Hymers

  Add to clipboard

What it's like

Founded in 1893, it is single-site and urban. Solid, late-Victorian and Edwardian buildings are situated on a 44-acre estate of the former Hull botanic gardens, half a mile from the centre of the city. There has been much development and very good facilities are provided, including a swimming pool, sports centre, gym and an all-weather pitch. Originally a boys' school, it has been fully co-educational since 1989. Firm discipline and high academic standards are insisted on and the need for full parental involvement in the school is stressed. A well-developed pastoral system monitors every pupil's progress. Examination results are very good. The music, drama and art departments are impressively active with a large number of people involved. High standards prevail in sport and games (there are many county and national  representatives). A plentiful range of extra-curricular activities and some emphasis on outdoor pursuits. It has a successful track record in Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 8-18; 965 day pupils (505 boys, 460 girls). Senior department 11-18, 750 pupils (430 boys, 320 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B (including sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 25% main senior intake, plus 50% to sixth form. Many senior pupils from own junior department (enquiries to 01482 441211).

Scholarships & bursaries

Sixth-form science scholarships (Ogden Trust ). Fee remissions scheme provides means-tested help for some 15% of pupils. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; trips, theatre etc extra.

Head & staff

Headmaster:  David Elstone, in post from 2006. Educated at Bristol Grammar School and Cardiff University (geography). Previously Deputy Rector at Hutchesons' Grammar School, Head of Geography at Kimbolton, and Geography Teacher at Warwick School and King's (Bruton). Teaching staff: 63 full time, 29 part time. Turnover 3%. Average age 40-45.

Exam results

GCSE: 104 pupils in Year 11, 98% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 99 in upper sixth passing on average 3.8 subjects,

Pupils' destinations

96% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 6% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 35% in science and engineering, 44% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 4% in other subjects eg music. A few go on to non-degree courses, art colleges or straight into employment.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 26 AS-level subjects offered, 21 at A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies, A-level optional. Key skills integrated into courses and activities. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered from age 10 to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 182 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; computerised language laboratory.

The arts

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 17 musical groups including orchestra, wind bands, string groups, many choirs, madrigal group etc. 3 members of National Youth Choir,1 member of National Children's Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered and GCSE and AS-level may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 10 A-level.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, tennis for girls. Optional: tennis, basketball, squash, swimming, athletics, badminton, fencing, cross-country. County and regional representatives in rugby, cricket, hockey, national representatives in tennis, rugby, fencing, swimming. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Young Enterprise in Year 12. ACF and community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg environment, chess, music, drama, technology, various sports.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, appointed by Headmaster in consultation with staff. Religion: Daily (non-denominational) assembly for whole school. Social: No organised functions with other schools. Some trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School tuck shop.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect expulsion.

Association of former pupils

is run c/o the college.

Former pupils

Simon Hoggart (journalist), Major General Graham Binns (commanded Desert Rats in 2003 invasion of Iraq).