Founded in 1981 as a direct result of the loss of the city's grammar schools through reorganisation. It is a Christian foundation but welcomes pupils of other faiths, who integrate fully with the school's religious activities. Links with the cathedral are strong and until 2008 the school has been within the cathedral precinct. It is now moving from the middle of Leicester to a brand new purpose-built school on a greenfield site to the south east of the city. The school has always been co-educational. The curriculum is geared to the academic rather than the average pupil. A good standard of general education is provided and examination results are very good. Strong departments in music, drama and art. A full range of games, sports (over 20 civic amenities are used) and activities. The school enjoys vigorous local support and has a substantial commitment to local social service charity work.

Pupils: Total age range 10-18; 700 day pupils (400 boys, 300 girls). Senior department 11-18, 700 pupils (400 boys, 300 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used; for sixth-form entry, interview and 6 GCSEs at least grade B (including AS-level subjects). No special skills or religious requirements; open to all faiths. State school entry, 65% of intake at 11, 30% at 16. Major intake from own junior school, Leicester Grammar Junior School (Evington Hall, Spencefield Road, Leicester; tel 0116 210 1299).

Up to 12 pa scholarships, value 5%-25% fees: academic, music, art, sport. Variable number of bursaries (around 10). Meals and non-curricular excursions extra.

Headmaster: Christopher King, in post since 2001. Educated at Queen Elizabeth's Hospital and Durham University (geography). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Kimbolton, Senior Housemaster at Rendcomb, and Geography teacher at Sutton Valence. Teaching staff: 66 full time, 7 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 38.

GCSE: 107 pupils in Year 11: 100% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. Average GCSE score 72 (67 over 5 years). A-levels: 97 in upper sixth: 90 passed in 4+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 437.

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 20% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 33% in maths, science and engineering, 2% in law, 24% in humanities, languages and social sciences, 5% in creative arts, 20% in vocational subjects eg marketing, finance, sports. Others go directly into employment.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE and AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-5 subjects at AS-level (encouraged to maintain breadth), 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS and A-level general studies. 20% take science A-levels; 25% arts/humanities; 55% both. All do an ICT course; wider key skills integrated into A-level courses and monitored by tutors. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research and coursework. 85 computers for pupil use (7 hours a day), all networked with email and broadband internet access. Year 9 pupils take Clait.

Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, recorder, jazz, dance bands, pop groups, quartets, wind and brass groups. Large numbers play in county schools orchestras, 10 in national orchestras; regular success at local festivals; 3 recent Oxbridge choral scholarships, 2 organ. Scotland tour 2004. Drama: GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and in house/other productions. Art and design: 55 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, pottery (at junior level), textiles also offered. Regular entry to art foundation courses.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, athletics, tennis, cricket, swimming, health-related PE programme compulsory and many other sports. GCSE and A-level PE may be taken. Sportsmark gold award for PE/sports programme and participation rate. Major overseas tours (rugby, hockey, netball). Activities: Pupils take bronze and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 25 clubs, eg chess, computer, history, literary, counselling, Christian Union, aerobics.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl and head of house; prefects appointed by the Headmaster in consultation with staff and pupils. Religion: Church of England. Daily assembly in Leicester Cathedral. Strong links with local Cathedral (servers' guild). Social: Pupils take part in local competitions for debating and academic activities (eg science, geography, classical reading). Classical, historical, geographical and language tours; choir, orchestra and sports tours. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.

Extensive pastoral care through personal tutors, form tutors, heads of year and houses. Major sanctions: detention and extra work. School policies on bullying and drugs stress responsibility and resolution of the problem, but serious cases would invite expulsion.

is run by P Handford, c/o the school.