Founded on its present site in 1866 by the Rev J J Kendon, a Baptist minister. Until 1948 it was run as a small school by members of the minister's family. It remains a relatively small school with a family atmosphere and the chapel has an important role. Modern developments now provide good boarding and classroom facilities in an idyllic rural setting. A large staff allows a favourable staff:pupil ratio of about 1:8, so that there is a range of individual attention to be given, both academic and pastoral. From Year 8 all pupils work on laptops across the curriculum, with wireless access throughout the school. There is considerable commitment to drama, art and music. A wide variety of sports and games is provided and a range of extra-curricular activities. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is popular and successful.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 404 pupils, 284 day (185 boys, 99 girls) 120 boarding (83 boys, 37 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth form entry, 4 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B for some sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 50% main intake (plus most new pupils in sixth form). Feeder schools include Dulwich Prep, Marlborough House, The Mead and many local primary schools including Goudhurst, Horsmonden, Brenchley.
Scholarships, value up to 20% of fees, awarded at 11, 13 and 16: academic, sport, art, drama, music, design technology. Means-tested bursaries available, including for clergy and forces children.
30+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Headmaster: Francie Healy, in post since 2010. Educated at Trinity College Dublin (maths and chemistry). Previously Academic Deputy at the school, Head of ICT and taught maths and ICT. Also ISI Inspector. Teaching staff: 40 full time, 11 part time. Annual turnover 7%. Average age 45.
GCSE: 68 pupils in Year 11, 83% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects (30% included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a foreign language; the school requires pupils to take English, maths and a science and then gives a free choice of GCSEs and many pupils, particularly those with dyslexia, do not choose a language). A-levels: 60 in upper sixth, gaining an average final point score of 287.
94% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (35% after a gap year). 21% take courses in science, 16% in humanities and social sciences, 13% in art and design, 10% in drama, music and 40% in other vocational subjects eg accountancy, business studies, marketing, agriculture etc. Others typically go on to non-degree courses or into family business.
GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 19 AS/A-level subjects (including business, double A-level applied business, BTEC sport). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (general studies not taken); or 1 vocational A-level plus 2-3 AS-levels; Extended Project also offered as a stand-alone qualification. Vocational: Work experience available. Vocational A-level in business and BTEC in sport may be taken. Special provision: Long-established dyslexia and learning support department for pupils with a good level of ability. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. ICT: Taught in Years 7-9. All pupils from Year 8 have their own laptops; a wireless broadband network covers the whole campus.
Music: Up to 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including symphony orchestra, choir, concert band, steel band, brass, wind, string and rock school. Recording studio with digital equipment. Drama offered to GCSE and A-level. Wide range of productions. Art and design: On average, 60% take GCSE, 25% AS-level, 22% A-level. Design, ceramics, textiles, photography, design technology, food technology also offered.
Sport: Range includes rugby, football, cricket, cross-country, netball, hockey, swimming, rounders, badminton, basketball, dance, squash, volleyball, weight training. GCSE and BTEC sport may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (15-20 pa gold); all pupils are involved voluntarily. Community service optional (part of D of E). Up to 30 clubs, eg art, debating, country pursuits, chef school, sailing, film, modern dance.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress regulations in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of school, head of house and house prefects appointed by Headmaster and housemasters/mistresses. School Council. Religion: Christian. Compulsory religious worship. Social: Discos, lectures, drama and choral events. Trips abroad for eg rugby, netball, history, art, skiing, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, geography, languages and business. Meals self-service. Some alcohol permitted for sixth form only (in presence of staff).
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to be detained to complete it. Pupils involved with an illegal substance such as cannabis would face suspension as a minimum and return would be conditional on agreement to random testing. Pupils passing such substances on to other pupils would be expelled.
Upper sixth in single ensuite study bedrooms in a separate house. Others in singles, doubles or some in dormitories of 4. Single-sex houses of 30, divided by age. Resident qualified nurses, doctor in village. Central dining room. Weekend programme for termly boarders; weekly boarding available. Weekend visits to town allowed.
The Bethanians Society, c/o the school.
Lord (Josiah) Stamp (economist and banker).
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