Founded in 1515 by Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter, to promote ‘godliness and good learning’. It moved in 1931 to Fallowfield where it grew to its present size. The buildings have been constantly added to – recently a new junior school, a well-equipped theatre and drama studios, and a sports hall; facilities are excellent. The playing fields are adjacent and the whole area covers 36 acres. Each year about 200 boys join, from widely differing backgrounds and from a broad area of the north-west. Intellectually and academically very high-powered, its examination results are consistently excellent and very large numbers go on to Oxbridge. A well-qualified teaching staff provides all pupils with a broad, traditional and flexible curriculum. It now offers the International Baccalaureate alongside traditional A-levels. All the major religions are represented in the school and religious studies, taught as an academic discipline, forms a fundamental part of the curriculum. It is very strong in music, drama, art and design. An excellent range of games and sports is offered, in which high standards are attained. There is a vast and diverse range of co-curricular opportunities and many boys represent the country in various disciplines. The Duke of Edinburgh programme is strong (38 Gold Awards in 2015). There is considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits and the school owns sites in the Peak District, Grasmere and South Stainmore in Cumbria. Local community schemes are active.