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What it's like

A fully co-educational day and boarding school, founded in 1849, it stands in 140 acres amid open countryside, just to the north of the South Downs, 9 miles from Brighton and 25 minutes from Gatwick Airport. A friendly and orderly atmosphere prevails in attractive buildings which are arranged around two quadrangles. These include a fully-equipped ICT centre, music school, art school and theatre, dance and drama studio, together with a sports hall, swimming pool and astro-turf hockey pitch/tennis courts. Academic attainment is high and examination results are good. The academic week runs Monday to Friday with a strong programme of sports and activities on Saturdays. A sport for all' policy ensures pupils participate in those games most suited to their tastes and abilities. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities, overseas sports tour and a flourishing CCF. A strong musical tradition; the Chapel Choir is particularly recognised.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 13-18; 406 pupils, 134 day (95 boys, 39 girls), 272 boarding (176 boys, 96 girls); includes 232 weekly and flexi boarding. Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance used; reports and tests for state and overseas entrants. For sixth-form entry, at least 5 GCSEs at grade C (grade B in AS-level subjects). Pupils mainly, but not exclusively, C of E. Small number from state schools (plus few into sixth form); nearly 50% from own prep school (enquiries to Secretary to Prep School, tel 01273 834975).

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships available of up to 1800 per term; plus bursaries if parental need is proven and for children of services and clergy. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; extras include 172 per term for music tuition.

Parents

75% live within 1 hour's drive; 15+% live overseas.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Tim Manly, appointed 2005. Educated at St Edward's Oxford and at Oxford University (classics) and the LSE. Previously Deputy Head of Oakham School. Teaching staff: 42 full time, 4 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 38.

Exam results

GCSE: 78 pupils in fifth: 85% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 13% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 57 (58 over 5 years). A-levels: 52 in upper sixth: 12% pass in 4+ subjects; 77% in 3; 11% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 299.

University & college entrance

87% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 42% take courses in science and engineering, 13% in art, humanities and languages, 31% in social sciences and business management. Others typically go on to art or drama courses or straight into careers.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 45% took science A-levels; 12% arts/humanities; 43% both. Vocational: Work shadowing programme and careers advice. Special provision: Specialist ESL teachers and learning support. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 160+ computers for pupil use (14 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including orchestra, choirs, Barber Shop, saxophone ensemble, jazz band, string quartet, brass, wind ensembles. Drama: Drama and theatre studies offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 32 AS and A-level. Painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, photography and print making also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, athletics, netball, tennis, rounders played initially. Optional: fencing, squash, soccer, cross-country, outdoor pursuits, trampolining, basketball, badminton, shooting, volleyball. GCSE, BAGA, RLSS, ASA exams may be taken. 2 current international players at rugby and cricket. 30 county representatives in 8 different sports. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF (Army and Navy), conservation and community service optional. Up to 15 clubs, eg debating, woodwork, computing.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, flexible in final year. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects and head of school appointed by Headmaster; head of house/house prefects by housemaster/mistress. School Committee. Religion: Church of England. 2 weekday services, regular communion. Social: German exchange annually; many overseas visits eg geography to the Gambia, choir to USA, cricket team to India, rugby to Australia, hockey to South Africa. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco allowed. Upper sixth-form bar.

Discipline

Sanctions of increasing severity imposed for poor work and misbehaviour.

Former pupils

Lord Plummer of Marylebone; Sir Brian Cartledge (UK Ambassador, Moscow); Sir Derek Day (High Commissioner in Canada); Michael York (actor); Admiral Sir Michael Boyce (former Chief of Defence Staff); Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.