Founded in 1577, it moved to its present site in 1864 where it occupies 45 acres of wooded grounds and playing fields, overlooking Woodbridge and the River Deben. Both the senior school and its prep school, The Abbey, enjoy a calm and beautiful environment. Many of the school's buildings are from the 16th and 19th century. It is now fully co-educational having admitted girls since 1974. It is a Church of England foundation; there is some emphasis on religious education and attendance at worship is compulsory. The school's aim is to ensure that its pupils look out into the wider world and take full advantage of all that is on offer to them. Examination results are very good. Music and drama are especially strong; the school has a purpose-built music school and state-of-the-art theatre. There are excellent facilities for sports and games and high standards are attained (hockey in particular is outstanding); the school's holds major riding events. A wide range of clubs and societies caters for most needs. Chess enjoys a high profile, with pupils representing England. The CCF (Army, RAF and Royal Navy) and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme are also very popular. There is considerable involvement in local community services, an active charity committee and an international cultural exchange programme with opportunities across the world.
Age range 4-18: 950 pupils, 920 day (495 boys, 425 girls), 30 boarding (18 boys, 12 girls). Junior department 4-11, 333 day pupils (173 boys, 160 girls). Senior department, 11-18, 617 pupils (340 boys, 277 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B (including sixth-form subjects). No special skills required, but sporting, musical and other interests valued; no religious requirements. 50% of senior intake from state schools (plus 15% to sixth form); 50% from own prep department, The Abbey.
Scholarships awarded at 11, 13 and 16 (occasionally at other ages), up to 50% of fees: academic, music, sport, chess, drama, all-rounder and art. Also instrumental music bursaries. Means-tested bursaries available, up to 100% of fees, including to supplement a scholarship if necessary. Some 40% of pupils currently receive a scholarship and/or bursary. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; average extras £100 a term.
Headmaster: Stephen Cole, in post since 1994. Educated at Dulwich and Oxford University (physics). Previously Housemaster and Head of Science at Merchant Taylors', Northwood, Assistant Master at Wellington College and taught in the state sector. Teaching staff: 84 full time, 31 part time. Annual turnover 11%. Average age 45.
GCSE: 91 pupils in Year 11, 86% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 13% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 87 in upper sixth, 31% passing in 4+ subjects, 62% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 336.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 8% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 35% in science and engineering, 35% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in other vocational subjects, 10% in creative arts.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE subjects, 24 AS/A-level (including psychology, philosophy). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; some also take an extended project in addition. All take a non-examined critical thinking course. 18% take science A-levels; 27% arts/humanities; 55% both. Special provision: Learning teaching for those who need it. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Japanese at GCSE and A-level; also Italian and Chinese at GCSE. All sixth formers encouraged to continue with a language. International exchange programme. Reciprocal exchange schemes with schools in France, Germany, Spain, China. ICT: ECDL for all, plus GCSE and A-level computing as options. 350+ computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), most networked and with access to email and internet; access for laptops to network.
Music: Over 45% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups, including 3 orchestras, 8 choirs, concert, jazz and swing bands, various ensembles of recorders, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, string quartets, percussion etc. Regular musicals and concert at Snape Maltings. 35 members of National Youth Choir and Training Choir; 6 recent Oxbridge choral scholars. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama and LAMDA exams taken by some 200 students; BTEC dance offered as an extra-curricular activity. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. 3 pupils in National Youth Theatre, 1 in National Youth Music Theatre. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 5 AS-level, 15 A-level. Design and technology (including GCSE graphic products) also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey (boys and girls), cricket, athletics, tennis (boys and girls), netball (girls), health related exercise compulsory. Optional: squash, volleyball, basketball (boys), soccer, badminton, cross-country, swimming, sailing, riding (link with local stables), golf, judo, indoor hockey, shooting, rowing, girls' rugby. GCSE and A-level PE offered. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Optional CCF (popular with girls and boys; shooting is successful at regional and national level); also community service. Up to 20 clubs including chess (lessons available from full-time grand master), debating, literary, science, charity committee, Model United Nations. Pupils regularly earn community or junior sports leaders' awards; Young Enterprise Programme.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress guidelines in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. All sixth formers in position of leadership; prefects, head boy/girl - appointed by the Headmaster. School council. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Occasional joint lectures with local schools. Regular exchanges with French, German and Dutch schools; adventurous activities in Norway and Iceland; numerous sports tours (eg Spain, Netherlands, USA); international cultural exchange programme with South Africa, Australia, Oman, China, India. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Based mainly on encouragement, praise and confidence building. Pupils failing to produce homework once may receive an extra study period after school. A robust anti-drugs policy is enforced.
Pupils share study bedrooms of 1-2. One segregated house for both sexes. Resident matron. Pupils allowed to cook own food. Exeats any weekend if no school commitments; weekly and flexible boarding available. Visits to the local town allowed.
is run by the school in conjunction with the Old Woodbridgians Society; email registrar@oldwoodbridgians.org.uk
Edward du Cann (politician); Wayne Garvey (BBC Worldwide); Nick Lowe (musician).
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