Founded in 1854 as a co-educational school, it moved in 1926 to Ashtead Park, between Epsom and Leatherhead. The main building is a magnificent 18th century house, standing in 57 acres of splendid parkland, playing fields and woodlands. Conversion and modernisation have provided very good facilities, including a sixth-form centre, sports hall and floodlit astroturf, a multi-media centre, library and studio theatre. A number of parents have taken out Freedom of the City and about 40% of the pupils have siblings at the school. Thus, with its Foundation, Corporation patronage and City connections, the school has a flourishing family and community element. The declared aims are to promote the spiritual, academic and social development of all, to the fullest extent, in an atmosphere of hard work, self-criticism, loyalty and enthusiasm. A sound general education is provided and examination results are very good. The school is strong in music and drama; the art department is also flourishing. A good range of sports and games is available and high standards are achieved (many county and national representatives). There are many extra-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme in which the school has a remarkable record. There is also active commitment to local community services in the parish among the senior pupils.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 842 pupils, 806 day (413 boys, 393 girls), 36 boarders (18 boys, 18 girls). Junior department 7-13, 370 pupils (183 boys, 179 girls). Senior department 13-18, 480 pupils (248 boys, 232 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exam used. Any and all special skills looked for at entry. No religious requirements; school is inter-denominational with C of E affiliation. State school entry 38% of intake at age 7, 59% at 11, 3% at 16.
34 pa scholarships (funded by Corporation of London), up to 50% tuition fees. Approx 20 bursaries, £500-£3000 pa.
60+% live within 10 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Headmaster: Philip MacDonald, in post from 2007. Educated at St Brendan’s College, Bristol, and Oxford University (classics). Previously Headmaster of Mount St Mary’s (Spinkhill), Deputy Head at the Marist Senior School, Head of Classics at Douai and Assistant Classics Teacher at Rougemont; also taught English in Venice and Milan. Teaching staff: 77 full time, 39 part time (incl music). Annual turnover 5-6%. Average age 44.
GCSE: On average, 95 pupils in upper fifth, almost all gaining at least grade C in 10+ subjects. A-levels: 103 in upper sixth, 75% passing in 4+ subjects, 25% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 428.
99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 15% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 50% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 2% in music. A few typically go on to foundation courses or into careers.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE subjects, 24 AS and A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take an enrichment programme which involves critical thinking and a project. 45% take science A-levels; 24% arts/humanities; 31% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Limited individual support for young dyslexic pupils; mildly visually handicapped supported. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Germany). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg databases in maths, science, geography. 300 computers for pupil use (13 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take Clait in Year 7.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20+ musical groups including orchestras, choirs, wind, jazz bands, saxophone quartet, chamber music groups. About 10 pupils at junior conservatoires; regular winners (different classes) Chamber Music for Schools competition; various groups tour. Drama and dance: Drama offered. GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Recent senior productions include Sweeney Todd, The Chrysalids, It's Nearly Christmas Charlie Brown. Many pupils in outside theatrical or music productions locally, some regularly in TV series. Art and design: On average, 42 take GCSE, 18 A-level. Design, ceramics, textiles, photography, printmaking, graphics IT also offered. Regular successes in local competitions. Pupils regularly progress to art foundation courses.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, athletics, swimming compulsory for boys; hockey, tennis, athletics, swimming for girls. Fifth and sixth form only: squash, badminton, golf, basketball, netball. Numerous county, some national honours particularly in hockey, rugby, cricket, swimming and athletics. Regular overseas tours in major sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional, all ages. Up to 30 clubs, eg debating, Christian Union, karate, fencing, computer, art, drama, Young Investigators, chess, other sports.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout; more flexibility in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house, appointed by Headmaster after consultation with staff and pupils. School Council. Religion: Church of England school. Morning assembly daily. Social: Organised trips abroad include exchanges, sports tours, music tours. Upper sixth allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a detention; those caught smoking or bringing cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.
30% have own study bedroom. Single-sex houses of up to 25. Resident qualified nurse, GP local. Central dining room. Flexible weekend exeats. Visits to local town allowed, mainly in the sixth form.
is run by Mrs Patricia Jenkins, c/o the school.
Joe Strummer (The Clash); Jack Clarke (racing driver), Andrew Garfield, Warwick Davies (actors); Hayley Griffiths (singer); Desson Thomson (film critic); Rory Burns (cricketer); Geoffrey Bond (cartoonist for Eagle magazine).
|
