Founded in 1519, the school occupies its original site in a pretty town, and the old school house is still in use. More recent building developments provide very good accommodation and it is well equipped with modern facilities. Recent additions include a science centre, an astroturf pitch, sixth form common room, a library and learning centre. Delightful playing fields adjoin the school, next to the parish church. There are strong, long-standing links with the town and the parish. The school is now co-educational; girls first joined the sixth form in 1972 and at age 13 in 1997. It provides a friendly environment, which encourages pupils of all ages to give of their best. The strong sense of community is bolstered by the 7-day-a-week boarding, where boarders and day pupils are always welcome. A balanced all-round education is provided within a strong Christian framework; examination results are good. The music, drama and art departments are very active. There is an extensive extra-curricular programme to help pupils develop their individual skills and to boost their confidence both in and out of the classroom.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 316 pupils, 93 day (72 boys, 21 girls), 223 boarding (149 boys, 74 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance or own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C. No special skills or religious requirements but expected to attend Church of England services. 40% of entrants from own prep school (Hazlegrove), 60% from other local prep schools, eg All Hallows, Port Regis, Sherborne Prep; a few from the state sector.
Scholarships awarded at 11 and 16, value up to 20% of fees: academic, sport, art, technology, music, all-rounder; also drama awards at 16. Means-tested bursaries. Forces' bursaries and sibling discounts available.
Headmaster: Ian Wilmshurst, in post from 2009. Educated at the Edinburgh Academy and Cambridge University (geography and PGCE). Previously Deputy Headmaster at the Royal Hospital School, Housemaster at Merchiston Castle and geography master and games coach at Highgate School. Teaching staff: 42 full time staff. Annual turnover 3%. Average age 42.
GCSE: 52 pupils in fifth, 85% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 63 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3 subjects, with a final point score of 314.
80% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (39% after a gap year). 26% take courses in science, engineering and medicine, 45% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 13% in vocational subjects such as tourism, business management, 6% in modern languages. Others typically go directly into employment.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22-23 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies not taken. 17% took science A-levels; 19% arts/humanities; 64% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Learning difficulties unit for small number of pupils with mild dyslexia and to teach EAL. Languages: French, German, Latin and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; also Italian GCSE (in sixth form) and some commercial and non-examined language courses. Regular exchanges (France and Germany). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 180+ computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; wireless connection to boarding houses.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including choir, orchestra, dance, concert, military bands, brass, jazz, saxophone. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions. Art and design: GCSE and A-level taken; design, pottery, textiles and photography also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball compulsory. Optional: badminton, soccer, squash, tennis, basketball, fencing, athletics. Activities: CCF compulsory for 2 years at age 14, then optional. 30-40 extra-curricular activities and clubs, including archery, book, foreign film, drama, chess, chamber music, archive society.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dark suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of school (with a male and female deputy), head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster and housemaster/mistress. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory services (one weekday and Sunday). Social: Many organised local events, trips and exchanges abroad. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol allowed in supervised sixth form club.
Pupils failing to produce homework once would be treated by the teacher; a second offence would merit the attention of both housemaster and tutor (Headmaster supervises 6.45 am Saturday detention for eg repeatedly poor work). Those involved with illegal substances must expect expulsion.
20% have own study bedroom, 60% share with others, 20% in dormitories of 4+. Single-sex houses of 45-65. Resident qualified nurse; doctors in town. Central dining room. Two weekend exeats per year. Visits to the local town allowed.
the Old Brutonian Association, is run by D Hindley, c/o the school.
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