Founded in 1879 to provide a public school education within the evangelical tradition of the Church of England. A boys' school until 1968, it is now fully co-educational. It enjoys a fine site of 150 acres, close to the coast between Broadstairs and Ramsgate. The junior, middle and senior schools are on the same campus within easy walking distance of the sea and their agreeable buildings, in traditional collegiate style, are set in impressive gardens. The school has a deeply-rooted Christian ethos, although pupils of other faiths are welcome. Academic standards are high and examination results good. Art, music and drama are all strongly supported. Excellent games and sports facilities include 36 acres of playing fields, a flood-lit astroturf hockey pitch and tennis courts, multigym and indoor pool. There is a good range of sports, over 60 activities (including horse-riding, sailing and cycling) and a wide range of clubs and societies that cater for most needs. The flourishing CCF is one of the oldest in Britain (founded in 1898) and has Navy, Army and Air Force sections. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is also popular and there has been much success in it.
Pupils: Age range 3-18; 536 pupils, 321 day (174 boys, 147 girls), 215 boarding (143 boys, 72 girls). Junior school 3-11, 196 pupils (102 boys, 94 girls). Senior school 11 -18, 340 pupils (215 boys, 125 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3-7, 11, 13 and 16. Interview with the Headmaster and copy of recent school report, plus testing if appropriate at 11; Common Entrance at 13; for sixth form entry, interview with Headmaster and usually 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at least grade C. No special skills required but talent in music, languages, sport, art and technology welcomed. No religious requirements; Christian foundation but other faiths welcomed. State school entry, 20% at 11 plus few at 13 and 16. Over 50% senior intake from own junior school.
Scholarships value 10%-50% of fees: academic, all-rounder, art, sport, music (awarded at 11, 13, 16, plus academic also at 8). Also bursaries for siblings and serving members of the armed forces. 6-8 scholarships/bursaries awarded pa. Few extras, such as exam fees, insurance, excursions.
66+% live within 30 miles; 27% live overseas.
Headmaster: Rev Mark Aitken, in post since 2004. Educated at St Edward's Oxford, Norwich School and the universities of Durham and Cambridge. Previously Chaplain at Sherborne School. Teaching staff: 60 full time, 20 part time (plus 14 peripatetic music teachers).
GCSE: 45 pupils in Year 11, 73% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 11% in 5-7 subjects (average 8.2 subjects). A-levels: 48 pupils in upper sixth, 19% passing in 4+ subjects, 60% in 3 subjects (average in 3.2 subjects), with an average final points score of 286.
94% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (13% after a gap year). 34% take courses in science and engineering, 38% in business and management, 19% in humanities and languages and 9% in art, design or technology.
GCSE, AS and A level; 20 GCSE subjects, 25 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers begin 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; all lower sixth also follow an extension programme from Pre-U Global Perspectives course, (incorporates critical thinking, research and presentation skills), a BTEC in public services or additional GCSEs. Vocational: Work experience guidance for those aiming for eg medicine or engineering. Special provision: Bright, mildly dyslexic pupils accepted and support is provided by a qualified AEN department. EAL staff provide language support for overseas pupils. Languages: French (compulsory from age 8 to GCSE) and Spanish (compulsory for 11-12 year olds), both offered to GCSE, AS/A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Belgium and Germany). ICT: Taught as a discrete subject and also across the curriculum. Many pupils take the ECDL. Computers available throughout the school, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups, including orchestra, choirs, stage band and other smaller groups. Past winner and finalist of BBC Choir Girl of the Year. Drama: GCSE and A-level theatre studies offered. Some pupils are involved in school productions (usually 3 a year) and majority in annual house productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 5 A-level. Three dimensional art and design also offered.
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis (girls); rugby, hockey, cricket (boys) compulsory. Optional: badminton, squash, golf, shooting, athletics, swimming, tennis, cross-country, football, adventure training. Several representatives in county teams, especially in hockey and athletics. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 3 terms at age 13; most take life-saving and first aid qualifications in CCF. Community service optional but popular. Clubs and activities include chess, riding, dance, jewellery-making, cooking, Christian Union, debating, Scrabble, puzzles, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head of school, prefects, heads of houses and house prefects - appointed by the Head and housemasters/mistresses, in consultation with current prefects. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory attendance at worship except for those of other faiths. Annual Lent mission and confirmation retreat. Social: Trips abroad include annual ski trip, expeditions to eg Bolivia, Iceland. Day pupils allowed to bring own car or bike. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Firm guidelines are given about drugs, alcohol, smoking, bullying and sexual relations and supported by a PSE programme. Minor offences dealt with by imposing an on-the-spot task of value to the community (such as litter cleaning); serious offences, including drugs, theft, bullying, can result in suspension or expulsion.
All sixth formers in single or double study bedrooms (most ensuite). Younger pupils in 3-5 bedded dormitories. Single-sex houses of between 50-65. Medical centre staffed by registered general nurses; doctor visits regularly. Half-term and 2 weekend exeats each term. Town leave for boarders 3 times per week.
Old Lawrentian Society run by Membership Secretary, Mrs Kerry Brown, email kerry@olsociety.co.uk
Sir Kirby, Sir Maurice and Sir Martin Laing (Laing Construction); General Sir Richard Dannatt (Head of the Army); Alan John Beale (former Scientific Director, Wellcome Research Laboratories); Sir David Hunt (Mastermind winner and diplomat); Gordon Edington (NCH); Alexander Siddig (actor, Star Trek); Professor Dickinson (Oxford University); Tabatha Watling (former choir girl of the year).
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