Founded in 1912, it has a fine rural site between York and the very agreeable spa town of Harrogate. Pleasant gardens and ample playing fields surround it and beyond lies beautiful Yorkshire countryside. The buildings are well-designed and spacious and the boarding accommodation is comfortable. The prep department (Chapter House) and senior school share the same site. The senior school has been co-educational since 1999 and draws pupils from over 30 countries. It is divided into two parts: the College follows a traditional curriculum including GCSE, A-level and the IB Diploma; the Faculty offers a range of vocational BTEC courses, which may be combined with A-level, and a range of other courses for international students who have English as their second language. Results throughout are very good. A modern, purposeful and happy atmosphere prevails. The school is rooted in Christian values but provides a strong cultural and spiritual education to those of all faiths or none. Music, art and drama are strong, and a good standard is attained in sports and games. The school has a high reputation locally and a commitment to local community schemes. It has a good record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, a thriving CCF and range of other extra-curricular activities. It has its own BHS-approved equestrian centre. Full use is made of the cultural amenities of Harrogate and York.
Pupils: Total age range 1-18; 862 pupils, 329 day (170 boys, 159 girls), 533 boarding (260 boys, 273 girls). Prep department, 1-11, 85 pupils (50 boys, 35 girls). College 11-18, 557 pupils (271 boys, 286 girls). Faculty 11-18, 220 pupils (109 boys, 111 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages, 2½, 5, 11, 13, 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 20% intake at 11 plus 20% to sixth form. Own prep department provides over 50% of senior intake.
Scholarships, including music, drama, art and sixth form; value up to 50% of fees (but may be enhanced by a bursary if necessary). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Head Teacher: Steven Jandrell, in post from 2006. Educated at Sussex University. Previously Deputy Head at the school, Director of Music at two independent schools and worked as professional organist and choir trainer at university level. Teaching staff: 84 full-time, 36 part-time. Annual turnover 5%.
College. GCSE: 42 pupils in Year 11, 95% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 71 in upper sixth, 100% passing in 3+ subjects with an average final points score of 412. First IB results not yet available.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 25% in maths and finance, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in vocational, art and design courses or to employment.
GCSE, AS and A-level, IB Diploma and BTEC. 22 GCSE subjects, 23 AS/A-level, 5 BTEC. Sixth form: 25% of College sixth formers take the IB Diploma. Most of the remainder take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. Vocational BTECs for Faculty sixth formers in performing arts, business, music technology, fashion and PE. Vocational: BHS Assistant Instructors Award in riding, Leith's certificate in food. Special provision: English as an Additional Language and learning development support available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. First language tuition at IB. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 124 computers for pupil use (open all day); majority networked (some wifi, some wired) and with email and screened internet access. Pupils may use laptops.
Music: Over 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choir, chamber orchestra, rock, pop and various ensembles. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama, BTEC performing arts and LAMDA speech and drama exams may be taken. Large numbers involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Art and design: GCSE art, photography and textiles offered; A-level art and photography; BTEC fashion and design.
Sport: Rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball, rounders and tennis compulsory to Year 11. Optional: basketball, riding, fitness, gym. Indoor and outdoor riding schools, with showjumping and cross-country fences. Sixth-form pupils can take BHS Assistant Instructor Award. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service both optional. Up to 30 clubs and activities, eg archery, war-gaming, golf.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dark suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School and house prefects. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Regular visits abroad. Pupils can bring own horse to school. School shop. Alcohol occasionally on controlled basis.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect reprimand; thereafter a series of penalties and procedures in place for a range of misdemeanours. Aims for discipline to be firm and based on common sense. Support for those who need it.
Houses, of approximately 60, plus sixth-form house. Qualified nurses, visiting doctors. Visits to local town allowed, on a regular basis at weekends.
Old Ethelburgian's, contacted via the school
Charlotte Uhlenbroek (primate specialist and television presenter)
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