Address: Eltham College, Grove Park Road, London SE9 4QF
Region: London – Inner (London postal codes)
Pupils: 920, Upper sixth 120
Fees: Σ5019-Σ5686 (Day)
Enquiries: the Headmaster
Description: Founded in 1842, originally for the sons of missionaries, it occupies a single suburban site of 70 acres, in handsome buildings (originally the mansion of Lord Bathurst). It remains loyal to its Christian foundation. Girls have been admitted to the sixth form since 1978. Excellent all-round facilities are provided; there is a sports centre, library, music school and, most recently, the Gerald Moore Gallery. The junior school is attached and has recently been refurbished; over 80% of its pupils move on to the senior school. Examination results are very good and a high proportion of leavers go to Oxbridge. Very strong in musical activities, sport and in drama (there is a purpose-built theatre). Standards in sports and games are high and there are national and regional representatives in many sports. There is a substantial commitment to local community service and a wide range of clubs and societies.
School Head: Headmaster: Guy Sanderson, in post from 2014. Educated at Oxford University. Previously Deputy Head at Reigate Grammar School. Teaching staff: 61 full time, 10 part time.
Results: GCSE: 88 pupils in Year 11, 98% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 95 pupils in upper sixth, 10% passing in 4 subjects, 89% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 392.
Furtherhigher: 97% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (25% after a gap year), 12% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 9% in law, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design, 17% in other subjects eg pharmacology, architecture, music, education, business. A few go straight in to employment.
Arts: Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument (free tuition for all Years 4-6); instrumental exams can be taken. Over 25 musical groups including symphony orchestra, community orchestra, 2 string orchestras, woodwind ensembles, brass ensemble, 3 jazz bands, 5 choirs, choral society, close harmony group, concert band, percussion ensembles and chamber groups. Several winners in Beckenham Festival; many members of district youth orchestras and ensembles and National Youth Orchestra and Choir; many enrolled at Junior Conservatoires; number of Oxbridge choral awards; performances with eg English National Opera, Berlin Philharmoniker, West End music theatre productions. Choir tours (Croatia 2015). Drama: Drama offered, and GCSE, AS and A-level exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in various productions; recently included Anything Goes, Animal Farm and Machinal. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design, pottery, printing, photography also offered. Full-time artist in residence; Full art gallery on site. Many pupils go on to study art, design and architecture.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, swimming compulsory; some 12 other optional sports including netball, fencing, sailing. International representatives at, hockey, rugby, fencing, downhill sking; regional representatives at cricket, athletics, golf, tennis, swimming,, rugby, hockey; centre of excellence for cricket. Sports tours overseas. Also silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (100 in scheme); community service (old people’s homes, schools, hospitals etc). Up to 30 clubs, eg design and technology, life-drawing, chess, debating, maths, drama, Japanese, classics, charities
Formerpupils: George Band (Everest explorer); Nick Ferrari, Martin Shankleman (broadcasters); Barnaby Lennon (Headmaster at Harrow); Eric Liddell (Olympic athlete); Jim Knight MP; Major Phil Packer (Help for Heroes); Mervyn Peake (author); Ray and Trevor Powles (consultant oncologists); Andrew Sentance (Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee); Stephen Smith (rugby international).
