Founded in 1548, a development of a medieval charity school and one of the founding schools of the HMC in 1869. Its site comprises 100 acres of beautiful grounds and very attractive buildings, near the centre of Bromsgrove and half an hour from both Birmingham and Stratford-on-Avon. It has strong links with Worcester College, Oxford, through an endowment by the founder of Worcester. Its modern facilities are excellent and there have been many major developments in recent years including a new library and resources centre, an art, design and technology building, humanities building and boarding accommodation. A sense of family (in the Christian tradition) is regarded as of prime importance; the Chapel is in regular use. Originally a boys' school, girls were first accepted in 1976; it is fully co-educational. The school provides a wide range of opportunities for its pupils and its well-organised pastoral system encourages pupils to identify and develop their talents to the full. Examination results are very good. Music, drama and art are all strong and well supported. There is considerable strength, too, in sports and games (a large number of representatives at county, regional and national level). Thirty or more clubs and activities cater for most extra-curricular activities. There is great emphasis on outdoor pursuits linked with a vigorous CCF contingent and a thriving Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Local community service is an important feature of the school life.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 1285 pupils, 870 day (500 boys, 370 girls), 415 boarding (255 boys, 160 girls). Senior school 13-18, 750 pupils (455 boys, 295 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 8, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and NFER tests used; for sixth-form entry, 15 points at GCSE including at least grade B in sixth-form subjects. School looks for a wide range of pupils (good all-rounders, talented pupils, good citizens, honest tryers). No religious requirements although school is an Anglican foundation. 15% of senior intakes from state schools (plus 20% of sixth-form intake). 70% of senior school from own prep (enquiries to Bromsgrove Preparatory School, Bromsgrove, Worcs B61 7DU; email admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk).

Up to 30 pa scholarships, including academic, all-round, music, art, sport, value up to 50% fees (up to 10 each at 11, 13 and 16). Numerous means-tested bursaries, normally talented all-rounders and some for forces children. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; few extras.

60% live within 30 miles, 20+% live overseas.

Headmaster: Chris Edwards, in post from 2004. Educated at Merchant Taylors' (Crosby) and Oxford University (English). Previously Deputy Headmaster of Stowe and taught on four continents. Teaching staff: 85 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age approx 38.

GCSE: 166 in fifth, 94% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 57 (54 over 5 years). A-levels: 192 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 387.

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (some after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 6% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 42% in science and engineering, 41% in humanities and social sciences, 7% in art and design, 4% in sports. Others typically go on to art foundation courses or straight into careers.

GCSE, AS, A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 20 AS/A-level subjects (including 3 vocational). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (general studies A-level an additional option); or 2-3 vocational A-levels and 1 AS-level; some add a further AS-level in upper sixth. 20% took science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 50% both. Key skills compulsory for all sixth form. Vocational: Work experience available. Vocational A-levels in business studies, leisure and recreation, art and design offered. Special provision: Small amount of extra tuition available; back-up support from teachers and encouragement and understanding. EAL department offers extra tuition for international pupils. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also a self-study option in sixth form, allows a language to be studied from scratch. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 500 computers for pupil use (13 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take RSA/OCR internet technologies.

Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. On average, 10 take GCSE, 4 A-level. Some 20 musical groups including orchestra, wind bands, jazz bands, close harmony, instrumental ensembles, chapel choir, choral society. Biennial opera or musical. Drama: GCSE drama (30 pupils), AS-level performing arts (18) and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 50 take GCSE, 16 A-level.

Sport: Swimming, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, badminton, squash, athletics, rowing, soccer, fencing, dance, health-related fitness and golf. Major team games: rugby, hockey, cricket, cross-country and athletics (boys); hockey, netball, tennis and athletics (girls). GCSE, RLSS exams may be taken. Many outdoor activities including canoeing, sailing, climbing, sub-aqua; variety of expeditions. Activities: CCF optional from age 14, (school's own Bromsgrove Badge courses for younger pupils). 300+ participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Community service, first aid etc optional. Over 30 clubs, eg debating, computing, riding, yoga, art of heraldry, sci-fi, young enterprise, clay-pigeon shooting.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Pastoral and competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster and houseparents. Religion: Christian school. Compulsory worship. Social: Some trips abroad. Day pupils may drive to and from school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco allowed; alcohol under supervision for sixth form only.

The school aims to be fair, firm and consistent. School rules are made clear to pupils, especially on such issues as drugs and personal relationships.

is run by the Registrar, c/o the school.