A co-educational college, founded in 1977, it has an agreeable site overlooking parkland ten minutes' walk from the town centre. The full-time staff of 18 is assisted by 80 part-timers, providing a very favourable staff:pupil ratio. Average class size is seven and there is a great deal of flexibility in subject combinations. Boarding pupils either live in college boarding houses or with local families; those aged 18 can live independently, sharing houses nearby under the supervision of the college. Social arrangements are informal; sports and games optional for those over 16.

Pupils: Age range 14-20; 320 pupils, 90 day (53 boys, 47 girls), 240 boarding (125 boys, 115 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 14 and 16. No entrance exam but school reports and interview used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 25%.

Approx 5 pa scholarships; 5 bursaries. Parents are expected to buy textbooks and pay for examination fees.

Up to 40% live within 30 miles of the school; up to 60% overseas (usually 8-10 European pupils).

Principal: Mike McQuin, appointed 1998. Educated at Sherwood Hall School, Mansfield, and Birmingham University (mathematics). Previously Deputy Superintendent of the American International School, Kuwait and Vice Principal and IB Co-ordinator at Universal American School, Kuwait. Teaching staff: 18 full time, 80 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 37.

GCSE: 25% of pupils gained at least grade C in 8 subjects, 75% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 46 over 5 years. A-levels: 125 in upper sixth. 34% pupils passed in 4+ subjects, 30% in 3, 6% in 2 subjects (excluding general studies). Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 334.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (2% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 18% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 27% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 10% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design and 30% business studies. Others typically join family concerns or return to own country for further education.à

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 AS/A-level subjects offered (including law, accounts, psychology). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (general studies is not taken). 65% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 5% both. Key skills are integrated into activities. Special provision: Diagnostic tests, individual tuition and extra classes for dyslexic pupils; several EFL classes. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Private tuition in other languages can be arranged. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (varying according to need) and across the curriculum eg word-processing coursework. 25 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Up to 15% pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Pop music groups occasionally. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 12 A-level.

Sport: No compulsory sports for over-16s. Up to 5 clubs - generally informal.

Uniform: None. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Student Council. Religion: No compulsory worship. Social: Sports and social events with other local schools. Day students may bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service; no drinks/sweet machines on site (only water dispensers). Alcohol at organised functions only.

Pupils failing to produce homework might expect to be detained that night to do it after discussion with personal tutor. For possession of drugs pupils would be expelled.