Founded in 1813 by Andrew Reed for the purpose of educating boys whose fathers had died. From 1958, all boys became eligible for entrance, and girls have been accepted into the sixth form for many years. Foundation awards are still granted to pupils who have lost the support of one or both parents; some 70 pupils are supported. It has a very agreeable semi-rural site of about 40 acres of heath, woodland and playing fields near Esher. It is a compact campus, where the original buildings blend in with the modern additions. The school has recently expanded and there is an on-going building programme; the most recent developments have been new laboratories, a resource centre, astroturf pitches and an indoor tennis centre. It is proud of its charitable foundation and the Christian principles of the founder live on. Ecumenical in spirit and policy, it has some emphasis on worship in chapel and religious education is part of the curriculum. There is a favourable staff:pupil ratio of about 1:9. and examination results are good. There are close ties with Holland. There is a range of sports and games, with special provision for elite skiers and tennis players. There is also a CCF contingent with both RAF and Army sections. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is well supported, and there is commitment to local community services and to work in a South African township.
Pupils: Age range 11-18, 570 pupils, 470 day (430 boys, 40 girls), 100 boarding (90 boys, 10 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages, 11, 13 and 16, via Common Entrance and own exam. Sixth form entry assessed through own entrance exam.
Some scholarships, value 10%-50% fees: academic, others all-rounder, sport, music, art, drama, technology (awarded at 13 and 16). Substantial bursaries for children of single-parent families.
Headmaster: D W Jarrett, appointed 1997. Previously Acting Vice Master at Bedford School. Teaching staff: 65 full time plus visiting music staff.
GCSE: 100 pupils in fifth form, all gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 90 in upper sixth, 22% passed in 4+ subjects, 68% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 305.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year).
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE subjects, 26 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 30% take science A-levels; 37% arts/humanities; 33% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Some for dyslexic pupils. Languages: Latin, French, Spanish and German offered to GCSE, AS-level and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Holland, Spain and Germany). ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. 101 networked computers for pupil use (accessible 24 hours a day), with internet and email access. Network includes all departments, library and boarding houses.
Music: 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken; pupils can take music technology A-level. Some 8 musical groups including choral, brass, wind, string, popular. 2 recent pupils won prizes for composition at the Royal College of Music. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and A-level may be taken; majority of pupils involved in house and school productions; two active drama clubs; participation in Edinburgh Fringe. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level; graphic design and photography also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket compulsory for boys in first two years. Optional: tennis, skiing, badminton, swimming, squash, athletics, netball, basketball. Tennis and skiing particularly strong. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF available. Up to 30 activities including photography, printing, archery, dance, judo, karate, golf.
Uniform: School uniform worn, sixth form may wear 'office dress'. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects (elected by sixth form and staff), head boy/girl (appointed by the Head), head of house. School Council, representing all year groups. Religion: Compulsory Church of England chapel. Social: Debates and outings with several local girls' schools. Organised trips abroad. Day pupils allowed to bring own car, motorbike or bike to school. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Fifth and sixth form have single study bedrooms; Forms 3-4 are in dormitories of 2-6. Houses divided by age group (separate houses for forms 1-2 and for sixth form). Qualified nurse. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food.
John Alvey (Chairman of Alvey Committee); Brian Miles (RNLI); Simon Keenlyside (opera singer); Tim Henman (tennis player).
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