Founded in 1612, it lies on the outskirts of Batley, near the countryside; its playing fields adjoin it. The buildings are of Yorkshire stone and brick. They are well appointed and the modern facilities are first class. Recent developments include ICT rooms, sports hall, library, a technology centre and refurbished science laboratories. The junior department, Priestley House, is on the same site. It has remained very much in the grammar-school tradition. Examination results are very good. Originally a boys' school, it has been co-educational since 1996. Strong in music (particularly brass bands), CCF, sport and outdoor pursuits. Vigorous local support and commitment to the community.

Pupils: Total age range 3-19; 364 day pupils (206 boys, 158 girls). Senior department 11-19, 262 pupils (151 boys, 111 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3-13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 70% of main intakes from state schools.

Around 10 bursaries pa, mainly at 11. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; lunch is included in the fees. Holiday trips etc extra.

Headmaster: Brian Battye, in post from 1998. Educated at Batley Grammar School and Oxford University (modern languages). Previously Deputy Head and Head of Modern Languages at the school and at Newquay Tretherras School, Cornwall. Teaching staff: 35 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover under 8%. Average age 47.

GCSE: On average, 66 pupils in Year 11. 76% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 14% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 60 (57 over 5 years). A-levels: 29 in upper sixth: 28% passed in 4+ subjects; 59% in 3; 13% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 305.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 28% take courses in science and engineering, 72% in humanities and social sciences. Others typically go on to eg banking, armed services, technical apprenticeships.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 16 AS/A-level subjects (including classical civilisation, sports studies, business studies). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, some take AS/A-level general studies. 30% take science A-levels; 50% arts/humanities; 20% both. Key skills mostly integrated into A-level courses. Languages: French (compulsory from age 11) and German offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular trips to France and Germany. Trips to Paris (second/third year and sixth form) and German exchange. Satellite TV links. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg internet for research. 36 computers for pupil use (7 hours a day), majority networked and with Email and internet access. Most pupils take GCSE IT (with business studies).

Music: Approx 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 6 musical groups including choir, brass, concert band, recorder, chamber groups. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 6 A-level.

Sport: Football, hockey, cross-country, athletics, cricket, netball, rounders compulsory. Optional: basketball and many other gym sports. Sixth form only: aerobics, squash, water sports eg sailing, canoeing, windsurfing. Recent pupils U19 and U15 England cricket team. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional from age 14, community service from age 16. Up to 10 clubs, eg chess, debating, textiles, community service, photography.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout; optional dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Prefects and school officers elected by staff and sixth form. Religion: Morning assembly compulsory unless parents request exclusion. Social: Language trips to France and Germany; organised outward bound trips and ski trips. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school with Headmaster's permission. Self-service meals in senior school, set meals in junior school. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might initially expect extra work; detention for repeated offences.

is run by Mr B Battye, 72 Greenacres Drive, Birstall, Batley WF17 9RA.

Sir Willie Morris (Ambassador); Professor Norman Franklin (UKAEA); Joseph Priestley (discovered oxygen in 1774); Sir Owen Richardson (Nobel Prize winner).