Founded in 1949, it is unusually fortunate in its site and buildings. These are part of a large rural estate, next to the pretty village of Acton Burnell in a particularly beautiful part of Shropshire. The principal building is a very elegant regency (1811) mansion. Other very attractive buildings are within a couple of minutes' walk; all lie amidst lawns and gardens. There are many excellent modern facilities, including an art studio, indoor swimming pool, sports hall and a music block and theatre. Boarding accommodation is comfortable in single or twin-study bedrooms (boys and girls in separate residential blocks). The college's name is claimed to symbolise its life and ethos; it is multinational with representatives from some 30 countries. The staff/pupil ratio is a very favourable 1:10 and examination results are very good. Music and drama are well supported. There is a standard range of sports and games and regular excursions to the continent (eg Belgium, Spain, Paris) are organised. The school remains open to pupils in half terms and Easter holidays.
Pupils: Age range 13-20; 388 pupils, 30 day (21 boys, 9 girls), 358 boarding (185 boys, 173 girls). Entrance: Main entry at 13, 14 and 16. Own entrance tests used. No special skills except general competence in secondary school subjects; no religious requirements. Small state school entry into sixth form. Feeder schools include Prestfelde, Kingsland Grange, Shrewsbury Convent School.
Scholarships and bursaries available. Parents are expected to buy textbooks; average extras £250 pa. No additional charge for holiday accommodation.
Up to 10% live within 30 miles of the school; over 80% overseas.
Principal: Neil Hawkins, in post from 2005. Educated at Cambridge University (history). Previously Director of Studies at The Leys, Cambridge. Also a Rotarian. Teaching staff: 43 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 2%. Average age 48.
GCSE: 36 pupils in upper fifth: all gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 121 in upper sixth, passing an average of 4.1 subjects, with a final point score of 462.
98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 60% took courses in natural sciences (including medicine), 40% in humanities and social sciences.
GCSE, AS and A-levels offered. 20+ AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 65% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities. Special provision: EFL department. Languages: Spanish offered at GCSE, AS-level and A-level; also Japanese and Mandarin Chinese; French and German by arrangment. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Students have easy access to computers; wireless network across the campus, with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 15% pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 3 musical groups, orchestra and choir. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered. Majority of pupils in college or other productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 10 A-level; design, pottery, textiles and photography also offered. Art facilities open to non-examination pupils.
Sport: Some compulsory sport up to age 16, optional thereafter: soccer, rugby, basketball, squash, badminton, tennis, karate, archery, swimming and riding. Up to 20 clubs.
Uniform: None. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl and prefects. Religion: No compulsory worship. Social: Regular excursions to Belgium, Paris, Spain; art tours, ski trips. Students may bring own bike to school. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to be placed in detention; students caught using illegal drugs on the premises would face expulsion.
90% have own study bedrooms; 10% share with 1 other. Single-sex houses, divided by age group. Resident qualified nurse. Students allowed to provide and cook own food in recreation time (own fully-fitted kitchen); full diningroom meals provided. Exeats allowed each weekend (although few taken). College remains open during half terms and Easter holidays (no additional charge). Visits to the local town allowed two afternoons a week and to cinema on Saturday evenings; transport provided by college.
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