Founded in 1868, the college occupies a fine 130 acre site on the edge of the pleasant town of Bishop's Stortford, next to open countryside. The buildings are agreeable and well equipped, with the impressive Memorial Hall (erected in 1921) standing in their centre. Recent improvements include a new art centre, floodlit astroturf pitches, IT suites and an indoor swimming pool. Founded primarily for the education of the sons of non-conformists, it now welcomes pupils of all Christian denominations and faiths. Girls were admitted to the sixth form in 1977 and at age 13 in 1995; the school is now fully co-educational. The size of the school allows a friendly and family-like environment for both work and recreation. Examination results are very good, but academic work is balanced by a broad range of other opportunities. Music, drama and sports are particular strengths. There is also a plentiful variety of extra-curricular activities, including projects related to the community and the environment.
Pupils: Age range 13-18, 582 pupils; 433 day (231 boys, 202 girls), 149 boarding (87 boys, 62 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Own entry tests. 90% of intake from own Junior School; intake to sixth form approx 25% state school and other independent schools.
Scholarships based on ability and potential - academic, art, music, sport. Means-tested bursaries available, up to 100% of fees (scholarship may be supplemented by a bursary if needed); aim is for 7-8 bursary assisted places in each year group.
Headmaster: Jeremy Gladwin, appointed 2011. Educated at King's (Worcester), at Whitgift and at Durham University (geography). Previously Headmaster of St Edmund's, Canterbury, Deputy Headmaster of the Royal Hospital School and Housemaster and Head of Geography at Shrewsbury. Teaching staff: 60 full time, 19 part time.
GCSE: 111 pupils in upper fifth, most gaining at least grade C in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 102 in upper sixth, gaining an average final point score of 398.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (12% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 31% take courses in medicine, science and engineering, 39% in humanities and social sciences, 28% in vocational subjects including architecture, law, business, music and art.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 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. Vocational: Work experience optional for upper fifth. Special provision: Learning support department. Languages: French, German and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level; also GCSE Spanish and Japanese in the sixth form. Regular exchanges to Germany and France. ICT: Taught both across the curriculum in Years 9-10. Some 450 networked computers across the campus with email and broadband internet access; wireless network allows sixth formers to use laptops.
Music: Some 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including orchestra, wind bands, guitar, string quartets, brass group, choirs, choral society. Own recording studio. Drama: Drama offered to GCSE and A-level. Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: Design, ceramics, photography, printmaking, film, glass engraving, textiles also offered.
Sport: Compulsory 3 afternoons a week. Main sports for boys, rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming and tennis; for girls, hockey, netball, rounders, tennis, swimming. Also a wide range of games including badminton, basketball, football, cross-country and water-polo. Activities: 2 afternoons a week. Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional; strong links with residential homes for the elderly and centres for those with physical or mental handicaps. Environmental projects. 20+ clubs, including science, local history, literary, expeditions, chess, debating, Schools Challenge (general knowledge), choral, poetry, scuba-diving, kiting, dance, photography.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy and girl, prefects, heads of houses and house prefects - all appointed by the Head. Religion: School is non-denominational. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Youth Speak and Rotary Club debating with other schools. Exchanges with France and Germany; other trips include regular skiing, battlefields, scuba diving, sports trips to South Africa, Malta, Barbados, St Lucia; geography trip to China, Iceland; music trips to New York; art trips to Paris and Washington. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Range of sanctions applied including detentions, loss of privileges and house duties; suspension and even expulsion are ultimate punishments. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect an extension to be granted; clear policies on drugs and the possibility of expulsion.
Younger pupils share with 1-5; Year 12 in single or double study bedrooms; Year 13 in single study bedrooms. 3 single-sex houses. Medical centre on campus provides 24-hour cover. Two exeat weekends each term.
The Old Stortfordian Society, www.oldstortfordians.org
Ben Clarke (international rugby player); Stephen Lander (MI5); Lord (Denis) Greenhill (Foreign Office); Andy Peebles (TV and radio presenter); Dick Clement (writer); Professor John Fergusson (educationalist).
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