Founded in 1553, a development of a medieval charity school and one of the founding schools of the HMC in 1869. Its site comprises 100 acres of beautiful grounds and very attractive buildings, near the centre of Bromsgrove and half an hour from both Birmingham and Stratford-on-Avon. It has strong links with Worcester College, Oxford, through an endowment by the founder of Worcester. Its modern facilities are excellent and there have been many major developments in recent years including a new library and resources centre, an art, design and technology building, humanities building, science facilities and boarding accommodation. A sense of family (in the Christian tradition) is regarded as of prime importance; the Chapel is in regular use. Originally a boys' school, girls were first accepted in 1976 and it is now fully co-educational. The school provides a wide range of opportunities for its pupils and its well-organised pastoral system encourages pupils to identify and develop their talents to the full. Examination results are very good. Music, drama and art are all strong and well supported. There is considerable strength, too, in sports and games (a large number of representatives at county, regional and national level). Thirty or more clubs and activities cater for most extra-curricular activities. There is great emphasis on outdoor pursuits linked with a vigorous CCF contingent and a thriving Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Local community service is an important feature of the school life.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 1276 pupils, 875 day (500 boys, 375 girls), 415 boarding (255 boys, 160 girls). Senior school 13-18, 808 pupils (448 boys, 360 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 8, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and NFER tests used; for sixth form entry, 16 points at GCSE including at least grade B in sixth form subjects. School looks for a wide range of pupils (good all-rounders, talented pupils, good citizens, honest tryers). 15% of senior intakes from state schools (plus 20% of sixth form intake). 70% of senior school from own prep department(enquiries to Bromsgrove Preparatory School, Bromsgrove, Worcs B61 7DU; email admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk).
Up to 30 pa scholarships, including academic, all-round, music, art, sport (up to 10 each at 11, 13 and 16). Means-tested bursaries, for talented all-rounders and some for forces children. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; few extras.
60% live within 30 miles, 20+% live overseas.
Headmaster: Chris Edwards, in post from 2004. Educated at Merchant Taylors' (Crosby) and Oxford University (English). Previously Deputy Headmaster of Stowe and taught on four continents. Teaching staff: 85 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age approx 38.
GCSE: 124 in fifth, 92% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 188 in upper sixth, gaining an average final point score of 419.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (some after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 3% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 16% in science and engineering, 65% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 1% in sports. Others typically go on to art foundation courses or straight into careers.
GCSE; IB Diploma or AS and A-levels (30 subjects on offer). Sixth form: Most following the A-level route take 4 subjects at AS-level and 3 at A-level. 20% took science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 50% both. Key skills compulsory for all sixth form. Vocational: Work experience available. BTEC in sports performance is offered. Special provision: Small amount of extra tuition available; back-up support from teachers and encouragement and understanding. EAL department offers extra tuition for international pupils. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level and IB; also Italian within the IB. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 500 computers for pupil use (13 hours a day), all networked with email and internet access.
Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. On average, 10 take GCSE, 4 A-level. Some 20 musical groups including orchestra, wind bands, jazz bands, close harmony, instrumental ensembles, chapel choir, choral society. Biennial opera or musical. Drama: GCSE drama (30 pupils), AS-level performing arts (18) and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 50 take GCSE, 16 A-level.
Sport: Swimming, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, badminton, squash, athletics, rowing, soccer, fencing, dance, health-related fitness and golf. Major team games: rugby, hockey, cricket, cross-country and athletics (boys); hockey, netball, tennis and athletics (girls). GCSE, RLSS exams may be taken. Many outdoor activities including canoeing, sailing, climbing, sub-aqua; variety of expeditions. Activities: CCF optional from age 14, (school's own Bromsgrove Badge courses for younger pupils). 300+ participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Community service, first aid etc optional. Optional Saturday activity programme offers a range of recreational options, including academic extension lessons. Over 30 clubs, including debating, computing, riding, yoga, art of heraldry, sci-fi, young enterprise, clay-pigeon shooting.
Uniform: School uniform worn; business suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Pastoral and competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster and houseparents. Religion: Christian school. Compulsory worship. Social: Some trips abroad. Day pupils may drive to and from school. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol allowed under supervision for sixth form only.
The school aims to be fair, firm and consistent. School rules are made clear to pupils, especially on such issues as drugs and personal relationships.
Upper sixth and most of lower sixth have own study bedroom; 5th form in singles or doubles; 13-14 year-olds in dormitories of 4-6. Single-sex houses of 60-70; off-campus new mixed sixth form boarding house. Resident nurse, visiting doctor. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook snacks. No compulsory exeats. Visits to local town allowed, frequency depending on age.
is run by the Foundation Director, c/o the school.
Jonathan James-Moore (theatre producer); Ian Carmichael (actor); A E Houseman (poet); Charles Handy (business academic and writer); Digby Lord Jones of Birmingham; Nicholas Evans (author); Olivia Safe (opera singer); Lucilla Wright, Jennie Bimson (England hockey players).
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