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What it's like

Founded in 1963 by Yehudi Menuhin, with the help of his colleague and friend Marcel Gazelle, to provide the ideal conditions in which the musically gifted might develop their potential to the full. The buildings are sited in 18 acres of delightful gardens and grounds in a semi-rural area. The main building is a Gothic house dating from 1810, which houses the younger children. The school is now very well equipped, with a library, science laboratory, electronic music studio and two boarding houses; a 315-seat concert hall recently opened, in which pupils give over 30 public concerts a year. It has an international reputation producing many distinguished musicians and is one of the few specialist music schools attracting government help for pupils under the Music and Dance Scheme. Much of the teaching is done on a one-to-one basis. Apart from the music tuition which is provided for stringed instruments and piano, there is a broad general education to a high standard. About half of each day is devoted to musical studies. All pupils receive guidance in composition and take part in composers' workshops. To develop body suppleness and good posture, training in the Alexander technique is provided. As languages are an important asset for a travelling musician, French is compulsory for all students (except for the many overseas students where EFL is compulsory); German, Spanish, Japanese and Russian are also offered. In addition, all pupils are encouraged to work in a wide variety of media, including painting, ceramics, jewellery and textiles. The grounds are well equipped for leisure activities. Sports and games are regarded as important in a pupil's general development. Overall, the school has a highly civilised creative atmosphere and environment which fulfils the founder's intentions.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 8-18, 66 boarding pupils (32 boys, 34 girls). Entrance:à Main entry age 8-13. Nearly 40% are from overseas. Entrance by stringent audition. Pupils must be musically gifted; no religious requirements. Provision for dyslexic pupils and those with special diets.

Scholarships & bursaries

All UK students qualify for a means-tested aided place on the government Music and Dance Scheme (overseas pupils qualify for the Scheme after 7 terms' residence at the school).

Head & staff

Headmaster: Nicolas Chisholm, in post since 1988. Educated at Christ's Hospital and Cambridge University (classics). Previously Head of Classics and Housemaster at Hurstpierpoint College, Classics and English Teacher at the Prebendal School, Chichester. Also Chairman of Sussex Association of Classics Teachers, of SE Music Schemes and of the National Association of Music and Dance Schools; Governor of the Royal Ballet School. Teaching staff: 17 full time staff. 22 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 40.

Exam results

GCSE: 14 in upper fifth, 9 of whom gained at least grade C in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 44. A-levels: 7 in upper sixth. All passed in 2 subjects, with an average final point score of 232. As a specialist music school, pupils take a more restricted range and number of subjects than at other schools.

University & college entrance

Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to study music at national conservatoires,others to university.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 11 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3 subjects at AS-level, 2 at A-level (restricted due to specialist nature of course); general studies not taken. Key skills compulsory, taught separately. Languages: French (compulsory except for overseas students), German, Spanish, Japanese and Russian offered. ICT: Taught across the curriculum; all pupils are encouraged to use Sibelius music software in their compositions, CD-Roms for research and written work. 8 computers for pupil use, 10 hours a day.

The arts

Music: All pupils learn at least two musical instruments. Some 14 musical groups including orchestra, 2 choirs, 10 chamber music groups. Pupils recently include Britain's Brightest Prodigy, Suggia Award. Drama: Drama offered. Some pupils involved in school productions. Art and design: Pottery, textiles, batik also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: 2 hours each of football, aerobics, badminton, tennis, swimming are compulsory. Activities: Up to 5 clubs, eg debating, chess, badminton.

School life

Uniform: No school uniform worn. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Religion: Non-denominational. No compulsory attendance at religious worship. Social: Concert tours to France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, USA. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline

As the school is a small family, the aim is to keep sanctions to a minimum (extra work on a Saturday afternoon, gating or rustication with expulsion as the final resort for a serious offence like taking drugs or stealing).