The first reference to some kind of school attached to the cathedral dates from 1072. The present school was re-founded by Henry VIII in 1541. It lies in the cathedral close, in the middle of Gloucester, and is a pleasant combination of ancient and modern buildings with good up-to-date facilities. Originally a boys' school, girls have been admitted since 1975 and it is now fully co-educational. The cathedral is the spiritual and cultural centre of the school and most days begin with worship there. The school provides a sound general education in the context of the Christian faith. Examination results are very good. A strong music department has at its core the cathedral choristers. The drama and dance departments are also active. There is a range of games and sports and an increasing number of clubs and societies. It has its own outdoor pursuits and leadership training programme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 500 pupils (282 boys, 218 girls). Senior department 11-18, 328 pupils (190 boys, 128 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). Some 40% of senior intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form); about 65% from own junior department.
Scholarships, value 10%-35% fees including academic, all-rounder, sport, music, art, drama (at 11, 13 and 16). Means-tested bursaries available. 75% awards for choristers. Parents expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras £150.
45+% in industry or commerce; 40% are professionals. 90% live within 30 miles.
Headmaster: Alistair Macnaughton, appointed in 2007. Educated at St Andrew's University. Previously Second Master at King's School (Worcester), and taught English, drama and creative writing at Charterhouse and Sherborne. Also a published poet and has worked as a journalist. Teaching staff: 54 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 36.
GCSE: On average, 69 pupils in fifth: 88% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 6% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 50 in upper sixth: 74% passed in 3+ subjects, 24% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 304.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (30% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 10% in science and engineering, 42% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 37% in vocational subjects such as nursing, education, architecture, agriculture. A few go on to further training.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 26 AS and 23 A level subjects offered (including Greek, theatre studies, psychology). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A level; AS-level general studies and critical thinking additional options. 30% take science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 30% both. Vocational: Work experience provided as part of curriculum. Special provision: Mild dyslexia; 1 trained EFL teacher, 2 special needs. Languages: French (from age 8) German, Spanish, Latin and Greek offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), many networked and some with email and internet access. Most pupils take key skills qualification in ICT.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including 2 orchestras, 5 choirs, concert band, chamber groups. Drama and dance: Both offered. A-level drama. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, rounders compulsory. Optional: squash, tennis, swimming. GCSE and A-level and Community Sports Leaders' Award exams may be taken. School is a venue for the County Cricket Club and has strong links with the city Rugby Club. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 15 clubs, including photography, badminton, computer, film, environmental awareness, drama, arts and craft, croquet, cryptic crossword.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl. School Council. Religion: Church of England. Regular worship in cathedral. Social: Joint theatre workshops, choral society productions. Annual choir trip to France; cultural visits (eg Rome, Moscow); expeditions (eg Ecuador, Mongolia, Poland); skiing trips. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals cafeteria-style. School shop.
Detention system. Pupils failing to produce work are placed on report cards alongside close liaison with parents; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be asked to leave.
is run by The Hon Secretary, The Gloucester King's School Society, c/o the school.
Terry Biddlecombe (champion jockey); Dr Herbert Sumsion, Dr Donald Hunt (organists); Dr Bernard Wood (Professor of Anatomy); Ivan Lampkin (artist); Richard Shephard (composer); John Stafford Smith (composer of The Stars and Stripes); Ivor Gurney (poet); George Whitfield (18th century evangelist); Gerald of Wales (medieval statesman and writer).
|
