Founded in 1407 and one of the oldest continuous foundations in England. The agreeable, well-designed, red-brick buildings occupy pleasant grounds and playing fields on the edge of the market town of Oswestry, overlooking the Shropshire Plain. The nursery (catering for children from 6 weeks) and pre-prep school are at Bellan House nearby. Facilities are very good and include a gymnasium, netball/tennis courts and a heated indoor swimming pool. The school operates a non-selective admission process. A good all-round education is provided in a supportive family atmosphere and examination results are good. Pupils are encouraged to discover the areas in which they excel and to fulfil their potential in the field to which they are naturally drawn. The music and drama departments are thriving; art is popular, with several exhibitions each year. Sport and games are encouraged and high standards are attained (many county representatives annually). The CCF and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme are both offered and a large range of activities, trips and expeditions play a central role in broadening pupils' experience.
Pupils: Total age range 0-18; 364 pupils, 278 day (154 boys, 124 girls), 86 boarding (52 boys, 34 girls). Junior department 0-13, 165 pupils (94 boys, 71 girls). Senior department 13-18, 199 pupils (112 boys, 87 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 9, 11, 13 and 16. Entry by interview and report from previous school. For sixth form entry: 5 GCSEs at least grade C, including sixth form subjects. No religious requirements.
Scholarships and exhibitions available, value 10%-50% fees, awarded at 9, 11, 13 and 16. Some bursaries, based on financial need; fee concessions for children of teachers; forces families discount (20%).
Headmaster: Douglas Robb, in post from 2010. Educated at Birkenhead School and universities of Edinburgh (politics and education) and Cambridge (MEd educational leadership). Previously Housemaster at Oundle, taught at Loughborough Grammar, Fettes and at Prince Edward School, Zimbabwe. Teaching staff: 38 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 43.
GCSE: 45 pupils in Year 11, 62% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 29% in 5-7 subjects (all included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 30 in upper sixth, 100% passing in 3+ subjects, with an average final point score of 315.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (2% after a gap year). 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 25% in humanities and social sciences, 17% in art and design, 33% in vocational subjects including drama, music, business and finance, leisure management. A few typically go on to non-degree courses (eg art, drama, catering, agriculture) or into careers (eg armed services, banking, retailing).
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 14 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; some take supplementary GCSEs; general studies not taken. 20% take maths and science A-levels; 20% arts/humanities; 60% both. Special provision: EAL teaching and learning support for dyslexic pupils (on withdrawal from classes basis) is offered in learning support unit, 1-3 lessons a week. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 52+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked, all with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, training band, choirs, pop group. Pupils in county orchestra. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Pupils regularly accepted for art college and to read architecture.
Sport: Rugby, soccer, cricket for boys; hockey, netball for girls; athletics, cross-country, swimming, badminton, tennis for boys and girls. BAGA, ASA exams may be taken. Regular county representation (cricket, swimming, athletics, hockey, football). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF offered. Active social service and charitable works. Clubs include computer, climbing, aerobics, drama, art, fencing, kayaking, motor enthusiasts.
Uniform: School uniform worn; smart business dress in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, heads of house and house prefects - appointed after consultation. Religion: Non-denominational. Boarders must attend chapel unless attending own (eg Roman Catholic) church or own faith precludes. Social: Trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a reminder, then work detention for persistent failure. Disciplinary matters are swiftly dealt with by a well-developed support team and are a rare occurrence. Any pupil caught supplying drugs would expect expulsion.
5% have own study bedroom; 60% share (1 or 2); 35% in dormitories of 3-8. Single sex houses of approximately 50; separate sixth form houses for boys and girls. Resident qualified medical staff. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks. 3 or 4 overnight exeats each term. Visits to local town allowed.
is run by the Old Oswestrian Society, c/o the school.
W A Spooner (Warden of New College and after whom the 'spoonerism' was named); Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby (adventurer); Robert Topham (former England footballer).
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