Founded in 1920, the school was established as a co-educational junior school to feed local grammar schools. The present school took shape after a parental buy-out in 1974 and a charitable trust was formed; the sixth form opened in 1981. Recently most of the school moved to a new site at Llantarnam Hall, where it offers education from 3-18. Examination results are good. High standards are achieved in music, drama and art. Sport is good with several county and national representatives. There is also an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 688 day pupils (356 boys, 332 girls). Junior department 3-11, 259 pupils (142 boys, 117 girls). Senior department 11-18, 429 pupils (214 boys, 215 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3-4, 11, 13 and 16. For sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C, including sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. 20% of senior intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form); many from own junior department.
6 pa scholarships (awarded at age 11), value 25% fees. Variable number of bursaries. No extras.
Head: Dr Jonathan Tribbick, appointed 2002. Educated at The Cedars School, Leighton Buzzard, and the universities of Hull (classics) and London (classics and law). Previously Vice Principal of Newcastle-under-Lyme School and Head of Classics at Hampton School. Teaching staff: 61 full time, 11 part time. Annual turnover 3%. Average age 43.
GCSE: 58 pupils in Year 11, 100% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (including English and maths). A-levels: 56 in upper sixth, 100% passed in 3+ subjects, with an average final point score of 370.
97% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 17% take courses in dentistry, medicine or law, 39% in science, maths and engineering, 44% in humanities and social sciences.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17-19 subjects at GCSE, AS and A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (some in contrasting subjects), 3 at A-level. General studies not taken but AS-level critical thinking offered. 30% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities; 35% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Individual tuition on withdrawal basis. Dyslexia unit. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. German exchange, with a school in Lahnstein. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 100 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), majority networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 3 musical groups: orchestra, chamber, choral. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: Offered at both GCSE, AS and A-level. Provision is made for a full multi-disciplinary curriculum.
Sport: PE compulsory. Extra-curricular sport include netball, hockey (mixed), football, rugby, golf, tennis, cricket, athletics, cross-country, martial arts, badminton, dance, gymnastics, swimming. GCSE PE an option. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Numerous clubs, including chess, computing, debating, environmental care.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster, with staff and pupil consultation. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Three sets of debating competitions (Rotary, Business Women, English Speaking Union). Organised trips abroad each year. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once would have to do the work and their omission would be noted; a pupil smoking cannabis on school premises should expect expulsion.
is run by the school's Business Development Officer (alumni@rsch.co.uk)
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