Address Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX
Pupils 390, Upper sixth 75
Fees Σ5500 (Day), Σ8220 (Boarding), Σ8820 (overseas boarders)
Description Founded in 1881 as a boys' school, it is now fully co-educational having first accepted girls in 1972. It has a splendid site 3 miles north of Bury St Edmunds. The main building is Culford Hall, a palatial 18th-century mansion (formerly the seat of the Earl Cadogan), set in 480 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. Numerous modern additions include a studio theatre, sports complex, design and arts block, a fine library and a science centre. The associated prep school is also in the park. It is a Methodist foundation but pupils of all denominations and none are welcome. The school's aim is to provide an education which is challenging, enriching and fun. It has a deep-rooted respect for tradition in good manners and behaviour and views education as something that goes on outside as well as inside the classroom. It seeks to establish a partnership with parents and expects pupils to work hard and make the most of their abilities and talents; examination results are good. Music and drama are vibrant, and there is a strong art department. Sport and games are played to high standards, with many county and regional representatives. There are many outdoor pursuits including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, CCF and world-wide expeditions; there are close community service ties with the town.
School Head Headmaster: Julian Johnson-Munday, in post from 2004. Educated at Norwich School and the universities of Leicester (English) and Durham (MBA). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Mill Hill School, London. Teaching staff: 69 full time, 15 part time.
Results GCSE: 77 pupils in upper fifth, 97% gaining grade C or above in 5+ subjects. A-level: 50 in upper sixth, passing an average number of 3.1 subjects with final points score of 369.
Furtherhigher 98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge.
Arts Music: Some 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12 musical groups including orchestras, choirs, choral society, wind band etc. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered. GCSE and A-level drama, LAMDA, MIDDA exams may be taken. 3 school productions annually as well as house plays. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography, printmaking, scenery/props making all offered.
Sport PE and swimming compulsory; major games for boys are rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis; for girls, hockey, netball, tennis; some 10+ further options including athletics, golf, squash, basketball, sailing etc. High-level coaching programmes are offered for hocky, rugby, swimming and tennis. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Regional representatives in rugby, hockey (boys and girls); regular county successes for teams and individuals at hockey, rugby, cricket, netball, athletics and tennis. Also bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (over 60 pupils involved); CCF; community service. Over 60 clubs, eg bee-keeping, chess, sub-aqua, aviation, arts, aerobics, badminton, recorder, science, expedition.
Boarding Upper sixth and some lower sixth have own study bedroom; most others in twin study bedrooms (no large dormitories). Single-sex houses, same as competitive houses. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Exeats arranged in consultation with housemasters/mistresses. Visits to the local town allowed.
Alumni Old Culfordians is run from the Foundation Office at the school.
Formerpupils Sir David Plastow (formerly Vickers); Admiral Sir Derek Reffell; General Sir John McColl; John Motson (sports commentator); Judy Aslett (foreign correspondent ITN); Gary Newbon (Head of Sport, Central TV).
