Founded in the 10th century, to train and educate the choristors for the new Cathedral. It has one of the finest sites in Europe, on the edge of Wells and a little to the north of the Cathedral. It occupies all but one of the medieval and 18th-century buildings of The Liberty, in a conservation area around the Cathedral. One of these buildings has been home to the school since the 13th century. There are also lovely walled gardens and an area of parkland used for playing fields. The school is well equipped with modern facilities and accommodation, including laboratories, libraries and a big music school. Academic standards are high and examination results good. It is fully co-educational, having accepted girls since 1969. There are close links with the Cathedral and worship in the Anglican tradition is encouraged. Pupils are encouraged to make the most of their individual strengths, talents and interests, whilst enjoying a balanced education in a supportive community. A specialist music school, recognised under the government's Music and Dance Scheme and the only one which is part of a traditional school. Many pupils are involved in choirs, orchestras and bands and well over 400 learn one or more instruments. 40 pupils (20 boys and 20 girls) are cathedral choristors. The drama department is also strong. There is a broad range of games and sports available and a large and varied number of extra-curricular activities. The CCF has an active contingent and there is a sizeable community service group. There is a good record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and outdoor pursuits form an integral part of the school curriculum.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 700 pupils, 500 day (260 boys, 240 girls), 200 boarders (90 boys, 110 girls). Junior department 3-11, 200 pupils (90 boys, 110 girls). Senior department 11-18, 500 pupils (260 boys, 240 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 20% senior intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form); 80% from own junior department.
Means-tested scholarships awarded at 11, 13 and 16 for academic, music and all-rounder. Music awards to specialist musicians (under government Music & Dance Scheme); bursaries for cathedral choristers (from Dean and Chapter). Means-tested bursaries also available.
Head: Elizabeth Cairncross, in post since 2000. Educated at Reigate County Grammar School and University College London (English). Previously Deputy Head at Christ's Hospital, Tutor for Girls at Kingston Grammar and taught at King Edward's, Witley. Teaching staff: 50 full time, 55 visiting music teachers. Average age 40.
GCSE: 85 pupils in Year 11, 94% gained at least grade C in 8+subjects, 4% in 5-7 subjects (including IGCSE maths). A-levels: 75 in upper sixth; 13% passed in 4+ subjects, 74% in 3 subjects, with an average final points score of 301.
99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (18% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 37% in science and engineering, 15% in humanities and social sciences, 42% in arts, including music. Others typically go on to banking, retail management, or non-degree courses in art and music.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 36 GCSE subjects, 26 AS-level, 21 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (some over 2 years), 3 at A-level (most music specialists only take 2 A-levels). General studies is not taken; lower sixth curriculum includes courses in critical thinking and PSHE; extended project AS-level may be taken. School-designed baccalaureate offers a range of AS/A-level options combined with with sporting and service. 40% take science/maths A-levels; 41% arts/humanities; 19% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: EFL and help for pupils who are dyslexic or mildly visually handicapped. Languages: French, German, Italian and Latin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. ECDL taken in lower sixth. 30-40 computers for use by pupils 10 hours a day, in 5 different clusters (central computer room and 4 faculty based), most with internet and email access.
Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument (a year's free lessons in violin or cello in pre-prep); instrumental exams can be taken. Some 50 musical groups including chamber ensembles, choirs, orchestras, bands. Pupils have been recent winners of Audi Young Musician competition, finalists in BBC Young Musician, many in National Youth Orchestra, National Children's Orchestra; cups and trophies at Taunton Festival; recent winner professional trumpet competition, choral and organ scholarship to Cambridge. Strong links with conservatoires. Regular masterclasses and recitals by nationally and internationally acclaimed performers. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level theatre studies, LAMDA, exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. 2 pupils to drama school most years. Annual play and musical (Anything Goes, the Wizard of Oz and junior school production of Alice the Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe 2009). Art and design: On average, 18 take GCSE, 4 A-level. Pottery also offered. Recent pupils admitted direct ly to Slade and Ruskin; BP National Portrait Gallery Competition winner.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, rounders, swimming compulsory. Optional: golf, athletics, badminton, outdoor pursuits, riding. Sixth form only: squash, soccer, volleyball, basketball. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Various sporting successes, county representatives each year. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Optional CCF (winners National Artillery Tremlett Trophy) and community service; annual weekend teaming up able-bodied child with handicapped one. Over 30 clubs, eg photography, calligraphy, literary, public speaking, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn; smart dress in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed and elected by staff and school. Religion: Church of England. Daily assemblies; the school worships in Cathedral weekly. Social: Debates, prefects' conferences, sport, sixth-form society. Organised trips abroad and exchange systems. Day pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Aims to be firm and fair. Involvement with illegal drugs is likely to lead to a pupil being required to leave the school.
Few single study bedrooms, 70% share (with 1 or 2); 5% are in dormitories of 6+. Single-sex houses of 27-54, divided by age group (middle and senior). Resident qualified nurse and school doctor. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook snacks. 2 exeats each term of 1½ days (age 11-14); flexible policy in upper school. Visits to local town allowed with permission.
Old Wellensians, run by Alwyn Gillen, c/o the school.
Kris Marshall (actor); Adrian Arnold-Smith (research chemist); Bruce Parry (BBC presenter); Michael Eavis (founder of the Glastonbury Festival); Malcolm Nash (cricketer); James Turle (composer and Westminster Abbey organist); Thomas Chaundler (playwright); Victoria Lyon (violinist in Escala); Danny Nightingale (Olympic gold-medallist, pentathlete); Sarah Fryer (opera singer); Phillip Dukes (violist); Iestyn Davies (counter tenor).
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