Founded in 1844 as a Church of England foundation, it was built as a school for the purpose of giving a sound education to the sons of clergy and lay people. It is well sited on the Lancashire coast between Cleveleys and Fleetwood, semi-rural on an estate of 160 acres. The refitting of the solid Victorian buildings and the addition of new ones has been a constant process and much of the modern structure dates from the 1970s. Religious worship is encouraged and chapel is used weekly. A well-qualified teaching staff allows a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:7. Academic standards are high and good examination results are achieved. The IB Diploma is offered as an alternative to AS/A-levels. Music is strong and art is well supported. There is a good range of sports and games and a high level of attainment. Extra-curricular activities are plentiful. There are many opportunities for outdoor pursuits, with emphasis on self-reliance and practical skills; this is complemented by an extensive programme of community service to assist the less advantaged. The CCF contingent is the most senior, having been formed in 1860; and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is well supported.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 571 pupils, 331 day (190 boys, 141 girls), 240 boarders (144 boys, 96 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. 26% of senior intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form); 54% from own junior school.
50+ pa scholarships, up to 100% fees; 10 Governors awards for sixth-form entrants; clerical and service bursaries.
Some 60% live within 30 miles; 40% live overseas.
Principal: Dr Stephen Winkley, appointed in 2008. Educated at St Edward’s (Oxford) and Oxford University (classics and modern languages). Previously Headmaster at Uppingham, Second Master and Housemaster of Scholars at Winchester, and Housemaster of Sixth Form Centre at Cranleigh. Teaching staff: 142 full time, 101 part time (including music).
GCSE: 44 pupils in Year 11: 84% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. IB/A-levels: 108 in upper sixth. 30% took the IB, gaining an average of 30 IB points. 70% took A-levels, gaining an average final point score of 295.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 5% to Oxbridge. 41% take courses in science and engineering, 22% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design, 31% in business studies. Others typically go in to careers (armed forces, computing, retail management).
GCSE, AS and A-levels, or IB Diploma, or BTEC National Diploma in art and design. 20 subjects offered (including A-level general studies and PE). 20% take science A-levels; 53% arts/humanities; 27% both. Special provision: Support units for specific learning difficulties and overseas pupils requiring help with English. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Exchange visits to France and Germany. International study centre offering intensive ESL in small classes. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg geography and mathematics). 80+ computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), majority networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Numerous musical groups including orchestral, wind, jazz, choral. Member of National Jazz Youth Orchestra. Drama: Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design also available.
Sport: Rugby, soccer, cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, netball, squash, fives, cross-country, shooting, swimming available. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service both optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg chess, drama, outdoor pursuits, sub-aqua, fencing, debating.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dark suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School captain, house captains, monitors. Religion: Non-denominational. Twice weekly chapel compulsory, to provide school's multi-racial, multi-cultural community with a period of reflection. Social: Occasional (irregular) events with local schools. Regular sports tours abroad; exchange visits with German school. Meals cafeteria-style.
Pupils failing to produce prep complete work in daily detention; minor misdemeanours dealt with by community service within school. Any pupil in possession of illegal substances should expect expulsion.
Sixth formers have own study bedroom; remainder in dormitories of 4-6. Houses of 35-55, single-sex except junior house (11-13). Qualified nurses. Central dining room. Flexible policy on exeats. Visits to local town allowed, twice weekly.
is run by Jen Booth, President, Rossallian Club, c/o the school.
Sir Thomas Beecham (conductor); J G Farrell (author); General Sir Thomas Hutton; Sir David Brown (industrialist); Peter Winterbottom (England rugby captain); Lord Lugard (colonial governor); Victoria Hesketh/Little Boots (singer).
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