Founded in 1847 by priests of the Institute of Charity as a school for Catholic boys but has been co-educational since 1984 and under lay management since 1996. Set in 100 acres of splendid grounds 7 miles from Leicester, the main buildings (designed by Pugin) form a compact block round a quadrangle with the old chapel, now converted, occupying a central position. Recent additions include a sixth-form centre, fine sports centre with an all-weather hockey pitch, swimming pool and modernised boarding accommodation. It is a Catholic school but welcomes non-Catholic pupils who are in sympathy with the college ethos. Academically, morally, socially and spiritually it aims to equip pupils to succeed and to make the sort of contribution to society which is the ideal of the Christian life. A balanced, rounded education is provided that seeks to build upon each child's potential. Music, drama and art are all strongly supported. A number of clubs and societies cater for most extra-curricular activities. The CCF has strong Army and RAF contingents and there is a voluntary service unit. Much emphasis is put on adventure training, leadership training and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Age range 3-18; 632 pupils, 543 day (338 boys, 205 girls), 89 boarding (50 boys, 39 girls). Senior department 11-18, 472 pupils (292 boys, 180 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 10, 11, 14 and 16. Entrance by own examination or Common Entrance, school report and interview, where appropriate. For sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at grade C (including at least grade C in sixth-form subjects; grade A for maths). State school entry, 50+% of main intake plus 12% to sixth form. Many pupils from own junior department (on same site, together with nursery school).

Total 20 pa academic scholarships, value 450-2100 fees, plus sixth-form scholarships and other awards. Bursaries and discounts for siblings and service children.

Headmaster: Peter Farrar, in post from 1999. Educated at St George's, Weybridge, and at universities of Oxford and Birmingham. Previously Deputy Head at Woldingham and at Chatham House Grammar School. Teaching staff: 55 full time, 15 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 35.

GCSE: On average, 82 pupils in fifth form: 74% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 26% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 58. A-levels: 48 in upper sixth: 98% pass in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 323.

90% of sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses, 4% to Oxbridge. 43% take courses in science and engineering, 46% in humanities and social sciences, 11% in art and design. Others typically go on to art courses or straight into careers.

GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 22 AS/A-level subjects (including 2 vocational). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 30% take science A-levels; 60% arts/humanities; 10% both. Complementary studies compulsory, taught as discrete units. Vocational: Work experience available. Applied ICT and business studies offered. Special provision: EAL tuition available; some special needs provision for those with minor specific learning difficulties through in-house specialists. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 275 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including brass ensemble, orchestra and choir. GCSE and A-level music can be taken. Drama: GCSE and A-level drama and media studies offered. Many pupils involved in school productions. Number of awards in media studies. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level.

Sport: Rugby, hockey and cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, tennis, rounders for girls. Optional: squash, badminton, swimming, football, basketball, athletics, golf. County representatives in rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, squash. GCSE PE and A-level sports science available. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF; voluntary service encouraged (visits to local centres for disabled, SVP group, Lourdes pilgrimage). Many clubs and societies eg chess, science, debating, history, film, language, cultural.

Uniform: School uniform worn; dark suits an alternative in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, monitors, head boy and girl and deputies, appointed by the Headmaster. School Council and Boarding Council. Religion: Roman Catholic. Attendance at religious worship compulsory for boarders on Sundays, for all on Holy Days. Social: Organised trips abroad include trips to France, Germany, Italy, Spain. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop. Bar for sixth form with a mean, twice a week, run by staff.

An unobtrusive but effective approach to discipline. A policy of rewards and sanctions used by the staff to encourage pupils' self-discipline and an observance of the school rules. Merit certificates, badges, shields for good behaviour and achievement; detention in breaktime for minor misdemeanours, or on Saturday mornings for more serious incidents.