Founded in 1915 as a co-educational school, it was a pioneering concept in education that attracted progressive causes. There is a domestic village atmosphere to the school, with most of the buildings in the Garden City idiom, surrounded by attractive grounds. It provides a complete education from infancy to adulthood and a large number of the teaching staff have children at the school. It has a distinctive ethos, based on the development of each child's individuality whilst teaching a sense of responsibility towards others, towards the school and towards the local and global community. The teaching is of a high standard and examination results are good. It is very strong in drama, technology and art. There is a range of sports, games and extra-curricular activities, with special emphasis on outdoor pursuits (eg rock-climbing, canoeing) and pupils are involved in the local community. The school diet is entirely vegetarian.
Pupils: Total age range 2½-18; 540 pupils, 490 day (305 boys, 185 girls), 50 boarders (30 boys, 20 girls). Senior department 11-18, approx 400 pupils (250 boys, 150 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 2½, 8, 9, 11 and 16. Own informal tests at an interview day; for sixth-form entry, at least 5 GCSEs at grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No religious requirements.
Limited number of scholarships, value 10% of tuition fees. Some bursaries based on financial need; discounts for siblings.
Headmaster: Richard Palmer, in post from 2006. Previously Head of the Junior School. Teaching staff: 50 full time and part time.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (25% after a gap year).
GCSE, AS-levels and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 12 GCSE subjects, 20 AS/A-levels (including theatre studies, psychology, history of art, design and technology, business studies). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: for limited number of pupils of good general ability requiring dyslexic or EFL help. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum eg CAD software used for designing products in technology, presentation software in geography projects. 160+ computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: All juniors start learning violin (whole class teaching); instrumental exams can be taken. Some Several musical groups including 2 orchestras, jazz band, choir, recorder and guitar consort. Drama: Drama offered to a high standard and GCSE and A-level may be taken. All pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Students regularly move on to drama school, including RADA and Guildhall. Art and design: On average, 50% take GCSE, 30% A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered. Pupils regularly accepted at top art colleges.
Sport: Soccer, rugby, baket ball nd netball major winter sports, cricket, tennis, rounders in summer. PE at GCSE and A-level. Activities: include Amnesty International, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, community service, film club, yoga, astronomy.
Uniform: School uniform not worn apart from games and PE. School Council. Social: Meals self-service. Diet is entirely wholefood vegetarian (no meat or fish allowed on campus). Various trips abroad organised.
Nearly all sixth form have own study bedroom, younger pupils in rooms of 2-3. Mixed houses divided by age group.
The St Christopher Club (former staff and pupils) c/o the school
Paul Hamlyn, Ralph Halpern (entrepreneurs); Michael Winner (film producer); Neil Coles (golfer); Shaun Slovo, Jonathan Croall, Jenny Diski (authors); Gavin Campbell (actor).
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