As girls become young women and pupils become students, they enjoy growing independence.

They can specialise academically if they wish, or simply bring together whichever of the 22 A-level subjects they most enjoy, even if they don’t obviously fit together – the emphasis is on flexibility, creative thinking and acquiring transferable skills.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to go way beyond the official syllabus. You’re expected to do your own research – you need to bring something extra to the subject. I’ve never had a day here when I haven’t felt my mind being stretched.

With all our students moving into higher education, considerable time is devoted to choosing a degree and identifying the right university or arts institute, whether in the UK, the USA or Europe. Many girls do not know what career they will ultimately follow, so we encourage them to build up a portfolio of work experience and to attend talks and careers fairs that help them to see what could be possible.

At the same time, they enjoy increasing responsibility and influence – they shape the school as much as it shapes them, through their leadership of many clubs and societies, their involvement in the welfare of younger girls and community service projects and their participation in schemes such as Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.