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What it's like

Founded in 1868, a Woodard school, it stands in 100 acres of rural countryside grounds. There has been considerable recent updating and development which has resulted in a theatre, IT facilities, art and DT centre, indoor pool and 9-hole golf course. Examination results are good. Major sports are played to a high standard. The declared aim is to encourage pupils to develop their individual talents in academic work and a variety of activities including sports, music and drama. Pupils also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the CCF. A friendly, hard-working school where high standards of manners are expected, and enthusiasm and effort rewarded.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 520 pupils, 370 day (240 boys, 130 girls), 150 boarding (107 boys, 43 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; sixth-form entry on basis of GCSE results. Special skills required for scholarships only; no religious requirements but pupils expected to attend C of E services. 50% of intake at 11 from state schools. Feeder schools at 13 include Yarlet, Foremarke Hall, Terra Nova.

Scholarships & bursaries

Some scholarships available (academic, instrumental, choral, sporting, art, drama, design technology) and bursaries (for children of clergy, servicemen), up to 40% fees. Parents expected to buy sixth-form textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmaster: David Derbyshire, in post since 1997. Educated at Bolton School and at universities of Kent (industrial relations and politics), Loughborough (PGCE, PE and social science) and the LSE (MSc government and politics). Previously Housemaster and Head of Hockey and Golf at Cranleigh, Head of Economics and Politics and i/c hockey at King's School, Bruton. Teaching staff: 42 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover 8%. Average age 33.

Exam results

GCSE: 83 pupils in fifth form: 95% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 56 (50 over 5 years). A-levels: 45 in upper sixth: 100% passed in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 286.

University & college entrance

On average, 99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 2% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 27% in science and engineering, 46% in humanities and social sciences, 16% in art and design, 9% in music and drama.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS/A-level subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 26% take science and technology A-levels; 47% arts/humanities; 27% both. Special provision: Specialist teaching for dyslexic pupils and for EFL. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Classrooms have interactive whiteboards. 2 computer rooms for pupil use, 1 networked and with email and internet access. GCSE, AS and A-level offered.

The arts

Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams are taken 3 times a year. Some 8 musical groups including choirs, orchestra, concert band, swing band, percussion group. Drama and dance: All pupils study drama to Year 9; GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Annual senior and junior productions; junior drama festival. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 10 A-level, including design, pottery. Numerous pupils go on to art colleges.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, cricket, cross-country, swimming, hockey, netball, football, rounders, athletics, fives, badminton, keep fit, shooting, golf. County champions in rugby and hockey; national and local honours in cricket and rugby. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional. Up to 30 extra activities, eg chess, drama, choir, golf, swimming, arts and crafts (different options in each of 3 terms).

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn (sensible home clothes after school day); uniform more relaxed in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, house captains, appointed by Headmaster in consultation with staff. Religion: Church of England school. Attendance at Chapel compulsory (simple service and full chapel weekly). Social: Trips abroad include study tours (eg Spain, Poland, First World War sites), expeditions for skiing, hill walking, CCF camp, rugby and cricket tours. Meals self-service. School shop (tuck, general equipment, uniform).

Discipline

Withdrawal of privileges and community help used.

Former pupils

T A Kemp (rugby international/President RFU); Geoffrey Smith (political columnist); Alistair Hignell (rugby international and broadcaster); John Makepeace (furniture designer); Ian Platt (opera singer); Sir Christopher French (High Court Judge); P D Kelly (Walker Cup captain); Professor A K Mant (pathologist); Professor M L H Green (chemist); T Marlow, M Liggins, Alex Lester (broadcasters); Jeremy Snape, Tim Mason, Richard Howitt (cricketers); Fiona Lawrenson (garden designer); Lord Justice Kay; Lucy Crowe (opera singer).