Founded in 1863, it has a magnificent situation in the Lake District National Park, on a site of 80 acres with splendid views over Lake Windermere and the fells. Its pleasant and well-equipped buildings are spread over two main sites. Originally a girls' school, it became co-educational in 1999. The junior department, Elleray, is in its own large grounds, closer to Windermere. It is Christian in outlook but non-denominational. It attracts pupils from all over the world and endeavours to provide a liberal and progressive education in which activities such as sailing, canoeing, fell walking, music, art, drama and voluntary service play an important part. It is a member of Round Square - a group of internationally based schools following the Kurt Hahn traditions - which allows an unusually wide range of exchanges in Europe, the Commonwealth and the USA. The school now offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the sixth form. The teaching and examination results are good. It has a very strong music department, as well as drama. The range of sports and games, societies and clubs is extensive, with much emphasis on outdoor pursuits and field studies. There is also a very big commitment to local community schemes and an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 400 pupils, 280 day (130 boys, 150 girls), 120 boarding (45 boys, 75 girls). Senior department 11-18, 240 pupils (110 boys, 130 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. Many senior pupils from own junior (enquiries to the School Secretary, Elleray Preparatory School, Ambleside Road, Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria A23 1AP (tel 015394 46164, email elleray@wsaschool.com).
Scholarships awarded at age 11, 13 and 16; academic (of 15% of fees), performing arts, visual art, sport (10% of fees). Also means-tested bursaries (which can supplement a scholarship if necessary); 12% of senior pupils receive bursaries. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras £150-£200 for boarders, less for day pupils.
Head: Ian Lavender, appointed 2009. Previously Senior Housemaster at Gordonstoun and taught chemistry at Eton.
GCSE: 41 pupils in Year 11, 71% % gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 32 in upper sixth, passing an average of 2.6 A-levels (IB not yet taken).
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge.
GCSE and IB Diploma. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and IB. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain) and with Round Square schools worldwide. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including wind band, choirs, orchestra, flute choir, various chamber groups. Recent oratorio performances of Handel's Messiah, and Dido and Aeneas; chamber music group semi-finalists in National Chamber Music Competition; Oxbridge choral awards. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level drama, ESB, LAMDA and other speech and drama exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Cumbria Drama Trophy (school sections); students accepted at Old Vic Theatre School. Art and design: On average, 16 take GCSE. Design, pottery, textiles also offered.
Sport: Hockey, netball, athletics, tennis compulsory. Optional: volleyball, basketball, canoeing, sailing, gymnastics, fencing, self-defence. BAGA, RYA exams may be taken. County representatives in hockey, cross-country, netball, athletics; school teams successful locally in hockey, netball, cross-country, tennis. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional; work with Age Concern, Cheshire Home and Scope. Over 30 clubs, eg community service, bridge, debating, photography, riding, archery.
Uniform: School uniform worn; navy blue suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head pupil, deputies and heads of houses elected by the school. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Morning assembly. Sunday evening service. Social: Organised events with local independent schools. Language exchanges and with other Round Square schools (eg Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, Canada, India). Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once can expect extra work; those involved with drugs can expect expulsion.
Sixth form have own study bedrooms; 60% of others share. Houses of about 50. Resident qualified staff. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food in the senior house. 2 weekend exeats each term; flexi-boarding offered. Visits to local town allowed.
is run c/o the school.
Dodie Smith (author), Frances Hay-Smith (England equestrian team); Teddi Thompson (actress).
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