Founded in London in 1803, the school has enjoyed royal patronage since 1836. It moved to Slough in 1927, and thence in 1989 to new premises on a 26-acre site at Ascot. The buildings include a self-contained junior school, sports complex and theatre; extensive outdoor facilities include a fishing lake. In tune with the founders' intentions, the underlying aim is to encourage self-motivation and independence across a wide ability range - 'developing caring, confident citizens for the future'. All subjects in the senior school are taught in groups set according to ability. There is a wide range of GCSE and AS/A-level subjects, including various applied A-levels; other sixth-form courses include enrichment courses such as culinary arts, foreign languages at work, photography and sports leadership.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18, 906 pupils, 724 day (419 boys, 305 girls), 182 boarding (97 boys, 85 girls). Junior school 4-11, 210 pupils (107 boys, 103 girls). Senior school 11-18, 696 pupils (409 boys, 287 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. No entrance exam: reports and interviews used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 35% main senior, plus 30% sixth form intake. 40% senior intake from own junior school.
36+ pa scholarships, value £500-£2400: 25 academic, others include all-rounder, sport, art, drama, music. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Principal: Ian Mullins, in post since 1996. Educated at Nantyglo Grammar School and Cardiff University (maths). Previously Principal at Clevedon House (LVS school in Yorkshire), Acting Head and House Master at Lindisfarne College and taught in the state sector in Kent. Also an ISI inspector; former ISCIS Chairman for London and the South East. Has oversight of whole school. Headmaster of Senior School: Graham Best, in post since 2005. Educated at Steyning Grammar School and Southampton University (history). Previously Deputy Head at Reading Blue Coat School and Director of Studies and Housemaster at Reigate Grammar School. Teaching staff: 80 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 7%.
GCSE: 113 pupils in Year 11: 68% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 24% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 69 in upper sixth: 11% passed in 4+ subjects; 60% passed in 3 subjects; 22% in 2 subjects; average final point score of 274.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course or other HE. 20% take courses in science, 8% in engineering and technology, 24% in humanities and social sciences, 28% vocational subjects, 20% in arts. Others typically go on to careers (eg catering, retailing) or non-degree courses (eg HND courses).
GCSE, AS and A-levels, applied A-levels, BTEC National Awards. 28 AS/A-level subjects (including PE, psychology, law, photography, computing), 3 applied A-levels. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: Applied A-levels. Work experience available. Special provision: Learning support available, EAL taught. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also 'foreign language at work' courses. Regular visits (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg DTP, research. 300 computers for pupil use (11 hours a day), 80 networked and with email and internet access. Sixth formers encouraged to have laptops.
Music: Instrumental exams are taken. GCSE and A-level music and music technology offered. Musical groups include orchestra, wind band, 2 choirs. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and all in house productions. Art and design: On average 25 take GCSE; 10 A-level.
Sport: Football, rugby, netball, hockey, swimming, athletics, cricket compulsory. Optional: tennis, basketball, volleyball. GCSE, AS and A-level, Certificate of Further Studies exams may be taken. Recent Sportsmark Award. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Up to 80 clubs eg computer, lifesaving, back stage, art, cooking, newspaper, sporting, World Challenge.
Uniform: School uniform worn, smart dress in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, headboy and girl appointed by the Principal. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship compulsory for boarders. Resident Chaplain. Social: Sports fixtures for all sports with local schools. Visits to Europe. No alcohol allowed.
School and departmental detentions. Well-established disciplinary procedures with emphasis on self-discipline; tight policy on substance abuse and bullying.
Some single accommodation; most in rooms of up to 6. Houses of 40-60; single-sex for Years 8-11, mixed houses for younger pupils and sixth form. Resident qualified nurse. Activities programme. Weekend visits to local town allowed at 13 and over.
Old Elvians' Association, contact via the Principal (clare.clark@ltcharity.org.uk)
William Brake and brothers (Brake Bros Frozen Foods); Billy Smart (circus).
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