Founded in 1629, it is set in fine open countryside in Chigwell village. It lies in 70 acres of playing fields and woodlands between Epping and Hainault Forests, only 10 miles from central London. Architecturally, it makes a most satisfying unit and the original 17th-century building is still in use. It has many excellent modern facilities, including centres for music, ICT, science, DT, practical arts and drama. The junior school is combined. Originally a boys' school, it became co-educational in 1997 after nearly 25 years' experience of girls in the sixth form. A sound general education is provided and examination results are very good. It is Christian in its ideals and inspiration. There is a wide variety of music-making. Drama and art are strongly supported. A good range of sports and games and considerable all-round success, especially in football, hockey, cricket and netball (numerous representatives at regional and national level). There are also plentiful extra-curricular activities, including commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 715 pupils; 675 day (380 boys, 295 girls), 40 boarding (25 boys, 15 girls). Senior department 13-18, 377 pupils (228 boys, 149 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSE passes at grade B or above.

17+ pa academic scholarships, usually up to 50% fees (awarded at 11, 13 and 16); also scholarships for art, drama, music. Variable number of bursaries.

Over 60% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.

Headmaster: Michael Punt, appointed in 2007. Educated at Brentwood School and Oxford University (physics). Previously Academic Deputy Head at the Perse School. Teaching staff: 63 full time, 24 part time (music), 2 EFL. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.

GCSE: 81 pupils in upper fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects (average of 9.4 per pupil). Average GCSE score 63 (61 over 5 years). A-levels: 94 in upper sixth: 23% passed in 4+ subjects (average of 3.2 per pupil). Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 359.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 13% took courses in medicine, 10% in science and engineering, 7% in law, 42% in humanities and social sciences, 13% in eg business and ICT, 8% in vocational subjects, 5% in arts. Others went on to employment eg in the City.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level. Special provision: SEN specialist (assessment and study skills training programme in place). EFL specialist (assessment and teaching programme in place). Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15 musical groups including orchestras, swing band, chamber choirs, choral society, symphonic wind band, rock groups. Participates in Stratford Music Festival and in various musical events locally (eg old people's homes) and in London (eg senior flutes at the Barbican). Drama: Drama offered, GCSE and A-level may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and house/other productions. Art and design technology: On average, 25 take GCSE, 13 A-level. Graphic design and photography also offered.

Sport: Soccer, cricket, hockey, cross-country, athletics, swimming, basketball, tennis, gymnastics compulsory. National representatives at football and cricket Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Large Scout troop (boys and girls); county records for Queen's Scouts awards. Adventure services challenge for junior and middle school. Much money raised for charity (25k pa recently). Up to 30 clubs, eg chess, philately, arts appreciation, model, drama, computer.

Uniform: School uniform worn to 16; suits in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of school, head of house and house prefects - appointed. Religion: Church of England school. All pupils attend Chapel twice a week. Social: 8+ organised trips abroad or exchanges each year. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco, chewing gum or alcohol allowed.

Aims to be firm, fair and friendly. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning or additional work in weekly academic detention. Any pupil caught using drugs on the premises could expect to be asked to leave the school.

William Penn (founder of Pennsylvania); Professor Sir Bernard Williams (King's College, Cambridge); Michael Thomas QC (former Attorney General of Hong Kong); Ian Holm, Ken Campbell, Anatol Yusef (actors); Timothy Collins MP; Col Bob Stewart (ISFOR Bosnia), Michael Marshall Smith (writer).