Founded in 1858, it lies on the south-west edge of Exmoor, 10 miles from Barnstaple, on a 100-acre site with its own 9-hole golf course. The school is contained in handsome 19th-century buildings with many modern additions, including a performing arts complex, indoor swimming pool, all-weather pitch and sports centre; most recently, a theatre and facilities for art and design technology have been added. The school's Christian foundation and principles underpin its life. It is fully co-educational, having accepted girls throughout since 1980. It has developed a strong sense of community and there is much emphasis on everyone participating in the life of the school. A sound general education is provided and examination results are good. There are very active music, drama and art departments. Sports and games flourish for both boys and girls; standards are high and there are numerous county and some international representatives. The CCF contingent is flourishing and outdoor pursuits are popular. There is an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 689 pupils, 598 day (319 boys, 279 girls), 91 boarding (52 boys, 39 girls). Senior department 11-18, 501 pupils (237 boys, 264 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C. No special skills or religious requirements. 50% of intake at 11 from state schools; many from own prep (enquiries to the West Buckland Preparatory School, tel 01598 760629).
Approx 12 pa academic scholarships, value 10%-20% of fees, awarded at 11, 13 and 16. Also music and all-rounder scholarships available. Variable number of bursaries, depending on financial circumstances. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; lunches extra (£12.25 per week); bus travel free in senior school.
Headmaster: John Vick, in post since 1997. Educated at Cambridge University (history). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Woodbridge School. Teaching staff: 58 full time, 13 part time. Annual turnover under 5%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 82 pupils in Year 11, average gaining at least grade C in 10 subjects. A-levels: 62 in upper sixth: 99% pass in 3+ subjects.
Over 96% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (22% after a gap year). 13% take courses in medicine and veterinary science, 14% in science and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 AS-level subjects, 18 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, AS and A-level general studies optional. 40% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 30% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: 3 specialist ESL staff. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. All pupils take GCSE short course; AS-level offered. 120+ computers for pupil use 9am-5pm (those in library until 8pm), majority networked with email and internet access; school intranet has websites of interest to staff and pupils. Increasing number of pupils with own laptops and palmtops.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including orchestras, choir, chapel choir, jazz bands, concert bands, string orchestra and chamber groups. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Many take LAMDA examinations. Art and design: On average, 35+ take GSCE, 8 A-level. Design and technology offered to A-level.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, cross-country, hockey (boys and girls), netball, swimming, tennis, athletics, rounders. Optional: large choice for all pupils, including riding, judo, football, squash, golf. BAGA exams may be taken. Regular county representatives (rugby, cricket, tennis, cross-country, squash, athletics). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; large numbers involved, often with emphasis on countryside, conservation etc. Outdoor education department offers kayaking, climbing and other activities. CCF compulsory in Years 9-10, optional thereafter. Community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg art, biology, chess, Christian Union, computing, debating, drama, astronomy, Amnesty International.
Uniform: School uniform worn; alternative suit for sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed. Religion: Christian foundation but all religions welcome. Services are held throughout the week including Sundays (many at East Buckland church). Lively voluntary Christian Union in lunch hour. Social: No regular events organised with local schools. Annual ski training and mountain expeditions; annual study visits to France, Spain. Upper sixth allowed to bring own car or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shops selling tuck, basic equipment and uniform.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to have to complete it in extra work (Saturday detention for more serious offences); those caught using drugs on the premises could expect to be excluded.
Sixth form have own study bedroom; remainder in bedrooms for 2-6, according to age. Accommodation is single-sex. Qualified nurse. Central dining room. Exeat arrangements flexible to suit needs of individuals, families and the school; special bus runs to Barnstaple each Saturday.
R F Delderfield (playwright and novelist); Brian Aldiss (writer); John Ashworth (former Director LSE); Victor Ubogu and Stephen Ojomoh (England and Bath rugby players); Jonathan Edwards (Olympic gold medallist); Charlotte Read (GB fencer).
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