Founded in 1568, it is the oldest Catholic school in England, located on a magnificent 400-acre site in the east Hertfordshire countryside. The prep school, St Hugh's, is on the same site. The school boasts excellent modern teaching and sports facilities, including a separate, dedicated sixth form centre. A Catholic education is provided to pupils from the UK and overseas. Originally a boys' school, girls have been accepted for over 25 years and it is now fully co-educational. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities available to boarders and day pupils, including projects related to the community and the environment.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18, 805 pupils, 685 day (435 boys, 250 girls), 120 boarding (70 boys, 50 girls). St Hugh's School, 3-11, 205 pupils (135 boys, 70 girls). Main college 11-18, 600 pupils (370 boys, 230 girls). Entrance: Entry at 3, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used, plus interview with the Headmaster; references from previous schools considered. For sixth-form entrance, at least 5 GCSEs grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects).
Scholarships awarded at age 7, 11, 16 (academic, art, sport, music, all-rounder); fixed sum for scholarships but the actual number and value of awards varies from year to year. Scholarships may be supplemented by a bursary to allow the award to be taken up.
Headmaster: Chris Long, appointed 2004. Educated at John Fisher School, Purley, universities of Newcastle (geography) and Bath (PGCE). Previously Deputy Head of the school, Head of Geography at Alleyn’s School and at St Benedict’s School and Housemaster at Culford School.
GCSE: 90 pupils in fifth form; 92% of pupils gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-level: 74 pupils in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.2 subjects with a final point score of 345.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS and 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. Special provision: Learning support department. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to Germany, Spain and France. ICT: Taught both across the curriculum and as a discrete subject. 200 networked computers across the campus with email and broadband internet access (including in boarding houses); home access to school files; wireless network allows sixth formers to use laptops.
Music: Up to 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including orchestra, wind band, guitar ensemble, junior strings, flute ensemble, jazz band, saxophone ensemble and choirs. Drama: Drama offered. Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: Design, ceramics, 3D and product design also offered.
Sport: Main sports for boys rugby, football, cricket and athletics; also swimming, tennis, winter nets, fitness training. For girls, hockey, netball, athletics, rounders, tennis, swimming. Sports compulsory 3 afternoons/week. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for Year 9, then optional. Community service optional, strong links with old people's homes and centres for those with physical and learning disabilities. Environmental projects. Up to 30 after school clubs, including gardening, cookery, water polo, martial arts, arts and crafts, running club, literary, expeditions, chess, debating society and circus skills.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy and girl, prefects, house captains and boarding prefects - all appointed by the Head. Religion: Roman Catholic. Attendance at religious services compulsory. Social: Model United Nations debating with other schools. Exchanges with France, Spain and Germany; other trips include regular skiing trips, outdoor activity weeks, eg to Lourdes, India, Thailand and USA. Meals self-service.
The aim is to ensure that the students' experience of relationships in their daily lives promotes the Gospel maxim "love thy neighbour as thyself”. General rules for behaviour are published both for students and parents. In recognition of the importance of good discipline to learning, there is a special code of conduct for students in lessons. Whilst sanctions are necessary, positive reinforcement and rewards are used wherever possible. Emphasis is on developing responsibility for self and for others within the school community. The Headmaster may suspend or expel any student who has exhausted the disciplinary system or in the case of extreme bad behaviour.
All pupils in single or double rooms (almost all sixth formers in singles), in two single-sex houses. All rooms have wireless internet connection. Boarding areas have small kitchen areas to prepare snacks and hot drinks; plus large common room (with Sky tv, dvd player and snooker table). 24-hour medical cover, with resident nurses, in college infirmary. Full programme of evening and weekend activities. Weekly and flexi-boarding also available.
The Edmundian Association, c/o the college or generalsecretary@edmundianassociation.org.uk (www.edmundianassociation.org.uk)
Rev Thomas Byles (hero of the Titanic); Archbishop Derek Worlock (Archbishop of Liverpool); Sir Ralph Richardson (actor); William Scholl (shoe designer and businessman); James and Robert Floris (perfumiers).
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