Add to clipboard

What it's like

Founded in 1811 in Lewisham, the school moved to Caterham in 1884. It stands in 80 acres of delightful grounds in a wooded valley of the North Downs, south of London. In 1995 the school became fully co-educational, after taking girls in the sixth form for 15 years. The prep school has its own buildings and staff. The senior school has very pleasant modern buildings and excellent facilities with more planned. The aim is to provide a broad education based on Christian principles and practice. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. The drama, music and creative arts departments are strong. 17 sports are offered over the year and standards are high in the major games - rugby, netball, lacrosse, cricket and hockey (many county representatives). Both the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the CCF are thriving and there are around 35 clubs and societies for extra-curricular activities. Pastoral care is a key feature.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1027 pupils, 895 day (518 boys, 377 girls), 132 boarding (80 boys, 52 girls). Senior department 11-18; 752 pupils (436 boys, 316 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 13 and into the sixth form. Own exam used, interview and report from current school (Common Entrance for setting at age 13); for sixth-form entry, 6 good GCSEs (grade A or B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements; school has URC affiliation but pupils of many faiths within school. 30% of intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form).

Scholarships & bursaries

Variable number of scholarships to encourage pupils: academic, art, music and sport (at age 11, 13 and 16); all-rounder (at 13); science (at 16); boarding/international to those expected to make a contribution to the boarding community. Bursaries for children of URC clergy, forces and foreign service personnel. Also Caterham Assisted Places for those joining at 11. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Parents

Wide mix of professions. 60% live within 30 miles.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Julian Thomas, in post since 2007. Educated at King's College London (computer science) and Cambridge University (PGCE); currently taking an MBA. Previously Second Master at Hampton and Director of Studies at Portsmouth Grammar School; worked at Lloyds Bandk and BP before going into teaching. Also qualified rugby, cricket, hockey and netball coach. Teaching staff: 79 full time, 1 part time (senior school). Annual turnover approx 7%.

Exam results

GCSE: 109 pupils in fifth: 98% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 62. A-levels: 123 in upper sixth: 17% passed in 4+ subjects; 80% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 384.

University & college entrance

All sixth-form leavers normally go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year), 11% to Oxbridge and 90% to their first choice. 7% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 37% in science and engineering, 55% in humanities and social sciences, 1% in music. A few go straight on to employment, eg armed services.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 27 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level (general studies not taken); sixth formers take a wide range of subjects, across science/humanities divide. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Specialist dyslexic teacher available if required for small number. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Additional sixth-form language courses. Regular exchanges (France, Spain and Germany). Assistants from German, Spanish and French universities. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 400 computers for pupil use throughout the day, all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Up to 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15 musical groups from violin to voice to electric guitar. Musical concerts every term. Drama: Drama offered. Many pupils are involved in directing, producing and acting in school productions and house/other productions. Major drama production annually (eg Les Miserables). Art and design: Design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket major sports for boys; netball, lacrosse, tennis for girls. Also available are swimming, athletics, squash, badminton, cross-country, tae kwon do etc. England cricket U15 and England U18 lacrosse representatives; many pupils in county cricket, lacrosse, netball, hockey and rugby teams. GCSE and A-level PE offered. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional (pupils regularly win armed forces scholarships). Some 36 clubs, from chess to technology, debating to equestrian.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; business suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses, based on boarding houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, heads of house. Head of school elected by year group, ratified by Headmaster. Religion: United Reformed Church school though open to all faiths or none. Social: Regular debates, music events with other local schools. Exchange with overseas schools. Upper sixth allowed to bring own car to school with permission. Meals self-service (compulsory). No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Based on the principle of mutual respect. Standards of behaviour are high. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to re-do with extra work. Pupils caught smoking cannabis on school premises could expect expulsion.

Alumni association

Run by Ms Aline Rennie, c/o the school.