Founded in 1840, it moved to its present premises at Mossley Hill in the 1930s. It occupies a single, suburban site in 26 acres of grounds and playing fields in a pleasant area. The buildings are a mixture of Victorian villas and modern classrooms and are well equipped; recent additions include an astroturf pitch and a sports centre. The infant (with nursery), junior and upper schools are separate but on the same campus. It is a Church of England foundation which welcomes all faiths. Originally a boys' school, it became fully co-educational in 1993. The school offers the International Baccalaureate alongside traditional A-levels; it has high academic standards and good examination results. Strong in music, drama and sport. The CCF is very active and there is a thriving Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. The school has a good reputation and enjoys vigorous local support.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 803 pupils (465 boys, 338 girls). Senior department 11-18, 529 pupils (314 boys, 215 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3-5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance assessment used; for sixth form entry, at least 6 GCSE passes (grade A or B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 45% of senior intake plus 5% to sixth form.
Approx 20 pa scholarships, academic, art, drama, music, sport, general distinction, value up to 50% of fees. Parents expected to buy textbooks in sixth form only.
From a wide variety of backgrounds including substantial numbers from industry or commerce, the law and medicine.
Principal: Hans Broekman, in post from 2008. Educated in the Netherlands and at St Andrew's University (classics). Previously Founding Principal at Pope John Paul II High School (Nashville, Tennessee), Head Teacher at Subiaco Academy (NW Arkansas), Deputy Head Teacher at St Anselm's Abbey School and Head of Classics at Edinburgh Academy. Teaching staff: 69 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 34.
GCSE: Average of 90 pupils in Year 11, 65% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 25% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 64 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 297.
93% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (9% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 40% in science and engineering, 48% in humanities and social sciences. Others typically go on to non-degree courses or straight into careers eg armed services, industry.
GCSE, AS and A-levels, and IB Diploma. 19 GCSE subjects, 7 at A-level, 15 at IB. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take the IB Diploma; others take 3 subjects at AS/A-level subjects as part of the AQA Baccalaureate (which includes general studies, an extended project and enrichment). Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Dyslexia institute centre on campus. Languages: French compulsory from age 4, Spanish offered from age 11, both at GCSE and IB, Italian also offered at IB. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 160 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Network covers whole campus.
Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument. Instrumental/choral exams may be taken. Several choirs, choral society, orchestras, brass ensemble, CCF corps of drums, various string quartets, wind ensembles and pop groups. Active participation in local festivals and competitions; some pupils in local youth orchestras; regular choristers in Anglican Cathedral. Students regularly study music at university, recent Oxbridge organ scholars. Music technology studio and recording facilities. Drama: Many pupils involved in school productions (eg Animal Farm, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat). GCSE drama, IB theatre arts and LAMDA exams may be taken. Pupils participate in Liverpool Festival. Increasing number go on to read drama at university. Art and design: Design, pottery, ceramics, sculpture, photography also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, football, cricket compulsory for boys; lacrosse, netball, hockey, rounders for girls. Other sports include: cross-country, swimming, athletics, tennis, squash, badminton, canoeing, basketball. Sixth form only: golf. BAGA and RLSS exams may be taken. National rugby and hockey players; tennis team in national finals 2002. Activities: CCF, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme or community service compulsory for 3 years at age 14. Design technology department makes toys for handicapped children. Sixth formers help those with learning difficulties in local primaries and Barnados. Up to 30 clubs, eg classical, pottery, chess, computer, adventure training, debating, weight-training.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses and house tutor provide pastoral care. Sixth formers act as prefects. Head and deputy head of college, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Principal and Common Room. Religion: Church of England foundation welcoming all faiths. All pupils attend religious worship unless parents wish them not to. Social: Many organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service.
School emphasis on building up self-discipline and organisation within caring framework. Pupils failing to produce homework might expect detention; those involved in illegal drugs expect immediate expulsion.
is run by the Bursar, c/o the college.
Rex Harrison (actor), Lytton Strachey (writer), Edward (Lord) Russell (historian and lawyer).
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