Founded in 1595 as a boys' school, it is now fully co-educational having first admitted girls in 1979. It has occupied its present site since 1881; this is an attractive, compact campus (on the south side of the town) with pleasant buildings, lovely gardens and ample playing fields (about 50 acres in all). There have been many developments in the last 20 years and the school has first-rate facilities; recent improvements include a new music school, ICT suites, science labs and 2D art block. The prep school has separate buildings on the same site, although it shares some of the facilities of the senior school; with the pre-prep school, there is the possibility of continuous education from 3-18. Chapel services and teaching are in accordance with the principles of the Church of England. A well-run school, it provides a sound general education with good examination results. There is considerable committment to music, drama, art and design technology. There is an excellent range of sports and games in which high standards are achieved (a lot of representatives at county and national level) and a good variety of extra-curricular activities. Some commitment to local community service and a promising record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 906 day pupils (506 boys, 400 girls). Senior department 13-18; 422 pupils (237 boys, 185 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages, 3-4, 8, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own tests used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs (4 grade B including sixth form subjects, 2 grade C). All skills welcomed; Christian environment (Church of England school).
Academic scholarships available at 11, 13 and 16; performing arts (music and drama), art and sports at 13 and 16. Some bursaries for those who can make a special contribution to the school where there is proven financial need; all bursaries means-tested and subject to satisfactory performance.
Headmaster: Garry Bowe, in post from 2004. Educated at Barnard Castle School and universities of Kent (history, politics) and Leeds. Previously Deputy Headmaster of the school and Director of Sixth Form at Edinburgh Academy. Teaching staff: 110 in the senior school.
GCSE: 92 pupils in Year 11; 93% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 5% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 71 in Year 13, achieving an average final points score of 297.
96% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (17% after a gap year). 6% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 17% in science and engineering, 36% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 39% in other vocational subjects eg sport, nursing, medical technology, teaching.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 GCSE subjects, 22 AS and 21 A-level subjects (including Latin, further maths). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken but compulsory enrichment programme includes critical thinking and an IT course (both leading to formal qualifications). 4% take science A-levels; 61% arts/humanities; 35% both. Vocational: Work experience encouraged in lower sixth. Special provision: Extra help given to dyslexic pupils if needed (follow normal timetable). Languages: French (from age 11), Latin and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg spreadsheets, databases, presentation techniques, CAD, CAM); pupils take ICAA certificates in Year 9, ECDL in sixth form. 145 networked computers (available for whole school day plus 1 hour), all with internet access; also AV facilities, interactive whiteboard etc.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Several musical groups including orchestras, concert bands, flute ensemble, guitar, recorder groups. Chapel choir sings by invitation in several cathedrals. Drama and dance: Both offered, including GCSE and AS-level drama. Some pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE art, 12 A-level; 40 take GCSE design and technology, 12 A-level. Design and pottery also offered.
Sport: Main sports are rugby, soccer and cricket for boys; netball, hockey, rounders for girls. Also cross-country, athletics, tennis, golf, squash, shooting, badminton, fencing, table tennis, basketball, health related fitness. County, regional and national hockey and county schools cricket representatives. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 3 years at age 13. Also local community work, Young Enterprise and a wide range of clubs and other activities including debating, music-making, history and politics, environment, public-speaking, general knowledge.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by Headmaster after consultation. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory chapel services. Social: Sporting and cultural competitions with local schools. Annual skiing party. Lunch self-service. Breakfast/tea service for parents and pupils. School shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to do it for next morning, detention for repeated offence. Graded punishment dependent on nature of offence and circumstances of pupil.
is run by Mr M H Askham, c/o the school.
David Wilson-Johnson (baritone); Sir Ray Whitney MP; General Sir Peter Hudson; Major-General Richard Peck; Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (King of Malaysia).
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