Founded in 1957, the school is located between Witney and Abingdon. It is set in 150 acres of beautiful grounds, which include a nine-hole golf course. There is a mix of traditional and modern buildings, built around a series of courtyards. Recent additions include astroturf pitches, an internet cafe for sixth formers and staff, and a new sixth form centre. The school is a joint Anglican and Roman Catholic foundation, but pupils of all faiths are welcome. Small classes and dedicated teachers help pupils champion pupils' strengths and challenge their weaknesses. Academic results are good. Music, art and drama are strong with a great deal of activity. A range of sports is offered, with many county and national successes (particularly in kayaking).
Pupils: Total age range 4-18, 665 day pupils (420 boys, 245 girls). Main entry ages 4, 11, 16. Entrance: Own assessment, interview and school report used for entrance to senior school, Common Entrance at age 13; for sixth form, good GCSE results required and interview.
30-40 scholarships awarded annually, value 5% of fees (which may be supplemented by a bursary); 5-8 at age 11 (held for 2 years), 10-12 at age 13 (for 3 years), 18-20 at 16 (for 2 years); academic, all-rounder, art and design, music, sport, modern languages and drama scholarships. Named scholarships for outstanding ability. Also means-tested bursaries, up to 100% of fees, for pupils aged 11 and over.
Headmaster: Damian J Ettinger in post from 2002. Educated St Joseph's College, Beulah Hill, and the universities of Manchester and Surrey. Previously Head of Theology and Housemaster at Prior Park, Head of Theology and of junior house at Downside. Teaching staff: 73 full time, 43 part time (including visiting music teachers and sports coaches).
GCSE: 94 pupils in year 11, 76% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 16% in 5-7 subjects (average in 8.4). A-levels: 57 in upper sixth; 7% passed 4+ subjects, 79% passed 3 subjects. Average passed in 2.9 subjects, with a final points score of 300.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to higher education (20% after a gap year). Pupils enrol in a wide variety of foundation courses, degrees or apprenticeships.
GCSEs, AS and A-levels. 23 subjects at AS/A-level. Sixth Formers typically take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Sixth form programme of general studies. Vocational: Careers programme for all years, including Year 10 work experience week. Special provision: Full-time learning support co-ordinator and EFL teachers, including part time teaching assistants. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular language exchanges. ICT: Taught across the curriculum and as a discrete subject. 122 computers for use of senior pupils (9 hours a day) plus computer terminal in every classroom, all networked and with broadband email and internet access.
Music: Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. All Year 7 pupils play instruments as part of Music for All scheme. Musical groups include 4 choirs, orchestras, wind band, string, brass and wind ensembles and 3 jazz ensembles. Stage musicals produced annually. Pupils also form their own ensembles and bands; several currently recording in professional studios; many perform in concerts, services and competitions outside school. Some pupils are members of the Oxfordshire Youth Orchestra. Regular performances and workshops in school by nationally-recognised performers (eg National Youth Jazz Orchestra, pianist Jack Gibbons). Drama and dance: Drama offered throughout. 2-3 school productions and inter-house competition annually, numerous GCSE and A-level performances, programme of lunchtime recitals from all years, frequent trips to the theatre. Many pupils involved - acting, lighting, music, set or costume design. Art and design: Art, textiles, design technology (resistant materials and graphic design) all offered at GSCE and A-level (and photography at A-level). Numerous trips to galleries and museums (UK and abroad); inter-house competitions.
Sport: Rugby, hockey (winter), soccer, netball (spring), cricket, tennis, rounders (summer) are principal sports. Also kayaking, clay-pigeon shooting, lacrosse, cross-country, badminton, swimming, golf optional. Regular county, national and international successes: current pupils national squads for U16 and GB equestrian, GB kayaking; team and individual winners in national schools clay-pigeon championships; prizes in Junior Devizes to Westminster kayak race; U19 county rugby champions. Activities: Pupils may take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and the Army Cadet Force. Up to 30 clubs, including chess, critical thinking, debating, history of film, languages.
Uniform: School uniform worn; business clothing in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head of school, head of houses and prefect body. Religion: Joint Anglican and Roman Catholic foundation; all faiths welcome. Weekly chapel services compulsory, unless prior dispensation. Social: Trips abroad include language exchanges, ski trips, sports tours, cultural trips (Lesotho, Southern Africa and Kenya). Meals usually self-service, occasionally formal.
Response to misdemeanours, including poor academic work, insolence, disobedience and disorderly behaviour, depends on age and past record. Sanctions are issued accordingly and may vary from house duties (such as clearing litter) to detention or being on report for a specified time period. Major offences (such as bullying, theft or possession or use of drugs) are punished by suspension or expulsion.
Cokethorpe Society, is run by the Foundation Office, c/o the school.
|
