Founded in 1667, it has a very pleasant rural location in the village of Drax. It is now co-educational, having admitted girls since 1991. It occupies two sites - on the main campus are the senior and upper junior schools and boys' boarding; another campus houses the 4-7-year olds and the girls' boarding accommodation. Most of the buildings are early 20th century. There have been extensive developments in the last 30 years and facilities are good. A small school, it caters for a wide range of ability, skills and interests. It gives a sound all-round education. There are strong music, drama and art departments. A good range of sport, games and activities including CCF. Some involvement in local community services.

Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 330 pupils, 250 day (140 boys, 110 girls) 80 boarders (50 boys, 30 girls). Senior department 11-18, 180 pupils (120 boys, 60 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 8, 11, 13 and 16. Admission by interview, verbal reasoning and maths test; for sixth-form entry, GCSE at least grade C in sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 25% of intakes at 11 and 16. Many senior pupils from own junior department.

9 pa scholarships, value 20%-50% day fees: 3 academic, 1 all-rounder, 1 art/academic and 4 music/academic (7 at 11, 3 at 13 and 3 at 16). Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum compulsory extras, 5+ for trips etc.

Headmaster: Richard Hadfield, appointed 1996. Educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and York University (chemistry). Previously Head of Sixth Form, Housemaster and Head of Chemistry at Gordonstoun. Teaching staff: 28 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 40.

GCSE: 25 pupils in upper fifth: 50% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 30% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 50 (42 over 5 years). A-levels: 12 in upper sixth: 4 passed in 4+ subjects, 4 in 3, 2 in 2. Final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 295.

82% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (some after a gap year). 30% take courses in science and engineering, 50% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in vocational courses. Others typically go on to commissions in armed services or other employment.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects, 16 AS-level, 14 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (range 3-5), 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies. Typically 33% take science A-levels; 33% arts/humanities; 33% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Business studies offered. Special provision: Some extra English lessons provided for dyslexic pupils and ESL. Languages: French offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Spanish GCSE. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, (eg revision skills, history class work, business studies). 35 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), many networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take GCSE Information Systems.

Music: A third of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 4 musical groups: recorders, wind band, ensembles, choir. Drama: Drama offered. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 2-3 A-level. Design also offered.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, tennis, netball, football, cricket, cross-country, basketball are major sports. Minor: athletics, swimming, tae-kwon-do, badminton, golf, horse-riding. GCSE, A-level may be taken. Activities: CCF compulsory for 2 years from age 14, optional thereafter; strong involvement. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Several clubs in activity programme.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for some sports. Prefects and head boy/girl appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Church of England worship. Roman Catholic worship also available in local church. Social: Many local events organised; some trips abroad eg Poland (choir), Belgium (history and business studies), France and Spain (languages), Canada (skiing with CCF), Northern Ireland (industry study tour). Pupils allowed to bring own bike/car to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

High standards expected. Suspension or expulsion for serious offences, rarely necessary.

is run by its own officers, c/o Headmaster.

John Sherwood (Olympic bronze medallist); Sir L V Appleyard (Ambassador to China).