Founded in 1850, and now one of the leading independent schools in southern England. Girls have been accepted into the sixth form since 1989 and the school became fully co-educational in 2005. It is located in the village, occupying very attractive brick-and-timber and brick-and-flint houses in one of the prettiest regions of Berkshire. The total grounds cover about 200 acres. The accommodation is excellent and there are very good facilities, including IT, music and design centres, a sports complex, indoor tennis centre, golf course and all-weather pitches; a state-of-the-art science centre opened in 2010 for pupils and the local community. It is a Church of England foundation and Christian values are embodied in the life of the school, but those of other denominations are very welcome. The school aims to inspire its pupils to become confident, open-minded and creative future members of the global community. Examination results are good. It is very strong in music and drama and Greek plays are performed every three years. Strong in sport and games, with numerous representatives at county and regional level. There is a CCF unit, which emphasises adventure training and leadership skills, alongside plentiful outdoor activities including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and sailing on the gravel pits at Theale.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 734 pupils, 115 day (82 boys, 33 girls), 619 boarding (407 boys, 212 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used (also Common Academic Scholarship Examination and own scholarship exam); pupils interviewed by the Headmaster and satisfactory school reports required. Sixth form: At least 6 GCSEs at grade B, plus interview, internal tests and satisfactory school reports. No religious requirements.
A range of scholarships, exhibitions and awards available at 13 and 16, including academic, art, music, drama and sports awards. Means-tested bursaries available, up to 100% of fees.
Headmaster: Simon Henderson, in post from 2011. Educated at Winchester and Oxford (history). Previously Head of History and Deputy Housemaster at Eton, Deputy Head (Academic) at Sherborne.
GCSE: 117 pupils in upper fifth. 74% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 19% in 5-7 subjects. A-Level: 126 pupils in upper sixth. 17% pass in 4+ subjects, 69% in 3 subjects and 13% in 2 subjects - with an average final point score of 325.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 3% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 61% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 3% in drama and music. Others typically go on to non-degree courses, art colleges or straight into careers such as management training.
GCSE; AS and A-levels, or IB Diploma from 2012. 19 GCSE subjects, 32 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level (sometimes a further AS-level). Languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Latin and Greek offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Some 10%-15% of pupils are international.
Music: 45% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15 musical groups including orchestra, band, jazz, swing bands, barbershop quartet, brass, wind, string ensembles, several choirs. Drama: GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies and LAMDA exams may be taken. A variety of school and house productions; Greek play every third year.
Sport: Aerobics, athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, cricket, cross-country, dance, fencing, fishing, fives, football, golf, hockey, horse riding, karate, lacrosse, netball, polo, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, tennis, weight training, water polo. Numerous county and regional representatives at various sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 5 terms, then optional. Active Community Service Volunteers programme. Over 200 different teams, clubs, musical groups, societies and activities, eg clay-pigeon shooting and film making.
Uniform: School uniform worn, business dress in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Heads and deputy heads appointed by Headmaster; heads of house and house prefects appointed by housemasters after consultation with other staff. Religion: Church of England school. Regular attendance at school Chapel service, with some choice. Social: Trips abroad for eg languages, cultural visits, exploration or adventure. Meals self-service. School shop. Junior and sixth form social centres.
Disciplinary matters are dealt with by housemasters and housemistresses and may be referred to the Second Master or Headmaster as appropriate. The college pupils' handbook sets out disciplinary procedures in detail.
70% have own study bedroom, 30% share 1-2 (some ensuite). Houses of approximately 50; all Year 9 pupils in a separate purpose-built house. Resident qualified medical staff. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Visits to the local town allowed for sixth form.
c/o the Development Office.
Richard Adams (author); Martin Ryle (astronomer); Sir John Knott and Lord (David) Owen (politicians); Benedict Allen (explorer); Louis de Bernières (author); Nick Clark (BBC); Philip Howard (Michelin-starred chef).
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