Established in 1938, it occupies a pleasant site in the heart of the East Anglia countryside, just 5 miles from Norwich. The main building is a fine, early Georgian house set in 16 acres of gardens and grounds. It also has modern, purpose-built pre-prep and junior departments, teaching departments housing ICT suites, science labs and an art and technology wing. Sports facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sports hall, tennis courts and sports fields. Boarders enjoy comfortable accommodation and a wide range of evening and weekend activities. The school welcomes international pupils and has excellent ESOL provision. It offers a friendly, supportive environment in which each pupil is encouraged to develop their academic, creative and practical skills in order to become self-reliant and adaptable. A wide range of extra curricular activities are offered, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Young Enterprise, Sports Leader Awards, drama and music.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18, 208 pupils, 185 day (10 boys, 175 girls), 23 boarding girls. Junior department 4-11, 70 pupils (10 boys, 60 girls). Senior department 11-18, 138 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11 and 16 but all ages considered. Own entrance assessment used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C. No special skills or religious requirements.
8-12 pa scholarships: 2-3 academic and 3 boarding at age 11 and 16; 1-2 creative (art, drama and music) and 1-2 sports at age 11 and 1-2 citizenship at 16. Average of 8 means-tested bursaries awarded a year, maximum 100% of fees (including to supplement scholarships where necessary).
Headmaster: Stephen Crump, appointed 2008. Educated at Birmingham University (MA). Previously Deputy Head at Kingsley School and at Royal Leamington Spa. Teaching staff: 19 full time, 19 part time.
GCSE: 16 pupils in Year 11: 94% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 19 in upper sixth: 74% passed in 3 subjects, 18% in 2 subjects; average final point score of 200.
On average, 88% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year).
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS/A-level subjects (including business studies, drama and theatre studies, government and politics, travel and tourism and textiles). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level and 3 at A-level. Vocational: Work experience in Year 11 (as part of careers programme). Pupils can take Community Sports Leader Award. Special provision: Learning support department to meet the needs of individual pupils. Dedicated ESOL department for pupils learning English. Languages: French (from age 4), German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (from Year 3) and across the curriculum. Pupils have access to computer network with email and internet.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental and voice exams can be taken. Musical groups include senior strings, orchestra, recorder group, junior and senior choir. Frequent recitals and performances. Drama and dance: Both available, as well as speech and drama. GCSE and A-level drama. Junior and senior departments hold annual school productions. Art and design: Art and photography are popular at GCSE and A-level. Fine art, textiles and fashion, graphics, ceramics, CDT and 3D studies offered within art.
Sport: Hockey, netball, badminton, rounders, athletic and swimming compulsory. Optional: tennis, mini-tennis, football, touch-rugby, cricket, fencing, archery and trampolining. Sixth form only: aerobics and yoga, RLSS and CCPR exams may be taken. Activities: Pupils can take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Young Enterprise in sixth form. Fund-raising for international, national and local charities. Up to 10 clubs, including gymnastics, swimming, Spanish, chess, public speaking, book, science, art, ski club.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head Girl and heads of house, appointed by Headmaster and staff. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Quizzes, debates, theatre and music with local state and independent schools. Organised visits and outings. Pupils may bring own car or bike to school. Meals formal for boarders only (evenings/weekends); otherwise self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Zero tolerance for smoking, alcohol and drugs. Bullying policy in place.
Year 11 and sixth form usually have own study-bedrooms; others in dormitories of 3-5. Sixth form have own kitchen. Half-term plus 2 weekend exeats termly and flexible additional weekends. Visits to the local town allowed weekly from age 14+.
may be contacted via the School Office.
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