Founded in 1962, as a co-educational specialist school for young musicians and was the first of its kind in Britain. It began in Conway Hall and, after three relocations, moved in 1997 to its present location in Bushey. Its musical strength is demonstrated by the fact that most pupils receive help under the government Music and Dance Scheme. Examination results are also good and almost all sixth formers go on to degree courses in music, many of them to Oxbridge. It is a multi-racial and non-denominational school with a very high staff:pupil ratio of about 1:7. It can therefore pay particular attention to the needs - musical, academic or pastoral - of the individual and reduce to a minimum the pressures which often threaten a musically gifted child. Drama is strong and there is a fair range of sports and games and extra-curricular activities.
Pupils: Total age range 8-18; 171 pupils, 59 day (25 boys, 40 girls), 112 boarders (35 boys, 77 girls). Senior department 12-18; 120 pupils (40 boys, 80 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 9, 11, 12, 13 and 16. By musical audition only; for sixth-form entry, GCSE grade B in sixth-form subjects. Exceptional musical promise essential; no religious requirements (international intake).
Most pupils hold (means-tested) aided places on government Music and Dance Scheme; some further sponsorship and scholarship funding available. Parents are expected to buy textbooks only in the sixth form. Instrumental tuition is included in the fees.
15+% are doctors, lawyers, teachers; 15+% in industry; 15+% in music. 10+% live within 30 miles; up to 15% live overseas.
Headmaster: A Peter Crook, in post from 2007. Teaching staff: 20 full time, 5 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.
GCSE: On average 21 in upper fifth, most gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 38 in upper sixth: most passing in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 306.
80% of recent sixth-form leavers go on to a conservatoire, the remainder to university, including Oxbridge, many to study music (7% take a gap year first).
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 10 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. All take music; no general studies taken. Special provision: EFL teaching as required. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE and A-level. Exchanges with music schools in many countries eg Russia, Germany, Poland, Israel. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 70 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: All pupils learn a musical instrument and instrumental exams are taken. School has a music technology suite. 40+ musical groups include chamber groups, several choirs, orchestras, jazz group. Pupil winner Shell/LSO string competition, gold medal in European Music for Youth competition; several members of National Youth Orchestra and National Children's Orchestra. Orchestral and concert tours to Germany, US, Japan. Drama: Frequent school productions. Art and design: On average, 12 take GCSE, 10 A-level.
Sport: Options include football, swimming, badminton, squash, rounders, basketball, fencing. Activities: Community service optional. Up to 5 clubs, eg chess, gym, poetry, literary.
Uniform: School uniform not worn. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects; head boy/girl - appointed by the Headmaster, in consultation with staff and pupils. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Religious worship on a private basis. Social: Occasionally provides players for other schools' productions. Regular organised trips abroad, including orchestral and concert tours to Germany, US, Japan, UK; exchanges with Russia and US. Meals self-service. School tuck shop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils struggling to produce homework on time are placed on academic report on which teachers write a brief appraisal of each lesson; pupils discuss reports and progress weekly with their tutors; aim is to encourage and support. For very serious disciplinary offences (which are rare), pupils are temporarily exluded, then gated upon their return; aim is to help them get things right.
Sixth form have own rooms; others share up to 4. Single-sex houses. Resident nursing sister. Central dining room. Pupils can provide own snacks. 2 weekend exeats termly. Visits to local town allowed with permission, in pairs or small groups.
Robert Cohen (cellist); Oliver Knussen (composer and conductor); Nicholas Daniel (oboist); Janice Graham (violinist), Catrina Finch (royal harpist).
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