Founded in 1999, from the merger of the two single-sex schools of the Lytham Schools Foundation - King Edward VII, the boys' school (founded in 1908), and Queen Mary, the girls' school (1930). It occupies a striking 34 acre site, close to sandhills in an open and bracing position, with extensive views over the Irish Sea. Purpose-built facilities have been extended to include ICT suites, art rooms, language centre, dining room, preparatory school and kindergarten. Pupils are largely drawn from the local area, from Blackpool, Preston and the Fylde. The school prides itself on its friendly, family atmosphere and good results in public examinations. There is a tradition of excellence in sport, with regular county representatives and strong music and drama departments.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 652 day pupils (359 boys, 293 girls). Senior school 11-18, 458 pupils (253 boys, 205 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used at age 11. Overall academic ability required; no religious requirements. 30% of senior intake from own preparatory school.
Some scholarships, including for sixth form. Also some bursaries. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; no essential extras.
Principal: Robert Karling, appointed 2003. Educated at Framlingham College and Edinburgh University (history). Previously Deputy Head at Morrison's Academy, Head of Sixth Form at Ipswich School and teacher at King William's, Isle of Man.
GCSE: 88 pupils in Year 11, 88% of whom gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 45 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.7 subjects (including general studies).
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 A-level subjects. Vocational: Work experience compulsory. Languages: French (compulsory from 11-14) and German (compulsory from 12-14), both offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Germany). Links with Czech Republic, Germany and Sweden.
Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument (pupils in Year 7 are especially encouraged to take up an instrument). Musical groups including orchestra, choirs, swing band, concert band and smaller ensembles. Drama: A-level and GCSE drama offered. School plays and musicals, eg The Crucible, Cabaret, Sound of Music. Art and design: Design, pottery, sculpture and photography also offered.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, athletics, hockey, swimming, cross-country, tennis, netball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, aerobics offered. Various county representatives, occasionally national, at rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics. Regular sports tours. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional from age 14. Field study/outdoor pursuits centre in Yorkshire Dales; strong on diving, canoeing, skiing etc. Young Enterprise Scheme for sixth form. Clubs include chess, computing, art, drama, dance, aerobics.
Uniform: School uniform worn, separate sixth-form uniform. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Organised trips abroad include to Czech Republic, ski trips to French Alps, scuba diving to Red Sea.
John Sunderland (Chief Executive, Cadbury Schweppes); Richard Frediani (ITN news editor); David Hawtin (Bishop of Repton); Jenny Eclair (comedienne); Elaine Kellett-Bowman MEP.
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