Founded in 1902 by monks from Downside Abbey. The school is attached to the Benedictine Abbey and monastery created in Ealing, and is governed by the Abbot and the Community. Both junior and senior schools share the same urban site, with some gardens; the playing fields are a mile away. The buildings are mostly 20th century and provide very good accommodation and facilities, particularly in ICT. Girls have been accepted in the sixth form for many years and from 2008 the school is moving towards being co-educational throughout. The education is Benedictine and inculcates the values and ethos of the order. The study of religion, Roman Catholic and ecumenical, is compulsory. Academic standards are high and examination results good. Very strong in music, drama and art. A good record in sports and games. Plentiful clubs and societies. A substantial commitment to local community schemes and a creditable record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 605 day pupils (575 boys, 30 girls). Entrance:à Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used. All-round and academic skills required; 50% pupils are Roman Catholic. State school entry, 50+% main intake (few to sixth form); 40+% from own junior school (5 Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, London W5 2XP, tel 020 8862 2050).

Up to 10 scholarships at 11+ and 5 at 16+. Some means-tested bursaries at 11+. 100 maximum extras.

Headmaster:  Christopher J Cleugh, appointed 2002. Previously Head of St Anselm's College, Birkenhead. Teaching staff: 74 full time, 2 part time.

GCSE: 90 pupils in upper fifth: 93% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 59. A-levels: 65 in upper sixth: 6% passed in 4+ subjects; 86% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 313.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 29% in science and engineering, 55% in humanities and social sciences, 11% in art and design.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 17% take science A-levels; 39% arts/humanities; 44% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses but not examined. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Tailored to individual needs within school's capability. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 40 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access.

Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 7 musical groups including choir, orchestra, big band, samba band. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and A-level may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 24 take GCSE, 15 A-level. On average, 5 art school entrants per year.

Sport: Rugby, cricket (for 3 years) compulsory. Optional: tennis, swimming, athletics, badminton, basketball, volleyball, rowing, aerobics. Sixth form only: weight training. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service optional from age 14. Over 60 activities on offer including debating, chess, mountaineering.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects and head boy/girl - appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Roman Catholic services. Social: Debating and other regional competitions. Ski trips, art visits, language trips, and exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Emphasis on developing self-discipline. Code of conduct sets out standards expected from pupils. Prep set each evening; failure to complete considered a serious matter. Saturday detention for more serious offences.

Priorian Association contacted via opa@stbenedicts.org.uk.