Founded in 1849, it stands in 140 acres amid open countryside, just to the north of the South Downs and 9 miles from Brighton. The prep and pre-prep schools are on the same site. A friendly and orderly atmosphere prevails in attractive buildings which are arranged around two quadrangles. There have been many additions, most recently a new classroom extension. The school also has an ICT centre, music school, art school and theatre, dance and drama studio; sports facilities include a sports hall, swimming pool and astro-turf hockey pitch/tennis courts. Academic attainment is high and examination results are good. The academic week runs Monday to Friday with a strong programme of sports and activities on Saturdays. A 'sport for all' policy ensures pupils participate in those games most suited to their tastes and abilities. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities, overseas sports tour and a flourishing CCF. A strong musical tradition; the Chapel Choir is particularly recognised.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 545 pupils, 221 day (138 boys, 83 girls), 324 boarding (186 boys, 138 girls); includes 306 weekly and flexi boarding. Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance used; reports and tests for state and overseas entrants; own entry tests for pupils from own prep school. For sixth-form entry, at least 5 GCSEs at grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). Pupils mainly, but not exclusively, C of E. Small number from state schools (plus few into sixth form); nearly 50% from own prep, Hurstpierpoint Prep.
Scholarships available of up to 1800 per term; plus bursaries if parental need is proven. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; extras include £210 per term for music tuition.
75% live within 1 hour's drive; approx 5% live overseas.
Headmaster: Tim Manly, appointed 2005. Educated at St Edward's Oxford and at Oxford University (classics) and the LSE. Previously Deputy Head of Oakham School. Teaching staff: 84 full time, 29 part time. Annual turnover 9%. Average age 42.
GCSE: 95 pupils in fifth: 98% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects (some 50% gained 7 A/A* grades). A-levels: 88 in upper sixth, achieving an average final point score of 318.
87% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 42% take courses in science and engineering, 13% in art, humanities and languages, 31% in social sciences and business management. Others typically go on to art or drama courses or straight into careers.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 28 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 45% took science A-levels; 12% arts/humanities; 43% both. Vocational: Careers advice. Special provision: Specialist ESL teachers and learning support. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 250+ computers for pupil use (14 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including orchestra, choirs, flute ensemble, saxophone ensemble, jazz band, string quartet, brass. Drama: Drama and theatre studies offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and house/other productions (some 18 a year). Art and design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 32 AS and A-level. Painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, photography and print making also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, athletics, netball, tennis, rounders played initially. Optional: fencing, squash, soccer, cross-country, outdoor pursuits, trampolining, basketball, badminton, shooting, volleyball. GCSE, BAGA, RLSS, ASA exams may be taken. 2 current international players at rugby and cricket. 30 county representatives in 8 different sports. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF (Army, Navy and RAF), conservation and community service optional. Up to 15 clubs, eg debating, woodwork, computing.
Uniform: School uniform worn, flexible in final year. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects and head of school appointed by Headmaster; head of house/house prefects by housemaster/mistress. School Committee. Religion: Church of England. 2 weekday services, regular communion. Social: German exchange annually; many overseas visits eg geography to the Gambia, choir to USA, cricket team to Dubai, rugby to Australia, hockey to South Africa. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. Upper sixth form bar.
Sanctions of increasing severity imposed for poor work and misbehaviour.
First years in rooms of up to 6, reducing over the years until sixth form in single rooms. Houses single-sex, of approximately 40; separate upper sixth house. Qualified nurses. Central dining room. Exeats most weekends. Visits to local town (Burgess Hill) and village (Hurstpierpoint) allowed daily; Brighton for special reasons only.
Lord (Desmond) Plummer (Conservative politician); Sir Brian Cartledge (UK Ambassador, Moscow); Sir Derek Day (High Commissioner in Canada); Michael York (actor); Admiral Sir Michael Boyce (former Chief of Defence Staff and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports).
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