Founded in 1830 and one of the first lay Roman Catholic schools in the country to become co-educational; girls were accepted in 1983. The school enjoys a splendid position overlooking the city of Bath. Its particularly beautiful and well-appointed 18th-century Georgian buildings are set in 57 acres of fine grounds and playing fields. Good facilities recently added include a library, theatre, dance studio, music school, ICT centre, indoor swimming pool and new junior house. Examination results are very good. It provides a Christian environment in which children are secure and happy. A priest serves as full-time resident chaplain. Considerable importance is attached to religious education (all pupils study this to GCSE) and practice. The school is ecumenical in spirit and provision is made for Anglican confirmation; pupils of all denominations are welcome. Music is very strong and the choirs have been successful in local festivals, national events and on tours. Drama, dance, public speaking and creative writing also feature prominently. It has a notable sporting tradition: hockey, cricket, netball and rugby in particular are strong. Good use is made of the facilities at Bath University. A wide range of extra-curricular societies and clubs. A flourishing CCF, with army and navy sections. There is keen participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and a number of community service projects. Personal development and career programmes run through all age levels.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 580 pupils, 455 day (233 boys, 222 girls), 125 boarding (76 boys, 49 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, interview, school report and 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No religious requirements, (though school is Catholic). Many pupils from own prep schools: at age 13 from Prior Park Preparatory School (tel 01793 750275) and at 11 from The Paragon, Bath (tel 01225 310837).
Approx 30 pa scholarships, value £300-£6000: academic, all-rounder, art, music, drama, sport. Bursaries in response to parental need and for HM Forces.
Headmaster: James Murphy-O'Connor in post from 2009. Educated at St Benedict's and at the universities of Oxford (history) and Cambridge (PGCE). Previously founding Headmaster of Sherfield School, Housemaster at Sherborne and taught at Stamford. Teaching staff: 69 full time, 17 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 36.
GCSE: 85 pupils in upper fifth: 95% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects (40% gaining 10 straight A grades), 5% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 90 in upper sixth.
98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (60% after a gap year), 9% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 11% in science and engineering, 51% in humanities and social sciences, 9% in art and design, 20% in other vocational subjects. Others go on to art foundation courses or directly into employment.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 AS/A-level subjects (including philosophy, theatre studies, sports studies, classical civilisation, business studies, economics and photography). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. General studies not taught but all sixth formers take an enrichment programme. 8% take maths and science A-levels; 36% arts/humanities; 55% both. Vocational: Work experience opportunities. Special provision: Language support centre; EFL for foreign pupils. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level; French compulsory from 11-14. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject in lower school, and across the curriculum (eg geography field-course analysis). Computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including choirs, madrigals, jazz band, rock, orchestras etc. Local and national success in competitions, tours and CD recording; strong chapel music. Drama and dance: Both flourish. Many pupils are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions. School productions eg Oklahoma, The Crucible. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 12 A-level. Painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, design also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, tennis for girls. Optional: cross-country, swimming, basketball. Coaching links with local rugby and hockey clubs and the university (swimming). School teams county hockey champions (boys and girls). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service both optional for 2 years at age 14+. Support for local charities eg fun runs, musical events, help for the homeless. Many extra-curricular activities eg music, chess, movie-making, science, drama, debating, choral, bridge, scuba diving, electronics.
Uniform: School uniform worn by all during the working day. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Heads of school, their deputies and head of house appointed by Head and staff. Range of sixth-form committees provides organisational structure and responsibility for smooth running of school. Religion: Roman Catholic. Daily prayers and regular attendance at religious worship compulsory including Sunday Mass for boarders. Social: Annual participation in Bath Schools Model United Nations; local residents join in concert choir. Annual language exchanges. Meals self-service. Tuck shop in each house. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect detention; those caught smoking cannabis might expect immediate expulsion.
35% have own study bedroom; 65% share. Single-sex houses, of 45. Resident qualified nurse. Pupils can provide and cook extra food. 1-2 exeats in Michaelmas term (family wishes always respected); weekly boarding possible. Weekend activity programme.
The Prior Park Association, contacted through Debbie O'Brien c/o the school (email ppa@priorpark.co.uk)
Sir Cameron Mackintosh (theatre producer); Damian Cronin (rugby player); Peter Levi (writer, archaeologist); Christopher Logue (poet), Hugh Scully (broadcaster); 3 Catholic bishops, including Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor of Westminster.
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