Founded in 1902, the school's unique Benedictine ethos stems from its contact with the monastic community of Ealing Abbey. Both junior and senior schools share the same urban site, with some gardens; the playing fields are a mile away. The buildings are mostly 20th century and there has been considerable investment in the past few years to improve facilities. This includes a new sports pavilion, refurbishment of the science labs, state-of-the-art facilities for music and modern languages, a multi-purpose hall and chapel. Originally a boys' school, girls have been accepted to the sixth form for many years and at all levels of the school from 2008. A Catholic and Christian atmosphere is fostered but pupils of other denominations and faiths are welcome. In the tradition of St Benedict, it sets out to "Teach a way of living”. Academic standards are high and examination results good. Very strong in music, drama and art. A good record in sports and games and a national reputation for rugby. There are a number of clubs and societies, a Combined Cadet Force, a creditable record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and substantial commitment to charitable causes.
Pupils: Age range 3-18; 987 day pupils (786 boys, 201 girls). Junior department 3-11, 303 pupils (230 boys, 73 girls). Senior department 11-18, 684 pupils (556 boys, 128 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. All-round and academic skills required; 52% of pupils are Roman Catholic. State school entry, 50+% main intake (few to sixth form); 40+% of senior intake from own junior department.
Up to 10 scholarships at 11+ and 5 at 16+. Some means-tested bursaries at 11 and 16+ up to 100% of fees (may also be used to supplement a scholarship).
Headmaster: Christopher J Cleugh, appointed 2002. Previously Head of St Anselm's College, Birkenhead. Teaching staff: 130 full time, 20 part time.
GCSE: 86 pupils in upper fifth: 99% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 88 in upper sixth: 9% passed in 4+ subjects; 88% in 3 subjects - achieving an average final point score of 334.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 29% in science and engineering, 55% in humanities and social sciences, 11% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 17% take science A-levels; 39% arts/humanities; 44% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses but not examined. Vocational: Some work experience available. Special provision: Tailored to individual needs within school's capability. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 120 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 16 musical groups including choirs, orchestras, big band, samba band, jazz band, ensembles. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and A-level may be taken; also LAMDA exams. Many pupils are involved in school productions (2 major productions a year). Art and design: On average, 24 take GCSE, 15 A-level. On average, 5 art school entrants per year.
Sport: Rugby and cricket compulsory for boys, netball and rounders for girls. Optional: tennis, swimming, athletics, badminton, basketball, volleyball, aerobics. Sixth form only: weight training. Activities: CCF and bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award optional from age 14. Over 70 activities on offer including lunchtime and after-school clubs eg Basketball, karate, badminton, volleyball, fencing, public speaking, chess, young scientists, Arabic, Hawaiian; outward-bound, drama. Weekly hobbies programme in junior school .
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects (known as decans), senior officials and head boy/girl - appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Roman Catholic services. Social: Debating and other regional competitions. Ski trips, art visits, language trips, and exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service.
Emphasis on developing self-discipline. Code of conduct sets out standards expected from pupils. Prep set each evening; failure to complete considered a serious matter. Saturday detention for more serious offences.
Old Priorians Association contacted via opa@stbenedicts.org.uk.
Professor Peter Hennessy (historian); Julian Clary (comedian); Lord (Chris) Patten (Chancellor of Oxford University); Peter Ackroyd (novelist); Denis MacShane (Labour politician); Declan Donnellan (co-founder Cheek By Jowl theatre company); Andy Serkis (actor).
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