Founded in 1560, it has occupied its 50-acre urban site close to the town centre since 1882. The original Victorian building was modernised in 1989 and subsequent developments have included a theatre, library, IT facilities, science and technology centres. There are over 50 acres of playing fields,an astroturf pitch and squash courts. The junior school is in its own modern buildings and is an integral part of the school. In 2005 the school became fully co-educational, having taken girls in the sixth form for over 20 years. The moral and spiritual welfare of pupils is regarded as very important. A broad, traditional education is provided and results are very good. Music is very strong - musical groups include chapel choir, orchestras and jazz band. Drama and art are also well supported. There is a good deal of emphasis on competitive sport and games; county and national representatives, particularly in rugby, cricket and sailing. There is the normal range of games as well as shooting, sailing and golf. There is a voluntary CCF and considerable commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Service to the community and to others in the school is a valued part of the curriculum. Numerous clubs and societies cater for many interests. Much enterprise is shown in the arrangement of overseas tours and trips. The school is closely involved with the local community.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18, 1010 day pupils (705 boys, 305 girls). Senior department 11-18, 850 pupils (695 boys, 255 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7-11 and 16. Own entrance exam used (English and maths) and often an interview. For sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B. Some 40% of senior school from own junior; state school entry about 50%.
Academic scholarships awarded at 11 and 13 - variable number and value but approx 25 pa, value 10%-40% of fees; also music scholarships at 11, 12, 13 and 16 (20%-50% of fees); sixth form scholarships (academic, design technology, art & design, music). Means-tested assisted places for able pupils in financial need. Fee remission of 50% for children of clergy.
Headmaster: Philip J Griffiths, appointed 2005. Educated at Bablake and universities of Liverpool and Birmingham (history). Previously Second Master at the school. (From 2010, David Lloyd, previously Deputy Head at Ryde School.)
GCSE: 103 pupils in upper fifth: 100% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 136 in upper sixth, passing on average 3.5 subjects.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (few after a gap year), 8% to Oxbridge. 13% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 26% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 26% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art, 21% in other subjects eg music.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. Some 20 GCSE subjects, 29 AS/A-level (including business studies, design and theatre studies). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, AS-level general studies is encouraged (A-level optional); sixth-form enrichment programme includes eg Mandarin and skiing. Languages: Latin (compulsory for 1 year at 11), French (compulsory from 11 to GCSE), German and Spanish (from 12) all offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; Mandarin Chinese offered in sixth form. Up to 70% of pupils take GCSE in more than 1 language. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), almost all networked and with email and filtered internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 20+ musical groups, including orchestra, chapel choir, samba band. Several groups successful in local festivals. Many opportunities to perform at formal and informal concerts throughout the year. Drama: Theatre studies offered at AS and A-level. 2 major productions a year: a musical (eg Barnum, The Sound of Music) and a school play (The Sea, A Christmas Carol); also smaller productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 15 A-level. 3D design, ceramics and photography also offered. A number go on to art foundation courses.
Sport: PE compulsory to Year 11; principal games are rugby, cricket, hockey (boys and girls), netball and rounders. Also tennis, athletics, swimming, clay-pigeon shooting, cross-country, badminton, basketball and sailing. Tennis team has national success. Annual sports tours. Activities: Outdoor pursuits play major part in school's life. Pupils from Year 9 take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (150 pupils involved) and CCF (army and RAF sections; 150 pupils involved). Outdoor activities programme for Year 7; all Year 8 spend a week in school's mountain cottage in Snowdonia. Major biennial expeditions (eg Nepal, Chile). Up to 35 clubs including sports, music, debating, computer, drama, science and technology; popular mountain club.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl and school prefects, appointed by Headmaster. Religion: Church of England foundation. Social: Participates in many local competitions (team games, chess, public-speaking etc); state/independent partnership with Small Heath School. Regular exchanges with pupils in France, Germany and Spain; World Challenge expedition (eg Tibet ); classical tours of Greece; history trips to Normandy; skiing parties. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework could expect detention; those caught dealing in cannabis could expect expulsion.
c/o the school.
Michael Buerk (BBC); David Briggs (organist); Lord Butterfield (ex-Vice-Chancellor, Cambridge University); Sir Oliver Wright (ex-ambassador to USA); Mr Justice Owen; Sir Derek Higgs (merchant banker).
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