RGS Worcester

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What it's like

Founded originally as a boys' school before 1291 (one of the oldest schools in England) and given a charter by Elizabeth I in 1561. It was already in the process of becoming co-educational when, in 2007 it merged with the Alice Ottley School, a girls' school founded in 1883. The merged school is near the city centre, with fine buildings in spacious gardens and playing fields close by. There are two junior schools: one in central Worcester and one in a 48-acre site 3 miles away. There are very good modern facilities, most recently a sixth form centre, theatre, dance studio, fitness suite and design centre. A friendly, civilised and well-disciplined environment in which pupils receive a thorough education and examination results are very good. Music, art and drama are expanding. There is a strong tradition of excellence in games, especially cricket. The CCF is vigorous and there is much emphasis on outdoor pursuits. Big commitment to local community schemes and an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. The school has a high reputation locally and is well supported. Full use is made of Worcester's amenities, cultural and otherwise. The school has close links with industry.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 2½-18; 1422 day pupils (816 boys, 606 girls). Senior department, 11-18, 938 pupils (563 boys, 375 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3-11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B. School looks for potential contributors to its wide range of extra-curricular activities. 40+% of senior intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form). Many from own prep schools (RGS The Grange tel 01905 451205; Springfield tel 01905 24999), as well as from a number of state primary and independent junior schools.

Scholarships & bursaries

A number of scholarships awarded at 11 and 13 (academic, art and music), value 10%-20% of fees. A limited number of means-tested bursaries.

Head & staff

Headmaster: A R Rattue, appointed as Head of RGS in 2005. Educated at Bishop Wordsworth's Grammar School and Oxford University. Previously Second Master at Royal Grammar, Guildford, and Head of English at Highgate. Teaching staff of 92.

Exam results

GCSE: 107 pupils in Year 11: 97% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 3% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 95 in Year 13. 22% pass in 4+ subjects; 75% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 342.

Pupils' destinations

99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (26% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 7% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 34% in science and engineering, 38% in humanities and social sciences, 21% in other subjects eg business, languages, building, law. Others typically go on to art/drama colleges or straight into eg banking or the services.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE subjects, 25 AS-level, 23 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (some take 5, typically French), 3 at A-level. 32% take science A-levels; 50% arts/humanities; 18% both. Special provision: Some for dyslexic pupils. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French (compulsory from age 11), Latin, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg DTP). 140 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 20% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15 musical groups including joint orchestra, big band, madrigal group, early music consort, barbershop quartet, string ensemble. Drama: Drama offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Recent productions include Les Miserables, Under Milk Wood and The Good Woman of Schezuan. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 9 AS-level, 6 A-level. Design technology, photography, textiles also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, football, cricket compulsory for boys; netball, hockey for girls. Optional: rowing, cross-country, athletics, badminton, tennis, swimming, squash, golf, lacrosse, fencing, archery. A-level PE may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service both optional at age 14. Ten Tors Competition, winner of Black Mountain Challenge. Over 30 clubs, eg historical, geographical, general knowledge quizzes, skateboarding, war games, natural history, CAD.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, business wear in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects appointed by the Headmaster in consultation with the staff. Religion: Morning worship is non-denominational. Social: German, French and Spanish exchanges; cricket tour to eg India, rugby to South America, music to USA, expeditions to China and the Himalayas. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.

Former pupils

Imran Khan (politician and former cricketer); Tim Curtis (artist); Dean Headley (cricketer); Sir Edward Leader Williams (engineer); Barbara Cartland (author); Vanessa Redgrave (actress); Sheila Scott (aviator).