The old former finishing schools where stand-alone organisations lasting for 15-50 years (often run by families) with a curriculum based around the particular philosophy of their proprietor much like the older Private School model in the UK. Contrary to popular belief today, many did offer a small number O-level and A level subjects and allowed pupils to do retakes or study languages and commercially applicable skills as well as traditional subjects including self presentation; etiquette and deportment. However many young women where gently pressured to attend these rather than University up until the late 1970's particularly in elite Catholic schools.