Founded in 1842, originally for the sons of missionaries, it occupies a single suburban site of 42 acres, in handsome buildings (originally the mansion of Lord Bathurst). It remains loyal to its Christian foundation. Girls have been admitted to the sixth form since 1978. There is a fine sports centre, a new library and, most recently, a music school. The junior school is attached and has recently been refurbished; 90% of its pupils move on to the senior school. Examination results are very good and a high proportion of leavers go to Oxbridge. Very strong indeed in musical activities, travel and in drama (fine performing-arts centre). Excellent all-round facilities are provided. Standards in sports and games are high and there are national and regional representatives in many sports. There is a substantial commitment to local community service and a wide range of clubs and societies.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 800 day pupils (740 boys, 60 girls). Senior department 11-18, 617 pupils (557 boys, 60 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. All special skills welcome; no religious requirements but Christian (non-denominational) foundation emphasised. 40% of main intake at 11 from state schools, plus 35% new entrants to sixth form.

40 pa scholarships and bursaries, 33%-100% fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum 170 extras.

20+% in industry or commerce; 15+% in theatre, media, music, etc; 20+% are doctors, lawyers, etc. 90+% within 20 miles.

Headmaster: Paul Henderson, in post from 2000. Educated at The Leys and at the universities of Nottingham (classics) and Cambridge (education). Previously Second Master at St Albans, Director of Studies at Norwich and teacher at Colchester RGS. Also member of MCC. Teaching staff: 61 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 33.

GCSE: 76 pupils in upper fifth, 100% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 70 (68 over 5 years). A-levels: 99 in upper sixth: 16% passed in 4 subjects; 83% in 3. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 376.

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (35% after a gap year), 15% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 9% in law, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design, 17% in other subjects eg pharmacology, architecture, music, education, business. A few typically go straight in to employment.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects (including geology, design and technology, computer science, government and politics, drama). Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level (liberal studies taken by all). 30% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience. Languages: French, Spanish and German offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Many languages through media resources centre. Regular exchanges (France, Germany, Estonia, Spain and Italy). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (in Year 7 leading to ECDL) and across the curriculum, eg English, maths, physics, geography, business studies. 200 computers for pupil use (8+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take GCSE.

Music: 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 26 musical groups including community orchestra, 2 string orchestras, saxophone ensemble, brass, jazz bands, choir, close harmony group. Several winners in Beckenham Festival; many members of district youth orchestras and ensembles and National Youth Orchestra; Oxford and Cambridge choral awards; singer with English National Opera. Drama and dance: Drama offered, and GCSE, AS and A-level exams taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Recent productions include Under Milk Wood, Frankenstein, the Prince and the Pauper. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, pottery, printing, photography also offered. Many admissions to art foundation courses.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, swimming compulsory. Optional: football, tennis, water polo, netball, badminton, basketball, judo, fencing, volleyball. Sixth form only: aerobics. International representatives at cricket, hockey, rugby, golf, aikido; regional representatives at athletics, tennis, swimming, cricket, rugby, hockey; centre of excellence for cricket. Sports tours overseas tours. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (100 in scheme). Community service compulsory for 1 year at age 16: old people's homes, schools, hospitals etc. Up to 30 clubs, eg technology, computing, chess, astronomy, debating, maths, drama, photography, Christian Union, leadership courses.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, form prefects, head of house and house prefects, elected by the school, appointed by the Headmaster. School council. Religion: Non-denominational. Daily chapel compulsory. Social: Debates, conferences, dances, discos regularly shared with other local schools. 6 partner schools in France, Germany, Estonia, Italy, South Africa, Australia (some 120 exchanges annually); sports tours overseas eg rugby (South Africa, California), cricket (West Indies), hockey (Greece); expeditions abroad (recently to Greenland, India and Himalayas). Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals formal. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect either a 40-minute detention or a double homework; those engaged in any drug-connected activities could expect expulsion. Constant contact between school and home actively encouraged and practised.