Founded in 1512, it became a Voluntary Aided Grammar School in 1944 but reverted to independence in 1979; it has been fully co-educational since 1992. Major building programmes have provided first-rate facilities, including a new arts and drama complex. The curriculum aims to provide a broad range of experience and the school, which is non-denominational, attracts bright pupils from all parts of the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire. Academic standards are high and examination results are consistently very good. There is a cross-curricular programme of integrated learning skills to develop students' learning, study and organisation skills. The school encourages independent learning in a friendly atmosphere with a high level of pastoral care. Sport and the arts all thrive. The school's music has a strong reputation and the choirs, orchestras, concert band, big band and choral society regularly perform locally, as well as making concert tours abroad. Drama is ambitious and well supported. A wide range of sports and games is provided, using the fine sports centre and floodlit astroturf pitch. Several representatives at county, national and international levels in various sports each year. A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered.
Pupils: Age range 10-18; 666 day pupils (395 boys, 271 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 12, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B, including maths and English (grade B in A-level subjects). State school entry, 80% main intake (plus 60% new entrants to sixth form).
Some scholarships: 6 academic (at 11 and 13), value 25%-50% fees, 2 music, value 25% fees + instrumental tuition; limited number of means-tested scholarships (up to 95% fees) for those with family incomes below £33,500. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Head: Vincent Darby, in post since 2008. Educated at St Thomas Aquinas School, Birmingham, and universities of Lancaster and Birmingham (history and education). Previously Head at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys and Deputy Head at King Edward VI Aston School. Teaching staff: 74 full time, 8 part time. Annual turnover under 8%. Average age 35-40.
GCSE: 89 pupils in Year 11: 100% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (average in 9+ subjects). A-levels: 87 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.2 A-levels, with an average final point score of 306.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (10%-15% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. Pupils go on to courses in eg medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, law, engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, economics and business, computing English, history, geography as well as to specialist art and music colleges.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 GCSE subjects, 25 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (wide range), 3 at A-level plus general studies or critical thinking. 36% take science A-levels; 34% arts/humanities; 30% both. Key skills integrated into curriculum; optional but pupils encouraged to participate. Vocational: Work experience programme. Special provisions: OPAL programme for bright dyslexic students. Languages: French, German and Italian offered to GCSE, AS and A-level (French, German and Latin compulsory to age 14). Regular exchanges with linked schools. Trips to European countries (including arts and concert tours). ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. Over 200 computers solely for student use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Approx 35 take music GCSE, 3 take AS and A-level; music technology A-level also offered. Musical groups include symphony orchestra, 2 concert bands, 2 big bands, string orchestra, choirs, choral society plus occasional groups. Drama: Theatre studies offered at AS and A-level. 2 major productions a year. Art and design: On average, 50 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Annual exhibition.
Sport: Football, netball, hockey, cricket, athletics, rounders compulsory. Optional: rugby, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, croquet, etc. Always several representatives at county and regional level in various sports. Activities: Students take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Own Scout Troop. Active charitable fund-raising (over £10k last year). Clubs include debating, Amnesty International, chess, dance, film, stragglers, Young Enterprise, Coast to Coast relay.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects elected by their contemporaries and staff; head prefects following interview. Student parliament. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Trips abroad organised annually. Pupils allowed to bring own car or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School tuck shop.
For minor offences pupils could expect lines or detentions, more serious incidents may result in temporary or permanent exclusion.
The Old Wulfrunians Association c/o the school.
John Abernethy (founder of St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical School); Robert Felkin (early anthopologist, medical missionary and ceremonial magician); Lord Normanbrook (Secretary to the War Cabinet); Sir David Wright (Vice Chairman Barclays Capital); John Hall (opera singer); Mervyn King (Governor, Bank of England).
|
