Founded in 1890, and the last of the schools to be founded personally by Canon Woodard. The college lies in a superb estate of 310 acres next to Sherwood Forest about a mile south of Worksop and overlooking the Clumber and Welbeck estates to which pupils of the college have free access. Its handsome brick buildings in the collegiate style form a compact group in a campus of gardens and lawns. Splendid playing fields lie alongside. There has been much recent modernisation, most recently a girls' boarding house, music school and sports hall. Girls were first admitted in 1978 and it is now fully co-educational. Religious worship and instruction is central to the college's life and the chapel is a central feature of the community. Close attention is given to pupils at all levels. The curriculum is constantly being reviewed to respond the changing needs of pupils; examination results are good. Music, drama and art are all strong: there is a number of choirs and instrumental ensembles and several plays are put on each year. The art studios are very well equipped and work of a high standard is achieved. There is also a wide variety of sports and games. Activities include outdoor activities and adventurous training (mountaineering, orienteering, water skills etc) and there are major expeditions every two years. The CCF contingent is strong (Army, Navy and Air Force sections) and there is much participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. There is strong commitment to the local community and social services in Worksop and Bassetlaw.
Pupils: Age range 13-18, 404 pupils, 224 day (120 boys, 104 girls), 180 boarding (128 boys, 52 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 13. Common Entrance or own entry test used. State school entry, 10% main intake (plus some to sixth form). Many pupils from Ranby House Prep School (in Retford, Nottinghamshire, Tel 01777 703138).
Scholarships (academic, art, sports, music and all-rounders). Bursaries available.
Headmaster: Roy A Collard, in post from 1994. Educated at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School and at Cambridge University (geography). Previously Headmaster of Bristol Cathedral School, Director of Studies at Oundle, Head of Sixth Form Centre and i/c Community Service at Uppingham. Author of A-level textbook The Physical Geography of Landscape. Teaching staff: 44 full time, 9 part time.
GCSE: 87 pupils in fifth: 91% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 82 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 277.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 6% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 7% in art and design, 15% in vocational subjects eg agriculture, podiatry, physiotherapy. Others typically go on to music college, family business or nursing.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects (including PE and food and nutrition), 17 AS/A-level, (including classical civilisation, critical thinking, theatre studies, BTEC international cuisine). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS/A-level general studies and school's own enrichment programme. 16% take science A-levels; 65% arts/humanities; 19% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. ICT: Taught both across the curriculum and as a discrete subject; most pupils take Clait. 200 computers for pupils use (14 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; computers in main ICT centre, departmental systems and in private work areas.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including orchestra, choirs, chamber, brass, rock band etc. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 18 take A-level. Design, sculpture, textiles are also offered; school pioneered digital photography in the curriculum.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, swimming are main competitive sports. Optional: tennis, athletics, squash, clay-pigeon shooting, sailing, cross-country, golf, basketball, badminton, volleyball, archery, sub-aqua, fencing, martial arts, trampolining, archery, table tennis, squash, aussie rules football. GCSE and RLSS exams may be taken; also leadership training and orienteering. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service both optional for 4 years at age 14. Outdoor activities and adventurous training (eg mountaineering, hill-walking, canoeing, climbing, water skills). Expeditions every two years. Some 15 clubs, including advanced science, sailing, Christian, chess, debating.
Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Attendance at Anglican chapel services compulsory. Social: Expeditions to eg Guyana, Ecuador, Kenya, India. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school with specific permission. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol allowed only in upper sixth bar.
Pupils failing to produce homework once may or may not be punished, depending on the circumstances; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises are likely to be requested to leave the school.
Chad Varah (founder, The Samaritans); Jack and Tom Buckner (international athletes); Sir David Naish (ex-President NFU).
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