Founded in 1542, it lies in over 150 acres of fine estate on the edge of Salisbury Plain. Recent developments include a library and study centre, floodlit astroturf pitches, science department and senior girls' house. The junior boarding house is in an attractive manor house nearby, with its own estate. It is a Christian foundation, ecumenical in spirit and practice, and aims to provide a sound education avoiding undue specialisation. Standards of teaching are high and examination results are very good. There is a very strong tradition in music, drama and art. It enjoys a strong reputation for sport and games. There are many other activities, including outdoor pursuits and ocean sailing; the school's gaff cutter, Jolie Brise, competes successfully including in tall ships races.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 795 pupils, 491 day (276 boys, 215 girls), 304 boarding (165 boys, 139 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam at age 11, Common Entrance at 13; for sixth form entry, at least 6 GCSEs, 3 at grade B and 3 at grade A (grade A in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 50+% of intake at 11 from state schools. Feeder schools include: at 11, St Francis Pewsy, The Mill, St Margaret's Calne, Heywood plus many local primary schools; at 13, Chafyn Grove, Norman Court, Windlesham House, Forres Sandle Manor and Salisbury Cathedral School plus a range of other prep schools.
40-45 pa scholarships, value 10%-100% fees, awarded to new entrants at age 11, 13 and 16 (boarders only at 13): most academic, music and art but also drama, design technology, all-rounder, sports and science. 3 pa bursaries, 100% of fees, for those who would otherwise be unable to attend the school; plus short-term bursaries for current pupils whose parents meet financial difficulties. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; music lessons extra.
40+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Headmaster: Stewart B Roberts, appointed 1997. Educated at Birkenhead School and Oxford University (physics and education). Previously Second Master at the school, founding Head Master at Chand Bagh School, Lahore, Housemaster at Shrewsbury and Assistant Master at Birkenhead School. Teaching staff: 98 full time, 45 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.
GCSE: 115 pupils in fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 6+ subjects. A-levels: 133 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.18 subjects with a final point score of 359.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (30+% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. Typically 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 50% in science and engineering, 7% in law, 25% in humanities and social sciences, 8% in art and design. A few go on to FE courses, armed services, management training.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level, excluding general studies. 45% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 25% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Some help for pupils with mild specific learning difficulties (dyslexia). Languages: French, German, Latin and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Greek, Mandarin, Russian and Italian if there is demand. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). Exchange/work experience. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg geography field studies, history (graveyard databases). 320 computers for pupil use (14 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; pupils with own laptops can access network in boarding houses.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups including orchestras, choirs, dance band, wind band, rock groups, jazz band (on average 2 concerts a week). Drama and dance: Both offered. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, squash, tennis, cricket, athletics, netball, swimming, fencing, riding, badminton, cross-country, golf, gymnastics, ocean-sailing, canoeing, water polo, volleyball, basketball, judo, aerobics, rowing, life saving, shooting, scuba diving available. Number of county and regional representatives (rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics, tennis, swimming). School's gaff cutter, Jolie Brise, successful in Round the Island race, Fastnet and Tall Ships race (pupils recently awarded three prizes in the Tall Ships Transatlantic Challenge). Activities: Pupils take bronze and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Over 100 clubs, including mountaineering, beekeeping, debating, fly-fishing, sailing, model railway, electronics, fencing, sub-aqua, jewellery, chess, film, modern dance, yoga.
Uniform: School uniform worn; guided choice of own clothes in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Prefects, head boy and girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by the Headmaster and house staff. Religion: Christian non-denominational assembly compulsory except for those of non-Christian faith. Social: Regular visits abroad: ski trips; climbing/adventure club expeditions; ocean sailing; French, German and Spanish exchange; sports tours (eg South Africa, Australia, West Indies, Holland). Day pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol only in sixth form club.
Pupils failing to produce homework will be expected to repeat it under supervision; drug use results in permanent exclusion.
40% have own study bedroom, 60% share with one other. Single-sex houses of approx 60. Resident qualified sister. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Exeats on request. Visits to local towns allowed.
Old Dauntseians' Association is run by the Foundation Office, contact Mrs Julie Kaveney, c/o the school.
Desmond Morris (zoologist, ethologist); Revd W Awdry (author, Thomas the Tank Engine); Simon May (philosopher); Jeremy James Taylor (playwright); Andrew Gardner (newsreader); Guin and Miriam Batten (olympic rowers); Mohammed Nasheed (president of Maldives).
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