Founded in 1950 as a boys' school, it moved soon afterwards to its present semi-rural setting. Girls have been admitted since 1978 and a sixth form has been developed. There are fine new buildings and facilities, including playing fields and an athletics track on site, and a new all-weather facility. Pupils are drawn mainly from the immediate locality but also from a much wider area. It provides for families wanting continuity of provision from nursery to university entrance. The school sees its role as fostering high standards of behaviour and self-discipline, as well as developing an awareness of personal and social responsibility. It aims to produce rounded, articulate young people who are well prepared for the challenges of adult and business life. There is a range of extra-curricular activities including sport, music, drama, clubs and societies, language exchange visits and outdoor activity breaks.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 521 day pupils (292 boys, 229 girls). Senior department 11-18, 280 pupils (140 boys, 140 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs (at least grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 45% of senior intake from state schools.
Variable number of academic scholarships, up to 25% of fees. Some bursaries. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; average extras, 50 per term.
Headteacher: Judy Nairn.
GCSE: 62 pupils in Year 11: 85% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 20 in Year 13 passed an average of 3.1 subjects.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year). 39% take courses in science and applied science (eg medical science, sports science), 33% in humanities and social sciences, 22% in accounting, management or business, 6% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels: 20 GCSE, 18 AS/A-level subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies optional at both levels. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Support teaching for those who need it. Languages: French (from Year 7) and Spanish (from Year 8) both offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Some exchanges. ICT: Taught across the curriculum.
Music, drama and art are integral to curriculum to the end of Year 9. Music: GCSE music and instrumental exams may be taken. Musical groups include choirs, wind band. Drama and dance: Drama offered. GCSE, AS and A-level drama, LAMDA exams may be taken. Some pupils involved in school productions, all in house and other productions. Annual house mini-festival; drama workshops. Art and design: Design and textiles offered.
Sport: Football, netball, cricket, rounders, athletics, cross-country, softball and basketball compulsory. Tennis, badminton, table-tennis, hockey, golf, girls' football, squash optional. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community and charity work run by houses (eg Christmas charity collection, major charity event each spring). Other activities include art club, debating society, judo, science club, chess club, Police Youth Forum, UK maths challenge.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects - elected. Religion: Inter-denominational school. Attendance at religious worship compulsory (unless withdrawn by parents). Religious education included in curriculum to age 16, reflecting importance of Christian faith and other religions; school assemblies broadly Christian. Social: Citizenship events with other local schools. Overseas trips include outdoor adventure activities (France), residential drama visit (Spain), skiing holidays (Italy/Canada), language exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals formal.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning; any pupil caught smoking cannabis on school premises could expect expulsion.
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