Founded in 1953 to prepare young men for future professional service in the Army's technical corps; girls have been admitted since 1992. It moved in 2005 to a new, purpose-built site near Loughborough. Students are able to gain a commission to the technical corps of the Army and also in the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force. The 2-year AS/A-level course in the college is usually followed by 3 or 4 years degree study at a number of MOD-approved universities and a 1-year commissioning course at Sandhurst, Dartmouth or Cranwell. Students have excellent opportunities to qualify, while serving, for membership of almost any of the professional bodies in the engineering field. It is a highly organised and highly motivated establishment. A large staff permits a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:9. Examination results are consistently very good. Music is strong and an unusually wide variety of sports and games is available, many played on an inter-school basis. There is much emphasis on physical fitness and outdoor pursuits. As might be expected, the CCF is obligatory and the college has a strong military flavour but in most respects is like any other boarding sixth-form college. Those who successfully complete the 2-year course can expect generous sponsorship as they move on to the next stage of training.
Pupils: Age range 16-18; 350 boarding pupils (270 boys, 80 girls). Entrance: Entry at 16 (15 for exceptionally bright students), 85% from state (mostly comprehensives) schools. Own selection system, looking for leadership skills, aptitude for physical challenge and ability in mathematics and physics. 7 GCSEs at least grade B required (preferably A in maths). No religious requirements.
Fees and military training subsidised by Ministry of Defence. Parents not expected to buy textbooks or uniforms but to contribute on means-tested basis to boarding fee. Travel warrants provided at the beginning and end of each term.
Principal: Tony Halliwell, in post from 1999. Educated at Penlan School, Swansea, and at universities of Swansea (microbiology, biochemistry) and Lancaster (education management). Previously Headmaster at Bentham Grammar School, Senior Housemaster at Rossall, and various posts at Lord William's School, Thame, and Lancaster Royal Grammar School. BSA training provider; member of York Boarding Research Group, of SHMIS Professional Development Committee, of Institute of Traffic Management Administration, and of Army Officer Selection Board. Publications: In Loco Parentis - Management Issues in the Residential Environment; and various military journals on service education. Teaching staff: 32 full time, 4 military. Annual turnover under 10%.
A-levels: 170 pupils in upper sixth: 12% passed in 4+ subjects; 88% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 355.
95% of students go on to a degree course before going on to Initial Officer Training, 5% go to Oxbridge. 94% take courses in science and engineering, 6% in other subjects eg management.
AS and A-levels. 15 subjects offered. Most take 4 subjects at AS-level (all include maths), 3 at A-level, mostly in science and technology. All follow an officer skills development programme over the 2-year period. ICT: All students issued with a laptop; college fully networked, with multiple access points for internet and intranet.
Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Several musical groups including band and choir. Art and design: Photography, pottery and website development also offered.
Sport: Rugby, soccer, hockey, cross-country, netball, cricket, athletics, tennis, swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing, shooting, badminton, basketball, volleyball, fencing, judo, karate, climbing, table tennis, snooker, golf, squash, gymnastics. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh's Award optional. CCF compulsory. Clubs and general activities, eg chess, war games, popular music, classical music, debating, mountain-biking, learning to drive and voluntary service.
Uniform: Uniform worn. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses, for sporting and non-sporting activities. House prefects and heads of houses (appointed by housemasters/mistresses), from whom Principal chooses Head of College. Religion: Inter-denominational worship. Social: Regular house and tutor outings. Students encouraged to take part in cultural activities including concert and theatre outings. Annual skiing trip (French Alps); Mont Blanc expeditions; annual exchange visit to Austria; offshore sailing. All pupils attend a 1-week adventurous training course and take part in military unit familiarisation visits during college year. School shop.
A full self-explanatory set of college rules. Alcohol available only to those over 18. No smoking allowed and the use of drugs results in expulsion. High standards of self-discipline are expected and required.
All pupils in en-suite study bedrooms for 1-3. Staffed medical centre. Central dining room. Week-long half terms plus some extended weekend exeats. Visits to local town allowed by arrangement with Housestaff.
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