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What it's like

Founded in 1983, as a co-educational school, it occupies an impressive Victorian mansion on a fine estate of 80 acres in very beautiful surroundings. It has an indoor swimming pool and a new sports hall has been added recently. It accepts a broad ability range, providing a sound general education and its examination results are good. The art department is very successful. There is quite a lot of music and drama. A good range of sports and games in which high standards are achieved. There is a fair range of other activities. A promising record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 330 pupils, 300 day (155 boys, 145 girls), 30 boarding (15 boys, 15 girls). Senior department 11-18, 240 pupils (124 boys, 116 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance, key stage results and own exam used (tests in English and maths); for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). State school entry, 50% senior intake plus 80% to sixth form.

Scholarships & bursaries

Variable number of scholarships, value 600-50% fees: including academic, sport, music. 80 bursaries, for siblings, for existing pupils in cases of financial need. Also concessions for children of HM Forces. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; 20 maximum extras.

Parents

12% in the armed services; 15+% in industry or commerce; 15+% are farmers. 60+% live within 30 miles; 10+% live overseas.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Anthony Clemit, appointed 2005. Educated at University College, London. Previously Director of Studies at Wisbech Grammar School. Teaching staff: 30 full time, 2 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 36.

Exam results

GCSE: On average, 32 pupils in upper fifth: 97% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 3% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 60 (over 5 years). A-levels: 26 in upper sixth: 97% passed in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 308.

University & college entrance

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year). 30% take courses in science and engineering, 10% in law, 50% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in accountancy. Others typically go on to vocational courses or farming.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 15 AS-level subjects, 12 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies (no A-level). 40% take science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 20% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Some help for dyslexic pupils. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 36 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), 34 networked and 22 with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, wind group, choirs. Drama and dance: GCSE and A-level drama, LAMDA and RAD exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Numerous 1st prizes in Musselburgh Festival. Art and design: On average, 10-15 take GCSE, 3-6 A-level. Pottery, clay modelling, photography also offered. Art very popular and successful; pupils have sold clay models and received commissions.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, rounders, athletics, gymnastics, swimming, rugby, cricket compulsory. Optional: tennis, badminton. BAGA and RLSS exams may be taken. 2 All-England cross-country runners; 2 represented Scotland at rugby (2002), 1 at cricket; county representatives at hockey, rugby, athletics, cricket, cross-country; school county hockey champions (U16). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; 55 pupils currently at various stages. Community service optional at age 14+. Up to 10 clubs, eg computer, chess, bridge, gymnastics, photography.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School captain selected by interview from shortlist of candidates; prefects, head of house and house prefects - appointed by Headmaster after consultation with staff. Religion: Christian. Morning prayers 4 days a week. Social: Entries to Musselburgh Festival, drama and debating in competitions. Regular trips abroad eg to Norway, Germany and France. Some meals self-service. School tuck shop for boarders and coffee bar for sixth formers. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a verbal warning; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be expelled.

Alumni association

is run by Mrs A Conway and Mrs B Akers, c/o the school.