Established in 1842 as a co-educational boarding school for the children of Quaker families, it is set in 50 acres of grounds in Oxfordshire countryside. Quaker values, which seek to recognise ‘that of God in everyone', remain at the heart of the school. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum designed to suit the needs of each individual pupil, whatever their talents. It is a dyslexia- friendly school that prides itself in taking a wide spread of abilities and making progress for each pupil. Overseas pupils are welcomed. The school runs a well supported Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and pupils are also involved in community outreach.
Pupils: Age range 11-18, 347 pupils; 298 day (180 boys, 118 girls); 49 boarding (35 boys, 14 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13, 14 and 16. Own tests used, school reports and interview (also an educational psychologist's report for dyslexic pupils). For sixth-form entry to study A-levels, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects); to study vocational A-levels, each application treated individually. No religious requirements. 50% of intake from state schools (and few to sixth form); large intake from own junior, Sibford Junior School.
Academic scholarships awarded annually, up to 10% of fees (up to a further 70% of fees on means-tested basis); also music and art scholarships. A limited number of bursaries for Quaker and non-Quaker children. Some 25% of pupils receive scholarships or bursaries.
50+% live within 30 miles; 8% live overseas.
Head: Michael Goodwin, in post 2004. Educated at Bury Grammar School and universities of Nottingham and London. Previously Headteacher of Sheringham High School and Sixth Form Centre, Deputy Head of Thorpe St Andrew School, Head of Humanities and Curriculum Manager at Colne Community School. Teaching staff: 54 full time, 28 part time plus visiting music staff. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 45.
GCSE: 57 pupils in Year 11, 75% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects (average in 9 subjects). A-levels: 32 in upper sixth, 6% passed in 4+ subjects, 73% in 3 (average of 2.8 subjects).
Majority of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. Others typically go on to art, drama or music colleges, to other non-degree courses or some straight into careers such as retail management or training schemes.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20+ AS/A-level subjects (including business; sports studies; media and ICT). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects in Year 12, 3 in Year 13; general studies not taken. Vocational: Sixth-form curriculum includes vocational subjects such as ICT, performance studies and countryside & environment. Special provision: Enhanced learning programme faculty provides specialist support for pupils with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Specialist support also available for students whose first language is not English. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg coursework; voice recognition for those with SPLD); early morning touch-typing training. 70+ computers for pupil use (11 hours a day), majority networked and all with email and internet access.
Most of the school is involved in creative and/or performing arts. Music: 50+% learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Musical groups include choirs, orchestra, jazz band, guitar group and various ensembles of different sizes and styles. Music competitions and recitals. Drama: Many pupils involved in school productions. Most of the school is involved in creative and/or performing arts.
Sport: Rugby, soccer, cricket, hockey, netball, squash, tennis, volleyball, swimming, athletics, basketball, badminton, sailing, skiing, golf, orienteering. Activities: Pupils take bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Outreach programme and other community services.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Head (and deputy head) boy and girl, student management team, heads of boarding houses - appointed by the Head or house staff. Religion: School has Quaker ethos and welcomes pupils of all faiths and none. Social: Theatre visits; visits organised to Oxford, Stratford, Banbury; dances dinners. Organised trips abroad.
Based upon mutual respect, supported by a clear system of sanctions.
Sixth formers in single or double study-bedroom. Houses of approximately 30, most single-sex; separate sixth-form house. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room; meals self-service. Pupils can provide and cook supplementary food. Weekly and flexi boarding available.
is run by Mike and Wendy Finch, c/o the school.
Charley Boorman (authorand traveller); Paul Eddington (actor); Guy Ritchie (film director); Peter McCurdy (architect; Shakespeare's Globe reconstruction).
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