Founded in 1519, it occupies the original site in a very pretty small town. The old school house (1519) is still in use. Modern buildings provide very good accommodation and the school is well equipped with modern facilities. Recent additions include a science centre, an astroturf pitch, sixth-form commonroom and a library and learning centre. Delightful playing fields adjoin it by the parish church. There are strong, long-standing links with the town and the parish. The school is now co-educational; girls first joined the sixth form in 1972 and at age 13 in 1997. The school provides a friendly environment, which encourages pupils of all ages to give of their best. A balanced all-round education is provided within a strong Christian framework; examination results are good. The music, drama and art departments are very active. There is a good range of games and sports (a number of representatives at county level) and a big commitment to local community schemes.

Pupils: Age range 13-18; 333 pupils, 85 day (61 boys, 24 girls), 248 boarding (182 boys, 66 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance and scholarship exams used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements but expected to attend C of E services. Very small state school entry. Feeder schools include Hazlegrove (own prep), All Hallows, Port Regis, Perrott Hill, Chaffyn Grove, Salisbury Cathedtral School.

Approx 18 pa scholarships, value 12.5%-50% fees: 10+ at age 13 (academic, others all-rounder, sport, art, technology, music); 4+ in sixth form. Variable number of means-tested bursaries. Discounts for 3 or more siblings. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Headmaster: N M Lashbrook, appointed 2004. Educated at King's Heath Grammar School and Oxford University (chemistry). Previously Second Master at Tonbridge and taught at Manchester Grammar School. Teaching staff: 42 full time staff. Annual turnover 3. Average age 42.

GCSE: 73 pupils in fifth: 81% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 19% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 56. A-levels: 55 in upper sixth: 22% passed in 4+ subjects; 75% in 3; 4% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 303.

96% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (34% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 1% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 19% in science and engineering, 22% in humanities and social sciences, 16% in art and design, 28% in vocational subjects eg tourism, business management, 7% in modern languages. Others typically go on to employment.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22-23 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies not taken. 16% took science A-levels; 18% arts/humanities; 62% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Learning difficulties unit for small number of pupils with mild dyslexia and to teach EAL. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; also Italian GCSE (in sixth form) and some commercial and non-examined language courses. Regular exchanges (France and Germany). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 180+ computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Boarding houses are joined to the computer network by radio technology.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including choir, orchestra, dance, concert, military bands, brass, jazz, saxophone, etc. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions. Art and design: GCSE and A-level taken; design, pottery, textiles and photography also offered.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball compulsory. Optional: soccer, squash, tennis, basketball, fencing, athletics. Activities: CCF compulsory for 2 years at age 14 then optional. 30-40 extra-curricular activities and clubs, eg archery, book, foreign film, drama, chess, chamber music, beekeeping, archive society.

Uniform: School uniform worn; sixth form wear dark suits. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of school (with a male and female deputy), head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster and housemaster/mistress. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory services (one weekday and Sunday). Social: Many organised local events, trips and exchanges abroad. Meals self-service. School shop. No pupils allowed tobacco; alcohol in supervised sixth-form club.

Pupils failing to produce homework once would be treated by the teacher; a second offence would merit the attention of both housemaster and tutor (Headmaster supervises 6.45 am Saturday detention for eg repeatedly poor work). Those involved in illegal substances must expect expulsion.

is run by D Hindley, c/o the school.