Founded in 1868, it lies in a very attractive village 3 miles from Bath, overlooking the Avon valley. The associated prep school is close by in Combe Down. The buildings are in Cotswold stone and there have been many modern and well-equipped extensions, including a sports hall, indoor swimming centre, state-of-the-art drama studio, maths and science centre and a new music centre. Extensive playing fields adjoin the school. There is active Christian teaching, including both chapel and a range of informal activities. Academic standards are high and examination results are good. There is a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:8. It is strong in music, drama and art. A good record in sports, particularly rowing, with a large number of representatives at county level and some recent junior internationals. The CCF contingent is large and active. There are numerous clubs and societies and a community service group.
Age range 11-18; 375 pupils,136 day (80 boys, 56 girls), 239 boarding (140 boys, 99 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exam used. No religious requirements but must be willing to attend chapel. Small state school entry in main intake plus 40% to sixth form. 50+% come from own prep school, Monkton Prep School.
12 pa scholarships, 10%-50% fees (can be increased by bursaries in cases of need). 6-8 pa bursaries for children of clergy and missionaries, up to one-third fees. Maximum extras £150.
20+% live within 30 miles; 20+% live overseas.
Principal: Richard Backhouse, in post from 2005. Educated at Marlborough and Cambridge University (economics). Previously Head of Economics/Politics and Housemaster at Bradfield, and taught at Oundle. Teaching staff: 36 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 58 pupils in fifth, 95% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects (average in 8.5 subjects). A-levels: 69 in upper sixth, gaining an average final point score of 361.
98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 55% take courses in science and engineering, 45% in humanities and social sciences. Others typically go on to non-degree courses or straight into careers eg banking.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21-22 AS/A-level subjects (including sports and theatre studies). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; also AS-level critical thinking. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Language support centre with specialist ESL and learning support teachers. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. Occasional European pupils in school. 80+ computers for pupil use (13 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; plus many in departments and boarding houses.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument or singing; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choir, choral society, big band, orchestra, several ensembles. Big band gives many concerts outside school and recently toured Canada. Drama: Offered and GCSE, A-level theatre studies and Guildhall exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school and house plays and musicals. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design and printmaking offered. Artist in residence (specialises in textiles).
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, netball and rowing are major sports. Minor sports: Volleyball, aerobics, swimming, squash, judo, fencing, athletics, cross-country, basketball. A-level sports studies offered. District and county representation at hockey, rugby, cricket. Recent junior internationals in rugby, hockey and rowing. Activities: All encouraged to join CCF at age 14. Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, eg chess, Christian Union, climbing, judo, bridge, aerobics, basketball.
Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, senior prefect, heads of house and house prefects, appointed by the Principal or houseparent after consultation with staff and pupils. Religion: Christian. Attendance at chapel is compulsory and Christian activities are encouraged. Active voluntary Christian Union. Social: Sponsored activity day in support of a local or national charity. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. Limited quantity of alcohol allowed in sixth form centre on some occasions.
Report card system or detention for pupils failing to produce work. Estate work and/or fines for most other offences. Forfeiture of right to remain for any offence involving drugs or serious sexual misconduct.
15% have own study bedroom, 20% share with one; 40% in dormitories of 6+. Single-sex houses of 40-50, same as competitive houses (separate house for 11-13 year olds). 6 qualified nurses. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Flexible weekend exeats each term, and half-term. Visits to local town allowed once a week.
the Old Monktonian Club is run by The Alumni Office at the school.
Bernard Cornwell (author); Richard Stilgoe (songwriter); Sir Timothy Lankester (former Permanent Secretary, Department of Education); Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Stear; a number of bishops including Rt Rev I P M Cundy (Bishop of Peterborough) and Rt Rev S W Sykes (former Bishop of Ely); and a number of Olympic oarsmen including Rowley Douglas (gold, 2000), Steve Williams (gold, 2004 and 2008), Alex Partridge (silver, 2008).
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