse riding and athletics taught by PE staff many of whom have represented their country in their sport.

The vast site incorporates modern and traditional buildings on both sides of the Hereford Road which are linked via a connecting bridge. When we arrive for a tour of the school, every corner is being used; from the ceramics areas and the chemistry lab where an experiment is being carried out to the music room where choir practice is taking place.

“A big part of our teaching philosophy is that there is a mutual respect between pupils and staff. They are really good at supporting each other.”

“We encourage independent learning but it’s not about being perfect all the time it’s about having a go and taking a risk,” said Mrs Pascoe.

The school currently has 150 boarders who live in accommodation on site and are cared for by a dedicated team of staff.

“Boarding life is at the heart of school,” said Mrs Pascoe.

“We are very much a family-orientated environment.”

There are plenty of enrichment opportunities and sports on offer for boarders during the weekend, there is even a Serotonin Drum Programme which involves movement and playing Korean drums.

“Every girl is unique and we encourage each pupil to discover where their strengths lie academically and achieve beyond their potential. Our staff inspires a love of learning which we hope will stay with them throughout their lives.

"We hope that becoming part of a club, society or taking part in a sport the girls feel passionate about, will fill them with confidence, teach them how to be part of a team and create lifelong, happy memories.”

FACTFILE

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, Hereford Road, Monmouth.

Founded in 1892

Pupils: Aged seven to 18

Number on roll: 600 (including Inglefield House preparatory school)

Headmistress: Mrs Caroline Pascoe

Chairman of Governors: Mr Martin Anderson

LAST INSPECTION December 2015

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls and its preparatory school, Inglefield House was rated as excellent in every aspect of its work. According to inspectors the schools are achieving extremely high standards which are well above expectations. Founded in 1892, HMSG has won the highest praise possible from the country’s education inspectorate, being judged excellent in both current performance and prospects for improvement. The school attained an excellent rating in all categories including standards; well-being of students; learning experiences; teaching; care, support and guidance; the learning environment; leadership; improving quality; partnership working; and resource management.