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What it's like

Founded in 1877 by Admiral Kelly, it has a magnificent site above the River Tavy on the edge of one of the most beautiful parts of Dartmoor. The pleasant market town of Tavistock is nearby. Many additions and improvements have been made in recent years and the school is well equipped, with its own adventure training centre and all-weather hockey/tennis surface. Numbers are kept low as a matter of policy and there is a separate preparatory school. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:10. A sound general education is provided in a friendly and happy atmosphere and examination results are good. Music, drama and art are all strong. The college has unusually fine playing fields and sports facilities and there is much emphasis on sports and games. Rugby, netball and swimming are particularly strong. High standards are attained and there have been a number of representatives at county, regional and national level. There are many clubs and societies for extra-curricular activities, which include fishing (salmon and trout) and riding. The CCF is large, with Royal Navy and Army sections. Nautical connections have been retained and there are close links with the Navy in Dartmouth and Devonport. There is a large number of adventure training activities, for which the locality is ideal. Overseas trips and expeditions are a regular feature.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 360 pupils, 160 day (80 boys, 80 girls), 200 boarding (120 boys, 80 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). State school entry 40% main intake, plus 60% to sixth form. Many from own prep - Kelly College Preparatory School (Hazeldon House, Tavistock PL19 0JS, Tel 01822 612919).

Scholarships & bursaries

Approx 20 pa scholarships, value up to 50% of fees: 6 academic, 8 all-rounder, 2 art and 2 music (5 at 11, 5 at 13, 5 at 16, 3 at other ages). Variable bursaries, based on financial need.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Mark Steed, in post since 2001. Educated at King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, and Cambridge University (theology). Previously Housemaster and Head of Religious Studies at Oundle and taught at Radley. Teaching staff: 27 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 38.

Exam results

GCSE: On average, 60 pupils in fifth: 72% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 24% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 53 (over 5 years). A-levels: 51 in upper sixth: 90% pass in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 312.

University & college entrance

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (18% after a gap year). 25% take courses in science and engineering, 60% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in the arts.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; wide range of combinations taken. 10% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities; 55% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Individual help is given. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Germany). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 45+ computers for pupil use (13 hours a day), majority networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils have their own computer (150+ network points across the school). All pupils prepared for ECDL qualifications; ICT AS and A-level offered.

The arts

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including choirs, orchestra, wind band, pop group etc. Several pupils play with county youth orchestra. Drama and dance: Both offered. All sixth formers take LAMDA certificate. Majority of pupils are involved in school/house productions. Recent productions of Orton's Loot, Wilde's A Woman of No Importance and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, A-level. Design, photography and history of art also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, netball compulsory. Optional: swimming, cross-country, tennis, squash, soccer, basketball. Sixth form only: weight training. GCSE, AS and A-level sports studies may be taken. Number of international swimmers; county rugby champions (XV and sevens). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional for 3 years (from age 13), community service in sixth form. Up to 15 clubs, eg debating, public-speaking, drama, fishing, chess, bridge.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects, appointed by Headmaster and housemasters. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Sharing of music with local community; debating and drama with local schools. Regular visits to France and Germany; adventure training expeditions throughout the world. Day pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco allowed; alcohol only under supervision in sixth-form centre.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to be referred to the tutor and/or housemaster and be given extra work; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect expulsion. There is a strong framework of discipline.