Originally founded late in the 16th century, and re-endowed in 1726 by Roger Kay. In the 1960s, the school moved to new, purpose-built buildings to which new buildings have been added - most recently a state-of-the-art learning resource centre, art studios and chemistry labs. There are spacious playing fields and it has one of the oldest CCFs in the country. The school aims to unlock the potential of mind, body and spirit of each boy by providing a challenging academic education alongside a rich extra-curricular programme and high standards of pastoral care. There is much co-operation with the affiliated girls' school, including some joint sixth-form teaching (thus increasing the number of subjects that can be offered). Examination results are good. It has a Christian foundation but welcomes boys and staff from different faiths to create an open and inclusive community. It is strong in sport and games, particularly football, and in outdoor pursuits, especially the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and World Challenge.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18, 633 day boys. Junior department 7-11, 145 boys. Senior department 11-18, 488 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 7-10, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B. No special skills or religious requirements. 50% of senior intake from own junior department; a number of junior pupils come from the co-educational pre-prep department of the girls' school (in the same foundation).
A number of Governors' Awards to entrants at age 11, based on academic merit and financial need, 1 or 2 of which are for full fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; lunch and school trips extra.
Headmaster: The Revd Steven C Harvey, in post from 2006. Educated at universities of Reading (history), Oxford (theology) and Cambridge (PGCE). Previously Senior Provost and Education Officer of the Woodard Schools, Senior Deputy Head at Kingswood and Chaplain, Head of RS and Housemaster at St Peter’s, York. Teaching staff: 58 full time, 4 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.
GCSE: 90 pupils in fifth, 92% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 7% in 5-7 subjects (78% of pupils included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 72 in upper sixth, 22% passing in 4+ subjects, 71% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 307.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 2% to Oxbridge. 4% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 28% in science and engineering, 25% in humanities and social sciences, 43% in other subjects. Others typically go on to non-degree courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 25 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies, some A-level. Extended Project also offered. Vocational: Work experience encouraged and opportunities made available. Languages: Latin, French and German compulsory, Greek optional; all offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges with schools in Germany and France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 100 computers for pupil use; internet access available.
Music: Over 15% of pupils learn a musical instrument. Musical groups include orchestra, dance band, concert band, choral society. Drama: Annual joint production with girls' school. Art and design: Graphics, fine art, 3-D studies, pottery, sculpture offered. Access to art department before and after school.
Sport: Rugby, football, cricket, athletics, badminton, basketball, cross country, hockey, swimming and tennis. National honours at U18 and U16 football. Activities: Outdoor pursuits, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, World Challenge expeditions, CCF, debating, mock law trial, Young Enterprise, community service.
Uniform: School uniform worn to the fifth year. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, captain of school, head of house. Religion: Non-denominational school, morning assembly compulsory. Social: Joint productions with Bury Grammar Girls. French and German exchanges with schools in Dijon and Cologne. Pupils allowed to bring own bikes to school. Meals self-service.
Expectations expressed through a Community Code; sanctions clearly stated and proportionate. A well-ordered community with good and supportive relationships between the boys.
is run by Mr M Entwistle, c/o the school
Alistair Burt MP; Simon Kelner (Editor of the Independent); Alan Levy QC; Andrew Higginson (Finance Director, Tesco); Paul Kenyon (investigative reporter).
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