Founded in 1690 by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers; the original buildings were opened at Hoxton in 1692. The school moved to Elstree in 1961 and, thirteen years later, the Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls moved to the adjoining site. The two now occupy fine grounds and playing fields in green-belt country covering about 104 acres. With the exception of the original building (Aldenham House) all were purpose-built. The result is a fine modern school with splendid facilities. Academic standards are very high and examination results are excellent. A high proportion of sixth-form leavers go on to Oxbridge. It is very strong in music, drama and art. There is also much strength in sports and games. The 45 clubs and societies cater for most interests. Some extra-curricular activities are shared with the girls' school.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 1300 day boys. Senior department 11-18, 1100 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11 and smaller numbers at 13. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry 6 GCSEs, at least 4 at grade A* (including sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 50% intake at 11.

Small number of academic scholarships at 11, value approx 10% fees; also music scholarships covering music tuition. Bursaries, based on financial need. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras 800 (music, lunches, coaches etc).

Headmaster: Peter Hamilton, appointed in 2002. Educated at King Edward's (Southampton) and Oxford University (modern languages). Previously Head Master at King Edward's (Southampton), Housemaster and Head of Modern Languages at Westminster. Teaching staff: 102 full time, 13 part time. Annual turnover 8%. Average age 43.

GCSE: 161 pupils in fifth, all gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 66 (over 5 years). A-levels: 159 in upper sixth: 13% passed in 4+ subjects; 78% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth pupils 399.

90+% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (27% after a gap year), 24% to Oxbridge. 37% take courses in science and engineering, 35% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in art and design, 10% in combined subjects eg law/languages, accountancy/management. Others typically go on to art and media courses.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 GCSE subjects, 23 AS-level, 18 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (many including a contrasting subject), 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 30% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 40% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses and activities. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Italian in fifth and sixth forms. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). European Fellow to foster European links. Work experience scheme for sixth formers in France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg learning resource, presentation of work. 80 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including 3 orchestras, wind band, brass ensemble, various other ensembles. Drama: Drama offered. GCSE, AS and A-level and LAMDA exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Ceramics, photography, printing also offered.

Sport: Rugby, cricket compulsory (first to third forms). Optional: hockey, cross-country, athletics, tennis, soccer, basketball, golf, shooting, squash. RLSS, RYA exams may be taken. Water polo and badminton teams often in national finals. Activities: Pupils take bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service optional for 4 years at age 14. Annual old folks' Christmas party; Mencap fun day; wide range of charitable activities, typically raising 20,000 pa. Over 40 clubs, eg Amnesty, archery, badminton, bridge, canoe, chess, debating, film, jazz, literary, photography, sailing, stamp, science.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy, head of house and house prefects - appointed after consultation. Sixth-form Committee. Religion: Christian. Daily assemblies. Social: Some extra-curricular activities shared with Haberdashers' Aske's (Girls). Organised trips to Europe. Meals self-service cafeteria. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect extra work; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect exclusion from school.

is run by the Secretary, Old Haberdashers' Association, c/o the School.

Leon Brittan PC, QC; Martin Sorrell (WPP); Peter Oppenheimer (economist); Simon Schama (Professor of History, Harvard University); Michael Green (Carlton Communications Group etc); Nicholas Serota (Director Tate Gallery); Dennis Marks (Director ENO); Damon Hill (racing driver); David Baddiel (writer/comedian); Sacha Baron-Cohen (aka Ali G).