Founded in 1619 and endowed by Edward Alleyn, the Elizabethan actor-manager, it stands in 26 acres of fine grounds and playing fields in Dulwich. The main buildings date from 1887 with a number of recent additions, including modernised library with internet access, computer suites, art and design studios, music school and a new performing arts centre. The spacious grounds allow a full range of sporting activities within the school boundaries. The school has had a partnership with, and enjoyed considerable financial support from, the Worshipful Company of Saddlers for some 30 years. Academically and intellectually, it is one of the foremost co-educational schools in southern England. A friendly and purposeful school providing a first-rate traditional education with excellent examination results. The school has admitted girls on equal terms since the mid-seventies and has a very strong commitment to co-education. It is a C of E foundation but assemblies are ecumenical in character. It has a very strong and active music school and is also noted for art and drama (the National Youth Theatre was developed at the school). It is highly regarded in the locality where it enjoys vigorous support.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 953 day pupils (480 boys, 473 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. Automatic transfer from own junior school (enquiries to Junior School Admissions, same address, Tel 020 8557 1519).

23 academic scholarships, 3 sport, 1 art, 2 music, value up to 33% of fees; also exhibitions for music, sport. 7+ means tested bursaries for able pupils up to 100% of fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Headmaster: Dr Colin Diggory, appointed 2002. Educated at Durham University (mathematics). Previously Headmaster at Latymer Upper School, Head of Maths at Merchant Taylors' and Assistant Master both at St Paul's and at Manchester Grammar. Former A-level Chief Examiner. Chairman of HMC London Division, ISI Inspector. Teaching staff: 115 full time, 25 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 39.

GCSE: 140 pupils in Year 11, 95% gaining at least grade C in 8 or more subjects, with a GCSE score of 65 (61 over 5 years). A-level: 142 in Year 13, passing an average of 3.1 subjects and with a final point score of 443.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 15% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 4% in law, 50% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 7% in vocational subjects eg education, journalism, accountancy.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 28 subjects offered in the sixth form, including business studies, economics, Italian, law, philosophy, photography, politics, psychology, media studies and theatre studies. all students take 9 or 10 GCSE subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 or 4 at A-level; in addition, most lower sixth take general studies A-level. 33% take science A-levels; 37% arts/humanities; 30% both. Vocational: Work experience compulsory after GCSEs. Year 11 aptitude tests. Languages: French (compulsory for 3 years), Latin (for 2 years), German and Spanish offered from Year 8 and all at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. Satellite TV/language lab and computer laboratory for linguists. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. Some 280 computers networked across the school (with Email and internet access). GCSE and A-level ICT offered.

Music: Over 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 30 performing groups, including 4 orchestras, 2 choirs, 2 wind bands, jazz band and several chamber groups. Several pupils in junior conservatoires; pupils gain Oxbridge choral scholarships and places at conservatoires. Drama: A-level theatre studies available. Drama clubs in lower and middle schools. Range of productions throughout the year. Regular entrants to drama college and university drama courses. Occasional members of National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre. Art and design: On average, 50 take GCSE A-level, 30 A-level. All pupils taught painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics. 3D-design, pottery and photography also offered. Some 10 pa accepted to art college and art-related courses.

Sport: Football, hockey, cricket, basketball, athletics, tennis, swimming, netball, rounders, cross-country compulsory. Options include: keep fit, fives, aerobics, badminton, fitness and weight training, water polo, golf, horse riding. Regular county and regional representation (gym, swimming, hockey, cricket, basketball, fives, netball, football, athletics, cross country). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. All Year 10 pupils take part in D of E or community service (including working with disabled children) or CCF (one of the largest voluntary forces in the country). 50+ clubs including choral, bridge, Amnesty, Christian Union, ceramics, debating, art, science, politics, computing, various sports, radio and electronics.

Uniform: School uniform worn, except sixth form which has formal dress code. Houses and prefects: House system forms basis of pastoral welfare for Years 9-13 and for music, games and other competitions. School captain,à prefects and heads of house appointed by the Headmaster in consultation with staff and students. School council. Religion: Assemblies ecumenical; pupils may be withdrawn if parents request. Social: Occasional joint careers conferences and debates with local schools. Regular organised holiday visits; exchanges with French, German and Spanish schools. Visiting speakers for Upper School (sixth form). Upper School allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Detentions are given for poor work and inappropriate behaviour.

run by Alumni Officer, Susie Schofield (tel 020 8557 1466; website www.edwardalleynclub.com).

Julian Glover; Simon Ward, John Stride, Ray Cooney, Jude Law, Sam West (actors); Stuart Blanch (former Archbishop of York); C S Forester; V S Pritchett; Prof R V Jones (Enigma coding); Peter Lammer (CEO Sophos); Ajay Kakkar (Prof of surgical science, Barts); Mike Merrifield (Prof Astronomy, Nottingham); Micky Stewart, John Pretlove (sport).