Founded in 1724, it is set in 130 acres of beautiful Pennine valley, (20 miles from Manchester and Leeds) with extensive gardens and grounds. The buildings are a mix of elegant, stone-built older buildings to which many modern facilities have been added. These include a sports hall, indoor swimming pool, music block, a theatre, two modern ICT suites and new science laboratories. It is fully co-educational (girls were first admitted over 30 years ago). The junior school, Heathfield, has its own separate site but links with the main school where possible (eg sports staff work on both sites). A broad, balanced education is provided. Pupils have a wide spectrum of aptitudes - from the academically gifted to some who are disadvantaged (eg English is their second language). There are small teaching groups and close working partnerships with parents, which enable pupils to build on their strengths and allows specific needs to be addressed. The aim is to provide a friendly, caring community which combines a disciplined environment with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Strong music and drama departments. A good range of games and sports, and also extra-curricular activities. Considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits for which the surroundings are ideal. The school has an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 560 pupils, 460 day (270 boys,190 girls), 100 boarding (65 boys, 35 girls). Senior department 11-18. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance assessment; for sixth form entry, GCSE at least grade C in sixth form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. 50%+ of senior intake from own prep (Heathfield Junior School (tel 01422 823564, email admin@heathfieldjunior.co.uk).
Entry scholarships include academic, drama, music, sport. Some bursaries for those needing help with payment of fees; reductions for children of Church of England priesthood or armed services, and for siblings. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmaster: Richard Baker, in post from 1999. Educated at St Olave's Grammar School, Orpington, and Cambridge University (modern and mediaeval languages). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Hulme Grammar, and taught at Reading Blue Coat, Radley, Bishop's Stortford College and in France. Teaching staff: 60 (full and part-time).
92% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year). Others typically go on to employment.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 GCSE and sixth-form subjects (including Chinese, performing arts). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; many take A-level general studies. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Some help from qualified staff for dyslexic and dyspraxia pupils. EFL tuition available. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 50+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked. Most pupils take GCSE in IT.
Music: Some 33% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, concert band, dance orchestra, and guitar, brass, string, woodwind and percussion ensembles. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE, AS and A-level drama may be taken. Recent productions include Grease, Oh, What a lovely War, Little Shop of Horrors, Oliver!. Pupils encouraged to be involved. Art and design: GCSE and A-level. Design and technology also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, basketball, football, tennis and cricket are main sports; many others. GCSE and A-level sports studies may be taken. Many pupils represent county in various sports, some at national levels in rugby, hockey and badminton. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Over 40 extra-curricular activities offered eg chess, radio amateurs, various sports, sub aqua, tae-kwon-do.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head of school, prefects, head of house and house prefects - appointed by Headmaster, staff and senior students. Religion: Church of England. Chapel attendance encouraged but not compulsory in senior school. Social: Joint musical competition with local schools. Trips abroad arranged.
All based on self-discipline. Structure of graduated sanctions exists as integral part of pastoral support, to help pupils whose self-discipline has let them down. High standards of appearance, conduct and work expected of pupils; support from parents expected in maintaining these standards.
Most boarders have own study bedroom; some younger pupils share with 2-3; no large dormitories. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook some own food. Weekly and flexi-boarding offered.
c/o the school.
John Noakes (Blue Peter); Simon Chadwick (Brookside). .
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