Founded in 1877 by the United Methodist Free Church, it has incorporated two other non-Conformist schools: Emfield College and New College. It first accepted girls in 1983 and is fully co-educational. It owns a fine estate of 60 acres on the south side of the spa town. During the 1990s extensive additions were made and it now possesses many excellent facilities. Religious services are compulsory but the religious ethos is ecumenical. Its aim is to develop the broadest range of an individual's talents to their optimum. The academic record is sound and examination results are very good; most sixth formers go on to degree courses. Culturally, there is close rapport with the town.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 810 pupils, 700 day (420 boys, 280 girls), 110 boarding (70 boys, 40 girls). Senior department 11-18, 560 pupils (345 boys, 215 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in most sixth-form subjects, A for some). No special skills or religious requirements but school is Methodist.
Scholarships, value 5%-50% fees: academic, music, art, drama, sport awarded at age 11 and 13; academic and all-rounder at 16. Means-tested bursaries for pupils whose education woule otherwise be interrupted. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; music tuition and some incidentals extra.
60% live within 30 miles, up to 10% live overseas.
Headmaster: Andrew Fleck, appointed 2003. Educated at Marlborough and at the universities of Nottingham and Sussex. Previously Deputy Head at St Bede's School and Head of Geography at Hurstpierpoint. Teaching staff: 65 full time, 8 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 42.
GCSE: On average, 84 in fifth. 77% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 17% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 80 in upper sixth. 75% pass in 4+ subjects; 17% in 3 subjects.
95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (14% after a gap year), 2% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 10% in science and engineering, 3% in law, 60% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 19% in vocational subjects. Others typically go on to employment or retake A-levels.
GCSE, AS, A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 23 subjects offered at A-level. On average 28% take science/engineering A-levels; 43% take arts and humanities; 29% a mixture. Vocational: Work experience available; also vocational A-level business and finance. Special provision: Links with the Dyslexia Institute in Harrogate; qualified EFL staff. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg science and geography. 150 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), majority networked and with internet access.
Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including string ensembles, jazz bands, 3 choirs. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and LAMDA exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 2 AS-level, 17 A-level.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, netball compulsory to age 14. Optional: hockey, badminton, squash, tennis, cross-country, swimming. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional at age 15. Up to 20 clubs, eg chess, debating, drama, rock-climbing, Christian Union.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout; different uniform in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, head of houses - voted by students and appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Compulsory attendance at worship. Social: Sixth-form society. Organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car with school approval. Meals self-service. School shops for tuck and clothing. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework more than once might expect a prep detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be suspended, probably expelled.
Sixth form have own study bedroom or share with 2-3. Single-sex houses of approximately 45. Resident qualified nurses. Central dining room. 3 exeats each term (2 nights) plus half-term. Visits to the local town allowed on Saturday mornings.
is run by Mr B Bonser, c/o the school
Sir Alastair Burnett (journalist, news presenter and editor); Henry Iles (brass band promoter and entrepreneur); Arther Balfour (steelmaker and industrialist); Eugen Weber (historian); Simon Heywood (actor); Tony Richardson (theatre and film director); Robin Walker (Michelin Star chef).
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