Founded on its present site in 1866 by the Rev J J Kendon, a Baptist minister. Until 1948 it was run as a small school by members of the minister's family. It remains a relatively small school with a family atmosphere and the chapel has an important role. Modern developments now provide good boarding and classroom facilities in an idyllic rural setting. A large staff allows a favourable staff:pupil ratio of about 1:9, so that there is a range of individual attention, both academic and pastoral, to be given. There is considerable commitment to drama, art and music. A wide variety of sports and games is provided and there are the usual extra-curricular activities. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is popular and successful. From Year 8 all pupils work on laptops across the curriculum, using computer-generated teaching materials and a wireless network.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 350 pupils, 220 day (160 boys, 60 girls) 130 boarding (100 boys, 30 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 4 GCSEs at least grade C (including sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 50% main intake (plus most new pupils in sixth form). Feeder schools include Bodiam, Dulwich College Prep, Marlborough House, The Mead, Yardley Court; local primary schools Brenchley, Goudhurst, Horsmonden Matfield.

14 pa scholarships, value 10% of day fee to 40% boarding fee (awarded at 11, 13 and 16): 6 academic, 2 sport, 2 art, 2 drama, 2 music. Variable number of bursaries, usually at 11, 13 and 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras 250 (excluding trips abroad).

30+% live within 30 miles; up to 12% live overseas.

Headmaster: Nicholas Dorey, in post since 1997. Educated at Marlborough and Cambridge University (geography). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Birkdale, Housemaster at Giggleswick, Geography teacher at both King Henry VIII and Bradfield. Teaching staff: 40 full time, 8 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 41.

GCSE: 44 pupils in Year 11; 86% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 48 (45 over 5 years). A-levels: 42 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 278.

94% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (30% after a gap year). 21% take courses in science, 16% in humanities and social sciences, 13% in art and design, 10% in drama, music and 40% in other vocational subjects (eg accountancy, business studies, marketing, agriculture etc). Others typically go on to non-degree courses or into family business.

GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 19 AS/A-level subjects (including business). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (general studies not taken); or 1 vocational A-level plus 2-3 AS-level. 35% take science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 20% both. Key skills (ICT and communication) integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available; vocational A-level in business. Special provision: Long-established dyslexia unit for pupils with good IQ. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and right across the curriculum, eg computer projection enables interactive teaching. 50 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), networked and with email and internet access. All pupils from Year 8 and all staff have their own laptops. A wireless network with broadband internet connection covers the campus.

Music: Up to 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including orchestra, choir, steel band, brass, wind, string and rock school. Recording studio with digital equipment. Drama: Drama offered to GCSE and A-level. Wide range of productions. Art and design: On average, 60% take GCSE, 25% AS-level, 22% A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered.

Sport: Range of sports including rugby, cricket, cross-country, netball, hockey, swimming, rounders, badminton, basketball, football, dance, squash, volleyball, weight training. GCSE and A-level PE may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (some 12 pa gold); all pupils are involved voluntarily. Community service optional (part of D of E). Up to 30 clubs, eg archery, art, chess, Christian Union, cookery, sailing, film, modern dance.

Uniform: School uniform worn, except in the sixth form where there are dress regulations. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of school, head of house and house prefects appointed by Headmaster and housemasters/mistresses. School Council. Religion: Christian school. Compulsory religious worship. Social: Discos, lectures, drama and choral events. Trips abroad for eg rugby, netball, history, art, skiing, Duke of Edinburgh, geography and languages. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school from Year 10. Meals self-service. School tuck shop. No tobacco allowed, some alcohol for sixth form only (in presence of staff).

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to be detained to complete it. Pupils involved with an illegal substance such as cannabis would face suspension as a minimum and return would be conditional on agreement to random testing. Pupils passing such substances on to other pupils would be expelled.

Old Bethanians Society, c/o the school.

Lord Stamp.