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What it's like

Founded in 1591 by royal charter, it is single-site and close to the city centre. The main building (an example of early Gothic revival) has been in use since 1854. Many extensions in the last 30 years have provided first-rate modern facilities. The junior school is in the main grounds. It has a large catchment area and the pupils are from a broad social background. High standards of work and conduct are expected and examination results are very good. It is strong in music (there are traditional links with the cathedral and the school provides many of the choristers), drama and art. There is a tradition of excellence in games and sports (many county representatives) and an impressive range of activities and societies. Much collaboration with Wakefield Girls' High School, including some sixth-form teaching.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 1000 day boys. Senior department 11-18, 730 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 9, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own pre-testing exam used; for sixth-form entry, 8 GCSEs, usually at least grade B in sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. 45% of senior intake from state schools, 55% from own junior (enquiries to Headmaster, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Junior School, same address; email headmaster@qegsjs.org.uk.)

Scholarships & bursaries

8 pa scholarships, value 500-1000, including 2 for music awarded at 16. 12+ means-tested foundation awards at 11 and 16 (25%-75% fees). Hardship bursaries for those who encounter difficulties. Cost of lunch included in fees and parents not expected to buy textbooks; all extras optional including music tuition (110 per term).

Head & staff

Headmaster: Michael Gibbons, in post from 2001. Educated at King's College, London (history). Previously Second Master at Whitgift School, Housemaster at Rugby, and Assistant Master at Ardingly College. Former Governor Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School, Rugby. Teaching staff: 64 full time, 1 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age mid-30s.

Exam results

GCSE: On average, 100 pupils in Year 11: 91% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 8% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 63 (62 over 5 years). A-levels: On average, 90 in Year 13: 98% pass in 4 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 444.

University & college entrance

94% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (6% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 14% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 12% in law, 39% in humanities and social sciences, 7% in art and design, 3% in other vocational subjects eg architecture, accountancy, town planning. Others typically go on to art foundation courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels: 20 GCSE subjects, 26 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition all take AS and A-level general studies. 50% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 20% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE AS and A-level; Spanish to AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. All take short GCSE course. 150 networked PCs (access 8 hours a day) all with email and filtered internet access. 6 interactive whiteboards with projectors.

The arts

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 10 on a joint A-level course with Wakefield High. Some 14 musical groups including orchestras, concert bands, choirs, and successful swing bands. Drama: All pupils study drama in Years 7-8. Senior and junior school productions. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 25 A-level. Painting and drawing, graphics, illustration, design, photography and print-making offered. Lunchtime art activities. Large uptake to art colleges and universities.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cross-country, cricket, tennis, athletics compulsory initially. Optional: wide range including swimming, basketball, table tennis, squash etc. Fifth and sixth form only: badminton, golf. Daily Mail national U15 rugby semi-finalists and U18 finalists; county rugby (including the Rosslyn Park 7s), cricket, athletics champions, various ages. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, eg angling, bridge, chess, computer, golf, mountain bike, outdoor pursuits, judo, debating.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Head boy and prefects appointed by Headmaster and staff (pupils apply for posts). Sixth form commonroom Committee. Religion: Compulsory school assembly (non-denominational). Social: Theatrical productions and concerts with Wakefield Girls' High. Organised trips abroad. Meals self-service. School shops selling tuck and games kit. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect either a verbal warning or Bad Record (a note in the pupil's school diary); expulsion would be automatic for those caught with cannabis on the premises.

Alumni association

is run by Mr D Bunnell, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Mike Harrison, Mike Tindall (rugby); Prof Sir Hans Kornberg (Former Master of Christ College, Cambridge); Kenneth Leighton; Peter Dews (playwright/theatrical producer); Ronald Eyre; Lord Marshall; Lord Wolfenden; David Hope (former Archbishop of York); Robert Hardy (Former Bishop of Lincoln); David Storey (playwright); John Scott (former Choirmaster St Paul's Cathedral).