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What it's like

Founded in 1748 by John Wesley who created its first curriculum and compiled its first textbooks. It has a splendid position on the slopes of Lansdown, overlooking the city of Bath. The main building is Victorian and is at the heart of the modern school which is set in 218 acres of parkland. In these very civilised surroundings, the facilities and accommodation are first-class. Many new buildings have been added, including a sports hall, specialist centres for art, design technology, ICT, a music school (with recording studio), theatre and separate drama studio. There are extensive playing fields for sports including a floodlit astro-turf. The boarding houses provide a homely environment for the boarding community. Though ecumenical, the school retains its links with the Methodist Church. It was originally a boys' school, but has been co-educational for some 30 years. A fine academic education is provided and examination results are very good, with opportunities for talented pupils to be extended. There are very strong music, drama and art departments. It has an fine range of sports, games, clubs, societies and activities. It has an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and a large, annual Model United Nations Conference.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 633 pupils, 459 day (260 boys, 199 girls), 174 boarding (89 boys, 85 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16; some at 13 (priority to boarders). Own entrance assessment used and Common Entrance (age 13); for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs of which 4 at least grade B and 2 grade C (grade A in some sixth form subjects.) No special skills or religious requirements, but the strong links with the Methodist Church. State school entry, 35% main intake plus 25% to sixth form. Many pupils from its own prep school (same address.)

Scholarships & bursaries

Some scholarships, value 10%-50% fees: academic, all-round (academic ability plus 2 special talents), sport, music; plus drama, art and DT at sixth-form entry. Means-tested bursaries at Headmaster's discretion; 20% discount for boarders, children of HM Forces; discounts for Ministers' families. Textbooks, insurance etc included in fees; extras include trips, etc.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Gary M Best, in post from 1987. Educated at South Shields Grammar Technical School and Oxford University (history). Previously Head of History and Head of Sixth Form at Newcastle under Lyme School. Also Methodist local preacher. Publications: 17th-Century Europe; Continuity and Change; Share Aims; John Wesley - A Study of Life. Teaching staff: 63 full time, 4 part-time. Annual turnover 2%. Average age 37.

Exam results

GCSE: 77 in Year 11; 82% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 18% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 59. A-levels: 92 in upper sixth. Average final score of AS and A-levels achieved by upper sixth formers 320.

University & college entrance

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to higher education (35% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 25% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 25% in vocational subjects, eg physiotherapy, hotel management, education, business studies. Very small numbers go directly into employment.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 GCSE subjects, 22 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth-formers take 4 subjects at AS level, 3 at A-level; AS-level critical thinking an additional option. Key skills are integrated into sixth-form courses and activities. Vocational: Work experience in lower sixth. Special provision: EFL; some special needs support available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Annual exchange for each subject. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Computers for pupil use (13+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; school intranet. Pupils take ISEB, key skills level 2 and 3 in ICT.

The arts

Music: 50+% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, string ensemble, jazz orchestras, choirs, electric strings. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies may be taken. The majority of pupils are involved in school and house or other productions. Art and design technology: Fine art, design, pottery, screen printing and graphics offered. CAD technology.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, swimming and athletics compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, athletics and rounders for girls. Optional: squash, badminton, football, basketball, volleyball, riding, cross-country, golf, orienteering, multi-gym, trampolining, climbing. GCSE, AS and A-level sport and PE may be taken. National and county representatives at various levels in eg regional U14 netball and district U18 netball championship holders. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Regular outdoor pursuits programme. Community service, Christian Fellowship and over 70 activity clubs eg country dancing, electronics, photography, Greek, orienteering.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; sixth-form dress code. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (boys and girls houses paired). Heads of school (boy and girl), heads of houses, house and school prefects - all appointed by Headmaster, in consultation with staff and pupils. Religion: Methodist and Anglican. Daily morning assembly and weekly service for all. Social: Annual educational and ski trips abroad, also eg history, art; exchanges with German, French, American and South African schools. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

All pupils and staff follow a formal Community Code of Conduct. Information on discipline and policies available from the Registrar. Staff and pupils are expected to respect one another at all times.

Alumni association

run by Development Director.