Emanuel

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What it's like

Founded in Westminster in 1594 by Lady Dacre, it moved to Wandsworth in 1883 where it occupies a 12-acre site next to Wandsworth Common, just off the south circular and a few minutes' walk from Clapham Junction. There are many fine trees, lawns and big playing fields and a boat house at Barnes Bridge. The main building is a handsome example of mid-Victorian architecture. Recent developments include a computer centre, sixth-form centre, music centre, sports hall, refectory and refurbished science laboratories; facilities are good. The school is non-denominational but worship in the Anglican tradition is encouraged (there is an Anglican chaplain). It is now co-educational, girls having been admitted since 1994. Academic standards are high and examination results good. The music department is strong and there is considerable strength in drama and art. The DT centre is a busy and successful part of school life. A wide range of sports and games are played to high standards, especially rowing (the school has produced 5 Olympic oarsmen and over 50 international vests'). There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities including the Duke of Edinburgh's Scheme. Much use is made of London's cultural amenities.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 10-19; 700 day pupils (470 boys, 230 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, interviews and assessment. Music, art and sport skills looked for; no religious requirements. 70% of main intake from state schools (plus 30% new entrants to sixth form). Feeder schools include Newton Prep, Oakfield, Honeywell, All Saints Putney, Belleville, Eaton House.

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships awarded at age 10, 11, 13 and 16, value 10%-50% of fees: academic, music, art, drama, sport. All scholarships may be topped up by bursaries, to a maximum of 100% of fees.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Mark Hanley-Browne, appointed 2004. Educated at Oxford University (biological sciences). Previously Deputy Head at Highgate and Head of Careers and Higher Education at Charterhouse.

Exam results

GCSE: Approx 100 pupils in Year 11: 96% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 68 in upper sixth passing on average 3 subjects.

Pupils' destinations

98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 5% to Oxbridge.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 26 GCSE subjects, 23 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level. Key skills not examined. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Sympathetic approach to dyslexia with limited individual help by 2 specialist teachers. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 150 computers for pupil use (open all day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Some 6-7 musical groups including orchestral, choral, chamber, jazz, pop. Regular concerts outside school. Drama: Theatre studies offered. Many pupils are involved in junior school productions, some in senior. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 15 AS/A-level. Design, pottery, photography, sculpture also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Choice from rugby, rowing, swimming, tennis, athletics, netball or cricket. Also water polo, table tennis, fives, badminton, basketball, climbing. Sixth form only: golf. GCSE and A-level sports studies may be taken. International oarsman and footballer; county cricket and rugby players. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 15 clubs, eg chess, computers, electronics, French, art, pottery.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of school, head of house and house prefects, appointed by Head after consultation with staff and pupils. Religion: Church of England. Pupils attend assembly/chapel (can be exempt from chapel if parents wish); communion services. Social: 3-4 pa trips abroad; exchange with French, German and Spanish schools. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once would expect an academic detention; other offences might involve detention on Saturday morning, suspension or expulsion in the most extreme cases.

Former pupils

Stuart Surridge (cricketer); Michael Aspel (TV presenter); Sir Denis Noble FRS; N F Simpson (dramatist); Peter Goddard FRS; Clive Wilmer (poet); Steve Gooch (playwright); Kevin Jackson (writer, broadcaster); Naveen Andrews (film actor); Sir Tim Berners-Lee (wrote software making www possible), Peter Hain MP.