Reputed to be the oldest grammar school in the county (although there are no records before 1320), it was re-founded in 1987 as a co-educational school. It has a very agreeable site in the middle of the attractive and historic market town of Market Bosworth. The principal and handsome old buildings (grade 2 listed) have their frontage on to the main town square. In recent years there have been a number of additions and the school is well equipped. Its pretty gardens and grounds occupy 4 acres and the rear of the school overlooks open countryside; 38 acres of playing fields are half a mile away. With its own nursery and prep school close by, continuous education is possible from age 3. The school has grown, but the long-term policy is to keep the school relatively small. It is non-denominational, but religious education is an integral part of the curriculum and all pupils are expected to attend assembly and prayers. Academic standards and examination results are very good. Music and drama are well supported. A standard variety of sports and games is available, including hockey, netball, rugby and tennis. There is a range of clubs and societies for extra-curricular activities and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.
Pupils: Age range 10-18; 340 day pupils (170 boys, 170 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 14 and 16. Own exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 30% at 11. 60% of intake from own junior school (enquiries to The Dixie Grammar Junior School, Temple Hall, Bosworth Road, Wellsborough, Nuneaton CV13 6PA; tel 01455 293024, email info@dixiejs.org.uk).
Scholarships available for entry at age 10, 11 and 16. Bursary support available, up to 100% of fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; no other extras.
Headmaster: John R Wood, in post from 2005. Educated at King George V School, Southport, and at the universities of Cambridge and Durham. Previously Deputy Head at Kirkham Grammar and Head of Mathematics at Nottingham High School. Teaching staff: 28 full time, 14 part time.
GCSE: 53 pupils in upper fifth: 89% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; and 4% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 39 in upper sixth, all passing in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 334 (407 including general studies).
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. On average 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 15% in other subjects.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (1 often contrasting subject), 3-4 at A-level. In addition, most take A-level general studies. 25% take science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 30% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French and German offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Mandarin GCSE. French and German compulsory to age 14 and one to GCSE; Mandarin compulsory to 13. German exchanges and visits to French-speaking countries. ICT: Part of the daily curriculum. All computers networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of students learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including orchestra, choirs, wind band, recorder group, modern music. Drama: Drama offered. LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 6 A-level.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, football, swimming, cross-country, netball, cricket, rounders, athletics compulsory. Optional: tennis. Sixth form only: squash. RLSS exams may be taken. Activities: Students take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service compulsory for 1 year at age 17. Up to 15 clubs, eg chess, fencing, cheerleading, computing, drama, music groups.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, heads of house, appointed by the Headmaster following presentations and votes by students and staff. Religion: Non-denominational school. Attendance at religious worship expected but not compulsory. Social: Trips abroad include regular ski trips, and to eg Iceland, Holland, Switzerland; biannual trip to sister school in Chongqing, China; links with German and Hungarian schools; curriculum projects in China. Students allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service.
Students failing to produce homework once might expect to do it at lunchtime under supervision; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.
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