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What it's like

Founded in 1724, it is set in 130 acres of beautiful Pennine valley, (20 miles from Manchester and Leeds) with extensive gardens and grounds. The buildings are a mix of elegant, stone-built older buildings to which many modern facilities have been added. These include a sports hall, indoor swimming pool, music block, a theatre, two modern ICT suites and new science laboratories. It is fully co-educational (girls were first admitted over 30 years ago). The junior school has its own separate site. A broad, balanced education is provided. There are small teaching groups and close working partnerships with parents, which enable pupils to build on their strengths and allows specific needs to be addressed. The aim is to provide a friendly, caring community which combines a disciplined environment with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Strong music and drama departments. A good range of games and sports, and also extra-curricular activities. Considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits for which the surroundings are ideal. The school has an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 560 pupils, 465 day (242 boys, 223 girls), 95 boarding (65 boys, 30 girls). Senior department 11-18. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance assessment; for sixth-form entry, GCSE at least grade C in sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. 50%+ of senior intake from own prep department.

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships on entry at 11 and 16: academic, drama, music, sport. Some bursaries for those needing help with payment of fees; reductions for children of Church of England priesthood or armed services, and for siblings. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Richard Baker, in post from 1999. Educated at St Olave's Grammar School, Orpington, and Cambridge University (modern and mediaeval languages). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Hulme Grammar, and taught at Reading Blue Coat, Radley, Bishop's Stortford College and in France. Teaching staff: 44 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 38.

Exam results

GCSE: 55 pupils in fifth: 50% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 30% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 50 (45 over 5 years). A-levels: 30 in upper sixth: 8% passed in 4+ subjects; 76% in 3; 16% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 270.

University & college entrance

92% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year), 3% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 18% in science and engineering, 20% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 48% in other subjects. Others typically go on to employment.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 GCSE and sixth-form subjects (including Chinese, performing arts). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; many take A-level general studies. 18% take science A-levels; 51% arts/humanities; 31% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Some help from qualified staff for dyslexic and dyspraxia pupils. EFL tuition available. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 50+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked. Most pupils take GCSE in IT.

The arts

Music: Nearly 33% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 6 musical groups including choirs, chamber music groups (strings, wind, brass etc), orchestra. Pupils have been in finals of Young Singer of the Year competition. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE, AS and A-level drama may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Design and technology also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, basketball, football, tennis and cricket are main sports; many others. GCSE and A-level sports studies may be taken. Many pupils represent county in various sports, some at national levels in rugby, hockey and badminton. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Over 40 extra-curricular activities offered eg chess, radio amateurs, various sports, sub aqua, tae-kwon-do.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head of school, prefects, head of house and house prefects - appointed by Headmaster, staff and senior students. Religion: Church of England. Chapel attendance encouraged but not compulsory in senior school. Social: Joint musical competition with local schools. Trips abroad include to France, Spain, rugby tours (eg South Africa, Canada, Australia), hockey tours (eg Barbados), skiing to the USA. Day pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

All based on self-discipline. Structure of graduated sanctions exists as integral part of pastoral support, to help pupils whose self-discipline has let them down. High standards of appearance, conduct and work expected of pupils; support from parents expected in maintaining these standards.

Alumni association

Mr Andrew Gledhill, c/o the school.

Former pupils

John Noakes (Blue Peter); Simon Chadwick (Brookside); Jo Duttine.