Founded in 1996 by the Church Schools Company from the merger of three Lincoln schools - the Cathedral School, St Joseph's and Stonefield House (in 1997). The school is organised as senior, prep and pre-prep schools and takes boys and girls through from nursery to the sixth form. It has grown dramatically from 278 pupils in 1996 to the present numbers. The senior school is based on a compact, urban site close to the Cathedral precinct and its handsome buildings, ancient and modern, are well equipped. The prep school occupies the old deanery in the Cathedral grounds. As the choir school for the Cathedral, its pupils include both the boy and girl choristers. It is a Christian school, catering for all denominations, and the daily assemblies are held either in the Cathedral or the school chapel. A non-selective school, it provides an all-round education and examination results are good. Pastoral care is excellent and there is a real focus on the individual. There is an emphasis on enhancing pupils' employability, by developing those skills particularly valued by employers. A range of sports is offered and there are a number of county and country representatives.
Pupils: Total age range 2½-18; 847 pupils, 770 day (418 boys, 352 girls), 77 boarding (39 boys, 38 girls). Senior department, 11-18, 600 pupils (320 boys, 280 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 2½, 7, 11, 13 and 16. A non-selective school, open to all faiths. For sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). 50% senior intake from own prep, Lincoln Minster Preparatory School (tel 01522 551301).
Academic, music, choral, art and sports scholarships, value up to 50% fees (awarded at 7, 11, 13 and 16). Some bursaries for those in difficulty. Average extras £200 for trips etc. Textbooks and lunch included in the fees.
Head: Clive Rickart, in post since 1999. Educated at Liverpool Bluecoat School and Manchester University (history). Previously Head of Lincoln Minster Preparatory School and of Oswestry Junior School, Boarding Housemaster at Stamford School. Also member of IAPS, CSA. Teaching staff: 70 full time, 10 part time. Staff turnover 10%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 85 in Year 11, 85% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 32 in Year 13, passing an average of 3.1 subjects.
On average, 95% sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year). 16% take courses in science, engineering and medicine, 48% humanities and social sciences, 10% art and design and 26% vocational subjects eg marketing, media studies. Others typically go straight into employment.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 sixth form subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. Key skills taught as compulsory, discrete units. Vocational: Work experience available. Also food hygiene, first aid etc courses. Special provision: EFL teaching; curriculum support department provides LSA support for who need it. Languages: French (from age 4), Spanish and German offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular French exchanges and visits to Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 70+ computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 75% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups: choirs, string ensemble, clarinet group, flute and recorder groups; plus groups in junior department. Several pupils in AB high scorers concert; regular success at schools festivals; CD and radio recordings. The cathedral choir regularly sing for special events and national broadcasts (eg Choral Evensong on Radio 3). Drama: GCSE drama may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: Design, pottery, textiles offered.
Sport: Rugby, football, cricket, cross-country, athletics compulsory for boys; netball, hockey for girls; also tennis, rounders, basketball. Optional: squash, badminton, judo, outdoor pursuits, cross-country. Sixth form only: gymnasium aerobics, self-defence. GCSE PE may be taken. Some county netball, cross-country, hockey, athletics, football, cricket, rugby representatives. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional at age 16. Numerous clubs offered across age groups, including sailing, drama, dance, kick boxing, squash, computers.
Uniform: School uniform worn; smart business wear in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, heads of houses and house prefects appointed by the Head. School Council. Religion: Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Debates, sports and subject activities (eg maths, science, geography) with other schools. Trips abroad include community work in India, language trips to Spain. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Most share in rooms of 2-5. Mixed junior house, 3 senior single-sex. Termly, weekly or flexible boarding available. Pupils allowed to visit town from age 13.
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