A co-educational college, founded in 1977, it has an agreeable site overlooking parkland ten minutes' walk from the town centre. The full-time staff of 18 is assisted by 80 part-timers, providing a very favourable staff:pupil ratio. Average class size is seven and there is a great deal of flexibility in subject combinations. Boarding pupils either live in college boarding houses or with local families; those aged 18 can live independently, sharing houses nearby under the supervision of the college. Social arrangements are informal; sports and games optional for those over 16.
Pupils: Age range 14-20; 330 pupils, 90 day (49 boys, 41 girls), 240 boarding (125 boys, 115 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 14 and 16. No entrance exam but school reports and interview used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 25%.
Some scholarships and bursaries (approximately 5 of each), up to 50% of fees. Parents are expected to buy textbooks and pay for examination fees.
Up to 40% live within 30 miles of the school; up to 60% overseas.
Principal: Mike McQuin, appointed 1998. Educated at Sherwood Hall School, Mansfield, and Birmingham University (mathematics). Previously Deputy Superintendent of the American International School, Kuwait and Vice Principal and IB Co-ordinator at Universal American School, Kuwait. Teaching staff: 18 full time, 80 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 37.
GCSE: 25% of pupils gained at least grade C in 8 subjects, 75% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 88 in upper sixth. 45% pupils passed in 4+ subjects, 49% in 3 subjects.
97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (2% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 18% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 27% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 10% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design and 30% business studies. Others typically join family concerns or return to own country for further education.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 16 GCSE, 22 AS/A-level subjects offered (including law, accounts, psychology). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (general studies only offered to AS-level). 55% take science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 5% both. Key skills are integrated into activities. Special provision: Diagnostic tests, individual tuition and extra classes for dyslexic pupils; several EFL classes. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Private tuition in other languages can be arranged. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (varying according to need) and across the curriculum eg word-processing coursework. 25 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 15% pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Pop music groups occasionally. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 12 A-level.
Sport: No compulsory sports for over-16s. Up to 5 clubs - generally informal.
Uniform: None. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Active Student Council. Religion: No compulsory worship. Social: Sports and social events with other local schools. Day students may bring own car, bicycle or motorbike to school. Meals self-service; no drinks/sweet machines on site (only water dispensers).
Pupils failing to produce homework might expect to be detained that night to do it after discussion with personal tutor.
50% have own study bedrooms; others share 2 per room. Independent accommodation nearby for those at 18 (supervised by boarding staff). Houses are single-sex. Students are allowed to provide food and cook to a limited extent. Student restaurant provides 3 meals per day. Exeats allowed at weekends plus 1 week at half-term. Visits to the local town allowed (having signed out if under 18).
|
