Founded in 1495 by Thomas Burton, Merchant of the Staple of Calais, though it is likely that a school existed well before that date. It moved to its present site in 1852 where it enjoys most attractive grounds, gardens and playing fields. The buildings of the Victorian period are handsome and in the collegiate style. Three main buildings form three sides of a quadrangle. There have been a number of additions in the past 30 years, including an art and design centre, sports hall and theatre and a modern languages suite; most recently a new music building has been added, shared with Loughborough High. In general, the school is exceptionally well-equipped and the playing fields are outstanding. It prides itself on its family atmosphere, and very active house system. Examination results are consistently very good. Music and drama are very strongly supported and there is much enterprise in these cultural activities, frequently in collaboration with Loughborough High, its sister school (sharing the prep school and the new music school). A wide range of sports and games is available and the school has long been known for its excellence in these, providing a substantial number of representatives at county, regional and national level. A variety of clubs and societies caters for most conceivable needs. The big CCF (Army, Navy and Air Force) is voluntary with about 300 cadets. There is considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits and the school has a distinguished record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 10-18; 1000+ boys (950 day, 50 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exams used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade A (including in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 50% main intake. Own junior school, shared with Loughborough High, Fairfield Preparatory School (Leicester Road, Loughborough LE11 2DU, tel 01509 215172; enquiries to the Headmaster Mr R Outwin-Flinders).
A number of academic and music scholarships, awarded at 10, 11, 13 and 16. Also school assisted places and numerous bursaries, based on financial need. Financial help for children with parents in armed forces and clergy. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmaster: Paul Fisher, in post from 1998. Educated at St Ignatius' College, Enfield, and Oxford University (Lit Hum). Previously Head of Mount St Mary's College and teacher at Marlborough and Prior Park. Teaching staff: 83 full time, 20 part time. Annual turnover 7%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 163 pupils in fifth: 96% gained at least grade C in 9 subjects, 3% in 7-8 subjects. A-levels: 129 in upper sixth: 95% passed in 4+ subjects; 5% in 3. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 473.
98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (1% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 17% in science and engineering, 2% in law, 27% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 40% in other subjects.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 GCSE subjects, 26 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; in addition, all take AS and A-level general studies, some take AS-level critical thinking. Some sixth-form teaching joint with Loughborough High. Languages: French, Spanish and German offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Punjabi, Chinese, Italian as extras. Regular home stays (France, Spain and Germany). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200+ computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Numerous musical groups including 2 orchestras, 2 concert bands, big band, 3 choirs, swing band, various ensembles. Concert band and big band successful in national area finals; regular overseas choir tour. Drama: Joint productions with Loughborough High. Art and design: On average, 33 take GCSE, 236 A-level. Design, ceramics, printing, photography and set design also offered.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, swimming, athletics compulsory. Optional: football, hockey, tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, cross-country, fencing, golf, squash. Recent schoolboy internationals in rugby, athletics, badminton. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service both optional. A wide range of clubs, eg science, debating, karting, mind sports, radio controlled cars, bridge, Scouts, photography.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy, 2 deputies, senior prefects, head of house and house prefects, appointed by Headmaster and staff. Religion: Non-denominational. Assembly compulsory - weekly chapel for boarders. Social: Debates, music and drama, clubs and societies joint with other schools, many with sister school (Loughborough High). Numerous organised trips abroad and home stay systems. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals formal. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Detention or major or minors (written imposition).
Sixth form have own study bedroom, fourth and fifth share (2-4); others in dormitories of 6+. Junior and senior houses. Resident qualified medical staff. Central dining room. 2 exeats each term. Daily visits to local town allowed. Weekly boarding allowed.
G.W. Briggs (composer of hymns); Sir Sidney Wadsworth (Judge and Indian Civil Servant); Rev. George Davys (Bishop and Queen Victoria's educator); Peter Preston (journalist; former editor of The Guardian); Marcus Rose (former England rugby player); Felix Buxton (musician and member of Basement Jaxx).
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