There is no record of a foundation date, but it is likely that some form of school has always been associated with the cathedral since its own origins in the 7th century. It occupies a lovely site comprising of some 14 listed buildings set within attractive gardens. There are extensive playing fields off-site at Wyeside, positioned right alongside the banks of the river Wye. Recent development has resulted in a new sixth form centre, new science laboratories and a sports hall. Originally a boys' school, it first admitted girls in 1970 and is now fully co-educational. The school uses the cathedral daily for assembly, as well as at other times for special services, and the cathedral choristers are members of the school. Music plays an important part in the life of the school. Academic standards are high and examination results good. Sports and games also flourish, and there is a wide range of other curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 799 day pupils (411 boys, 388 girls). Junior school 3-11, 277 pupils (154 boys, 123 girls). Senior department 11-18; 522 pupils (257 boys, 265 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills required; all pupils attend Christian worship. 50% main senior intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form); many from own junior.
Scholarships and bursaries at 11, 13 and 16; further music scholarships and exhibitions. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras £100 per term, plus music tuition.
Headmaster: Paul Smith, in post from 2005. Educated in state sector and Manchester University (zoology). Previously Second Master at Portsmouth Grammar School, Head of Science at Haileybury, taught biology at Rugby and King Edward’s Birmingham; worked in scientific research before entering teaching. Teaching staff: 50 full time, 17 part time. Annual turnover 5%.
GCSE: 70 in Year 11: 90% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 10% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 65 in upper sixth: 95% passed in 3 subjects.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 8% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in art and design, 15% in other subjects such as music, business. Others typically go on to non-degree courses including specialists art/drama/music colleges, HND agriculture, business studies, or straight into careers.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A level subjects. GCSE maths taken a year early by some. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Popular, non-examined general studies course. 35% take science/maths A-levels; 45% take arts and humanities; 20% both. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Japanese offered extra-curriculum. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject in Years 7 and 8 and across the curriculum. 240 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Approximately 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Over 40 musical groups including Gilbert Consort (medieval instruments) and the chamber choir. Pupils regularly members of National Schools Orchestra; chamber choir recent finalists of BBC 3 Choir of the Year competition; school opera performed at Three Choirs Festival fringe. Regular Oxbridge organ/choral scholarships and many go on to music courses at universities and music colleges. Drama: Drama/theatre studies offered to GCSE and A-level. Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography and art history offered. A number go on to study art at university or art colleges each year.
Sport: Athletics, cricket, rugby, rowing, hockey (boys); hockey, netball, athletics, rowing, rounders, cricket (girls). Sixth form only: squash, badminton, golf. Several county and national players (boys and girls) in various sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF normally compulsory for a year at age 14, optional thereafter. Over 30 clubs, including debating (recent winners of Observer Mace twice, Oxford and Cambridge Union finalists), Young Enterprise, various musical groups.
Uniform: School uniform worn; concessions in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Monitors, head boy/girl, head of house and house monitors, appointed by the Headmaster and heads of houses. Religion: Church of England foundation. Daily services at the cathedral. Social: School participates in many Hereford festivals (Three Choirs, etc). Organised trips abroad, including an annual trek to Nepal (where the school supports the Ghacok School). Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
Kingsley Martin (editor of New Statesman); Godfrey Winn (actor and writer); Sir Horace Cutler (politician); Peter and Dick Richardson (cricketers); Paul Thorburn (rugby player); Air Marshal Sir Geoffrey Dhenin; Michael Walling (director); Paul Hyett (architect and RIBA President); Sir Michael Parker (designer and producer of major events).
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