St Leonards was one of the early girls' schools. It was founded in 1877 and the intention was that it should offer a rounded education; one which provided both intellectual and physical challenge, which recognised the special needs of girls and which developed moral, religious and aesthetic senses.
Curriculum: A broad range of subjects is offered. English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Dual Award Science, IT, 5 mainline Modern Languages, Classics, History, Geography, Politics and Economics, Music, Art and Physical Education make up the mainline curriculum, together with the Ad Vitam programme run by an outstanding Careers Department.
Extra Curricular: The Library at St Leonards is quite exceptional, and in association with it many literary activities run, such as Poetry and Book Weeks. Outdoor Pursuits are on offer and there are clubs for sailing and rock climbing. There is a school Golf club which uses the several local courses. A season ticket costs ú60.
Facilities for games are excellent and the school has an indoor swimming pool recently refurbished in a major way and 3 squash courts. A Music School, opened in 1987, means that orchestra, choirs and other musical groups, such as the jazz band run on a formal and informal basis. Drama is extremely strong and productions are mounted by both Junior and Senior Societies in the course of the year. In the summer of 1995 a St Leonards Drama Group gained a special award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Music and Drama departments collaborate to produce pantomimes and musicals. The enthusiasm and involvement of many in these activities builds the confidence which is the hallmark of a St Leonards girl.
Girls aged 12-17 are accommodated in one of the seven boarding houses. There is a separate Upper Sixth Form House which serves as a preparation for university and runs on a student basis.
St Katharines is the Junior School, situated on the same site as St Leonards. Girls may enter at 7+. Entry into St Leonards is at 12+.
