Add to clipboard

What it's like

Founded in 1407 and one of the oldest continuous foundations in England. The agreeable, well-designed, red-brick buildings occupy pleasant grounds and playing fields on the edge of the market town of Oswestry, overlooking the Shropshire Plain. The pre-prep school, Bellan House, is self-contained but nearby. Facilities are very good. A good all-round education is provided in a supportive family atmosphere (every effort is made to accommodate families' needs) and examination results are good. The music department is thriving, and drama and art are also lively. Sport and games are encouraged and high standards are attained (many county representatives annually). A large number of clubs and societies cater for most needs. The CCF is vigorous and the school has an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and in leadership training.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 2.5-18; 425 pupils, 325 day (190 boys, 135 girls), 100 boarding (59 boys, 41 girls). Senior department 13-18, 220 pupils (125 boys, 95 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 9, 11, 13 and 16. Entry by interview and report from previous school; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C, including sixth-form subjects. No religious requirements.

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships and exhibitions available, value 10%-50% fees, awarded at 9, 11, 13 and 16. Some bursaries, based on financial need; fee concessions for children of teachers and servicemen. Parents expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Paul Stockdale, in post from 2001. Educated at Carlisle Grammar School and at the universities of Hull (zoology), Bangor (PGCE) and Birmingham (educational management). Previously Head of Ballard School, New Milton, and Deputy Head of Kirkham Grammar School. Member of the Institute of Biology. Teaching staff: 38 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 43.

Exam results

GCSE: 40 pupils in Year 11: 54% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 14% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 46 (47 over 5 years). A-levels: 31 in upper sixth: 62% passed in 3 subjects; 25% in 2; and 10% in 1 subject. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 273.

University & college entrance

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (2% after a gap year). 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 25% in humanities and social sciences, 17% in art and design, 34% in vocational subjects eg drama, music, business and finance, leisure management. Others typically go on to non-degree courses (eg art, drama, catering, agriculture) or into careers (eg armed services, banking, retailing).

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 14 AS/14 A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; some take supplementary GCSEs; general studies not taken. 20% take maths and science A-levels; 20% arts/humanities; 60% both. Key skills: communication and ICT. Special provision: EAL teaching and help for dyslexic pupils (on withdrawal from classes basis) in Learning Support Unit, usually three times a week. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Spanish GCSE. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 52+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked, all with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, pop group. Pupils in county orchestra. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Pupils regularly accepted for art college and to read architecture.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, soccer, cricket for boys; hockey, netball for girls; athletics, cross-country, swimming, badminton, tennis for boys and girls. BAGA, ASA exams may be taken. Regular county representation (cricket, swimming, athletics, hockey, football). Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Active social service and charitable works. Clubs include computer, chess, climbing, aerobics, drama, art, metal modelling, kayaking, motor enthusiasts.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form (smart business dress). Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, heads of house and house prefects - appointed after consultation. Religion: Non-denominational. Boarders must attend chapel unless attending own (eg Roman Catholic) church or own faith precludes. Social: Trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a reminder, then work detention for persistent failure. Any pupil caught supplying drugs would expect to be expelled.

Alumni association

is run by Stephen Hodge, c/o the school.