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What it's like

Reputed to be the oldest grammar school in the county (although there are no records before 1320), it  was re-founded in 1987 as a co-educational school. It has a very agreeable site in the middle of the attractive and historic market town of Market Bosworth. The principal and handsome old buildings (grade 2 listed) have their frontage on to the main town square. In recent years there have been a number of additions and the school is well equipped. Its pretty gardens and grounds occupy 4 acres and the rear of the school overlooks open countryside; 38 acres of playing fields are half a mile away. With its own nursery and prep school close by, continuous education is possible from age 3. The school has grown, but the long-term policy is to keep the school relatively small. It is non-denominational, but religious education is an integral part of the curriculum and all pupils are expected to attend assembly and prayers. Academic standards and examination results are very good. Music and drama are well supported. A standard variety of sports and games is available, including hockey, netball, rugby and tennis. There is a range of clubs and societies for extra-curricular activities and strong participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 10-18; 360 day pupils (160 boys, 200 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13, 14 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 20% at 11. 70% of intake from own prep (enquiries to The Dixie Grammar Junior School, Temple Hall, Bosworth Road, Wellsborough, Nuneaton CV13 6PA; tel 01455 293024, email info@dixiejs.org.uk).

Scholarships & bursaries

7 pa scholarships and bursaries, 547-730 per term. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; no other extras.

Head & staff

Headmaster: J R Wood, in post from 2005. Educated at King George V School, Southport, and at the universities of Cambridge and Durham. Previously Deputy Head at Kirkham Grammar and Head of Mathematics at Nottingham High School. Teaching staff: 28 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 42.

Exam results

GCSE: 52 pupils in upper fifth: 80% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; and 20% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 63. A-levels: 25 in upper sixth: all passed in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 346 (432 including general studies).

University & college entrance

All sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. On average 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 15% in other subjects eg physiotherapy.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (1 often contrasting subject), 3-4 at A-level. In addition, most take A-level general studies. 25% take science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 30% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French and German compulsory to age 14 and offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Mandarin Chinese. German and French exchanges and visits to French-speaking countries.à ICT: Part of the daily curriculum. All computers networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 30% of students learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including orchestra, choirs, wind band, recorder group, modern music. Drama: Drama offered. LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 6 A-level.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby/hockey, football, swimming, cross-country, netball, cricket/rounders, athletics compulsory. Optional: tennis. Sixth form only: squash. RLSS exams may be taken. Activities: Students take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service compulsory for 1 year at age 17. Up to 15 clubs, eg chess, computing, drama, music groups.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form, where there is a dress code. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, heads of house, appointed by the Headmaster (after consultation). Religion: Non-denominational school. Attendance at religious worship expected but not compulsory. Social: Trips abroad include regular ski trips (North America), and to eg Iceland, Holland, Switzerland; biannual trip to sister school in Chongqing, China; links with German schools; curriculum projects in China. Students allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Students failing to produce homework once might expect to do it at lunchtime under supervision; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.