As part of the Cathedral Foundation, the school has origins in the 7th century but was re-founded in 1541 by Henry VIII. It is the cathedral school and has a fine site in the precincts of Rochester Cathedral, close to the castle in a conservation area. The older buildings have historic associations and are complemented by a pre-prep and prep school and excellent facilities including sports halls, indoor pool, language laboratory. Religious education is important in the curriculum; attendance at services and chapel is compulsory and all pupils take religious studies at GCSE. The school has been fully co-educational since 1993, although the sixth form first admitted girls in 1977. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. There are strong music, art and drama departments, a wide range of sports (with national and regional representation) and a good range of activities. There is a vigorous CCF and a lively commitment to local community services.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 648 pupils, 591 day (384 boys, 207 girls), 57 boarding (39 boys, 18 girls). Senior department 13-18, 303 pupils (218 boys, 85 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 (usually grade B in sixth-form subjects, A for maths and sciences). No special skills or religious requirements. Majority of pupils from own prep school, King's Preparatory School ( Tel 01634 888577).
Approx 26 pa scholarships value 30% tuition fees: 20 academic, 5 music, 1 organ. Also choristers' scholarships. Governors exhibitions (all means-tested), up to 100% fees. Variable number of bursaries, based on financial need. Remissions of tuition fees for children of clergy(means tested), service personnel and siblings. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
85+% live within 30 miles; up to 8% live overseas.
Headmaster: Dr I R Walker, in post from 1986. Educated at Sydney Boys' High, Melbourne College of Divinity and at universities of Bristol and Wales (accountancy, theology, philosophy). Previously Housemaster and Head of Divinity at Dulwich. Also member HMC and Admiralty Interview Board; FRSA, FCP, Associate Bankers' Institute of Australasia. Publications: articles in philosophical journals and reviews; books include Plato's Euthyphro, Christ in the Community (Chairman and ed.), Classroom Classics, Faith and Belief. Teaching staff: 86 full time, 26 part time and peripatetic.
GCSE: 65 pupils in upper fifth (year 11), gaining at least grade C in an average of 8.4 subjects. A-levels: 55 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 299(selective stream 401).
Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (2% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 4% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 6% in law, 65% in humanities and social sciences.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 GCSE subjects, 23 AS/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. 18% take science A-levels; 37% arts/humanities; 45% both. Key skills not formally introduced or examined but covered through general studies and academic subjects. Vocational: Work experience available. Also certificate in basic competence in IT. Special provision: Special teaching for EFL and dyslexic pupils. Languages: French, German, Latin and Russian offered to GCSE and A-level, French, German and Latin compulsory to 14. Regular exchanges (France and Germany). Number of contacts with eg ministries in Germany, EU bodies; visits to eg Kreisgymnasium Bargteheide, Schleswig-Holstein, St Etienne. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum eg scanning and drawing in DT, composing in music, internet research, spreadsheets in many subjects. Most pupils take level 1 basic competence in ICT. 150+ networked computers for pupil use (8+ hours a day), with email and screened internet access.
Music: Over 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including orchestras, choirs, brass groups, wind band etc. Pupils in National Youth Orchestra; former Kent Pianist of the Year. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 12 take GCSE, 7 A-level. Design, pottery and photography also offered. Fine art scholarship to Brown University, US; winner of national Child Accident Prevention Trust and NSPCC greetings card design competitions.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics; PE, rowing, cross-country, fencing, swimming, 7-a-side rugby, tennis, weight training, badminton. BAGA, RLSS exams may be taken. Regular county/district rugby, athletics. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh Award, CCF (from 14, optional from 16) with community service. Up to 30 clubs, eg geographical, history, art, music, chess, computer, debating, photographic, pottery, technical, bellringing.
Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster after pupil vote and staff consultation. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory services and chapel. Social: Organised trips to France, Germany and Russia; classics tour to Italy, Greece or Turkey; skiing to North America/France; rugby, cricket and netball tours overseas. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a verbal warning; detention system; anyone involved with drugs can expect expulsion. There is a Commendation system.
Most senior (13+) pupils in single or double study bedroom; two houses (one boys, one girls). Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Senior pupils can provide and cook own food. 4 weekend exeats each term. Visits to the local town allowed after school (13+).
is run by Clive Emson (President).
Lord Chadlington, John Selwyn Gummer MP; P C Richard Dadd (artist); Russell Thorndike (novelist); Percy Whitlock (composer); Sir H A Atkinson (PM of New Zealand); Sir Francis Head (privy councillor); Dinsdale Landen (actor); Sir Lionel Dakers (composer); Clive King (children's author).
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