Founded in 1552 by Sir William Sheafield for the Education of Youths in the Learned Languages. It grew steadily in size and reputation and from 1859 it occupied a site near the university. In 1997 it moved to a green-field site five miles to the north of the city centre. This new campus has state-of-the-art buildings and equipment with playing fields on site. It has a traditional and respected role as the city's grammar school and is strongly supported in the city. The International Baccalaureate is offered alongside traditional A-levels; examination results are very good. Music, drama and art are all vigorously supported and facilities are very good. The school is in the process of merging with Leeds High School to form the Grammar School at Leeds, so from 2008 the new school is fully co-educational although boys and girls will be taught in separate groups for most subjects between the ages of 11 and 16. There is a wide range of sports and games and high standards are attained. A large number of clubs and societies cater for most extra-curricular activities. There is also an active scout group and a venture scout unit, plus a large voluntary CCF (RAF and Army). Much emphasis is put on outdoor pursuits and for these the school has a well-equipped outdoor centre in the Pennines near Teesdale. All boys in the lower sixth are involved in local community services and there is also participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Total age range 4-18, 1388 day boys. Senior department 10-18, 1080 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 10, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 40% senior intake.

A number of scholarships (academic and music) and up to 12 means-tested bursaries (some full fee). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Headmaster: Dr Mark Bailey, in post from 1999 and will be head of new, co-educational school. Educated at Ipswich School and the universities of Durham (economic history) and Cambridge (PhD). Previously a Fellow of Corpus Christi, Cambridge, and Affiliated Lecturer in University of Cambridge History Faculty. Teaching staff: 85 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 35.

GCSE: 155 pupils in Year 11: 97% gain at least grade C in 9+ subjects. Average GCSE score 68 (over 5 years). A-levels: 118 in Year 13. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 336.

99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 13% to Oxbridge. Courses ranged from medicine and microbiology to law, English literature and industrial design.

GCSE, AS and A-levels and IB Diploma. 16 GCSE subjects offered; 26 at AS-level, 22 at A-level including business studies (general studies is not taught, though pupils frequently enter). Sixth form: Typically, sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Key skills integrated into sixth form courses and activities. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Co-ordinator for dyslexia and dyspraxia. Languages: French, German (from age 8), and Spanish available at GCSE, AS and A-level, also classical languages. Regular exchanges to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (9+ hours a day), 200 networked and 150 with email and internet access.

Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 13 musical groups including orchestra, jazz group, choral society, choir, concert band, various chamber groups. Many winners in local music festivals; finalist in Shell/LSO competition; member of National Youth Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered. Some pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 29 take GCSE, 6 AS-level, 6 A-level. Design, ceramics and photography also offered.

Sport: Squash, basketball compulsory. Sixth form only: golf, volleyball. RLSS exams may be taken. Regular national, divisional and regional representation of pupils and teams. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional at age 14. Community service compulsory for a year in Year 12. Over 30 clubs, eg philosophy, astronomy, current affairs, chess, cycling, cultural society, drama.

Uniform: School uniform worn, own suit in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy, head of house and house prefects, appointed by Headmaster and student vote. Sixth-form committee. Religion: Non-denominational Christian assemblies/separate other faith assemblies. Sunday chapel optional. Social: Arts programme with Leeds High. Many organised trips abroad and exchange systems. Sixth formers allowed to bring own car, motorbike or bike to school. Meals cafeteria service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning and requirement to complete; any pupil caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect temporary exclusion whilst parents were contacted and background investigated, with permanent exclusion the most likely outcome.

is run by Mrs Bronwen Ashton, the Development Office, c/o the school.

Tony Harrison; Lord Diamond; Barry Cryer; Colin Montgomerie; Lord Bellwin; Professor Tim Frazer; Ian Ritchie; Christopher Price; Harry Gration.