Founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde, it expanded considerably during the 19th century to become one of the major public schools. It retains close links with the Worshipful Company of Skinners. The fine 150 acre campus lies on the northern edge of the town. There are many handsome Victorian buildings to which there have been numerous additions in recent years to provide first-class accommodation and facilities, including a famous new Chapel organ, 400-seat E M Forster theatre and, most recently, a centre for sports and media with international-standard sports facilities. Beautiful playing fields lie next to the school. A Church of England foundation, there are some compulsory services and some emphasis on Anglican tradition and practice. There is a high standard of teaching, and examination results are outstanding. A large number of sixth formers goes on to Oxbridge each year. The music department is very strong and art and drama are very good too. The school has long had a high reputation for excellence in sports and games. There is a wide variety of these, and many boys have achieved county and international recognition. The CCF flourishes and there are numerous clubs and societies which cater for most needs. Very substantial commitment to local community schemes and a fine record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 770 boys (325 day, 445 boarding). Entrance: Main entry at age 13; a few boarding places available at 14 and an intake of up to 20 to the sixth form. Common Entrance and own scholarship exam used; for sixth form entry, 6+ GCSEs with top grades in sixth form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements (Church of England foundation, but other faiths welcomed). Feeder schools include The New Beacon, Holmewood House, Dulwich College Prep School, Hilden Grange, Vinehall, Yardley Court.
50 pa scholarships awarded at 13, value up to 10% fees: 21 academic, 10-12 music, 5-7 drama, art, technology; 3 Cowdrey scholarships plus a few advance scholarships at 11 for primary school/prep school pupils; small number of sixth-form scholarships (academic and music). All scholarships can be supplemented by means-tested bursaries, up to 100% of fees, in case of need.
50+% live within 30 miles; 15% from London; 10+% live overseas.
Headmaster: Tim Haynes, in post from 2005. Educated at Shrewsbury and Reading University (history). Previously Headmaster at Monmouth and Surmaster at St Paul's. Teaching staff: 91 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 9%. Average age 35.
GCSE/IGCSE: 145 in fifth form, average passing in 10 subjects (grade A and above). A-levels: 160 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.8 subjects (30% passed 4+ at grade A), with an average final point score of 423 .
Typically, 99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (50% after a gap year), 22% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 35% in humanities (including languages), 28% in social sciences, 1% in music, 1% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 AS/A-level subjects (including computer science). Sixth form: Virtually all sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. On average, 25% take science/maths A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 35% combinations. Key skills integrated into sixth-form programme but not examined. Vocational: Work experience compulsory in fifth form. Special provision: for mildly dyslexic pupils with above average IQs; EAL support for non-native speakers. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; also Italian and Mandarin to GCSE. Regular language visits (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (leading to ECDL) and across the curriculum (mainly for GCSE and other projects). Approx 620 computers for pupil use (15+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access - including one on each boarder's desk. Hundreds of applications available; centre of excellence for IT facilities.
Music: 56% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams are taken (30+ take grade 8 annually). Some 12 musical groups including symphony, chamber and wind orchestras, chapel choir, choral society, concert band, string, wind and brass ensembles, jazz and rock groups. Several Oxbridge choral and organ scholarships; pupils in county youth orchestra, National Youth Wind Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered at both GCSE and A-level. Many pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level.
Sport: Choice from wide range, including cricket, rugby, hockey, athletics, cross-country, football, rackets, climbing, sub-aqua, judo, basketball, golf, shooting, fives, squash, fencing, sailing, swimming, tennis etc. RLSS, RYA, BSAC scuba diving exams may be taken. Squash, shooting, county schools champion teams for many years; judo, golf, rackets, public schools champion teams in recent years; several county representatives (or higher) at cricket, hockey, athletics, cross country, rugby. Activities: Pupils can take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (27 silver, 8 golds in past 3 years). CCF optional; service scholarships in most years. Community service optional, lifesaving and lifeguard awards available. Over 30 clubs, eg most academic disciplines; hobbies such as bridge, chess, photography; activities such as debating, sub-aqua, creative writing; interests such as film, computing, natural history.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects and head boy (appointed by Headmaster); heads of house and house prefects (appointed by housemasters). School Council (boys from all age groups and houses, plus staff, advises Headmaster). Religion: Church of England. Chapel on Sundays and 4 mornings per week. Social: Major choral performances, combined band concerts. Weekly lectures by distinguished speakers; activities including music and drama productions and dances with girls from local schools; industry courses. Organised holiday trips to Italy, Greece, Russia, France, USA etc, plus European orchestral/choral tours, and regular sports tours to Europe and beyond. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals formal in houses. Sixth-form centre and social centre with café. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to do it, plus some extra, in own time; those involved with drugs on or off the premises may expect expulsion.
70% have own study bedroom, 30% in dormitories of up to 6. Houses of approx 60. All rooms have networked computers, with email and internet access 7am-10pm daily. Medical centre with Sister. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Flexible weekend leave plus 2 exeats (24 or 48-hour) and a half-term each term. Visits to local town allowed.
Bill Bruford (musician); Lord (Colin) Cowdrey (cricketer); Maurice Denham (actor); Richard Ellison (international cricketer); Frederick Forsyth (author); Lord (Patrick) Mayhew (QC, politician); Vikram Seth (author); David Tomlinson (actor); Benjamin Whitrow (actor); E M Forster (author).
|
