Founded in 1487 as a boys' school, it has been co-educational since 1980. The school is non-denominational and welcomes pupils from all faiths; it takes seriously its role in providing moral and spiritual guidance. Academic standards are high and results are very good. All sixth formers go on to higher education. The school is committed to a broad and balanced education by means of extensive extra-curricular opportunity. Music is exceptionally strong, with choirs, orchestras, wind bands and several chamber groups. The art and drama departments also involve large numbers of pupils. There are good sporting facilities including an all-weather pitch and sports hall with new climbing wall. A wide range of sports and games is offered and there are many county, regional and national representatives in different sports. Further extra-curricular activities include travel, Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and Young Enterprise.
Pupils: Age range 3-18, 1460 day pupils (801 boys, 659 girls). Senior department 11-18, 1036 pupils, (572 boys, 464 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. Academic potential looked for at entry; no religious requirements. State school entry, 48% senior intake.
School bursaries available for entry at 11+ and 16+. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; average extras £162 per term (for lunch).
Great variety of occupations and social groups represented.
Headmaster: A H Chicken, in post since 2005. Teaching staff: 105 full time, 27 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 42.
GCSE: 149 pupils in fifth: 95% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 135 in upper sixth: 99% passed in 4 subjects, with an average final point score of 383.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (6% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 10% in science and engineering, 6% in law, 41% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in art and design, 31% in other vocational subjects such as medical computing, pharmacy.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 GCSE subjects offered, 22 AS/A-levels. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (with increasing breadth), most take 3 at A-level and participate in the school's enrichment programme. 35% take science/maths A-levels; 20% arts/humanities; 45% combinations. Languages: French and German (both compulsory from 11) offered at GCSE and A-level; also Spanish to GCSE, Ancient Greek on request to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges. Holidays in France and Germany, plus cultural visits to Europe. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 80 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Approx 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including 3 orchestras, 3 wind bands, chamber groups, big band, 3 choirs. Some pupils in National Youth Choirs and Wind Bands. Choirs featured in three Granada TV series. Drama: Many pupils involved in termly school productions. Art and design: On average, 45+ take GCSE, 24 A-level. Wide range of media taught including painting, print making, sculpture, ceramics and concept fashion.
Sport: Athletics, swimming, cross-country compulsory for boys and girls; rugby, lacrosse, cricket, tennis, squash, football, basketball for boys; netball, hockey, tennis, squash, rounders for girls. Many representative honours in Greater Manchester, county, regional and international level. Activities: Many pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award including service option. Community service optional in sixth form. 30+ clubs including animal, chess, climbing, computer, dance, debating, Christian, gym, tactical games, Model United Nations, photography, chemistry, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl, school prefects, house captains, appointed by Headmaster. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at daily assembly compulsory, with Christian or humanitarian theme. Chaplain attached from local church. Regular Jewish and Muslim assemblies. Social: Active Parents Association organises regular social events.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a detention; those in possession of a controlled substance on the premises should expect immediate suspension and possible exclusion. Discipline aims to be unobtrusive but firm.
is run by the External Relations Office.
Peter Boardman (mountaineer); Admiral Back (Arctic explorer); Professor Sir Frederick Williams (inventor of the stored-program computer); Toby Box (athlete); John Amaechi (basketball).
|
