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What it's like

Founded in 1596, it is one of three schools of the Whitgift Foundation, which allows more than half of parents to benefit from some form of financial assistance with fees. Boys are drawn from a wide catchment area. In 1965 it moved from central Croydon to its present site, a complex of modern purpose-built buildings and playing fields in 27 acres of parkland. Recent developments include new sports halls, floodlit astroturf complexes, a design building (for all aspects of art, design and technology) and a sixth-form centre. There is a broad curriculum with a wide choice of subjects, including Mandarin. The examination results are very good. Religious worship is broadly conceived and religious education continues until the sixth form (where it is a popular A-level choice). There is a strong musical tradition and the choirs frequently take part in UK events and engagements overseas. Drama is also strong, with numerous productions in two well-equipped theatres. Sporting activities include all major team games and range from weight-lifting to canoeing, water polo to basketball; many boys play at both county and national level. Excellent sports facilities include two floodlit astroturf complexes and three sports halls. There is a thriving community service unit.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 10-18; 890 day boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at grade A. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 60% main intake.

Scholarships & bursaries

20+ scholarships available for academic, music, sport, art, technology, up to 50% fees. Approx 40 bursaries available to families with an income below 48,000. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Mark Bishop, in post from 2006. Educated at Oxford University (Theology) and Henley Management College (MBA). Teaching staff: 82 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 7.

Exam results

GCSE: On average, 130 pupils in Year 11: 100% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects; most in 10. Average GCSE score 65 (65 over 5 years). A-level: Typically 110 in upper sixth: 20% pass in 4+ subjects; 78% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 357.

University & college entrance

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 40% in science and engineering, 50% in humanities and social sciences.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 GCSE subjects, 23 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. In addition, skills and service taught to all (including community service, cookery, Japanese, film-making); AS and A-level general studies and AS-level critical thinking optional. 30% take science/maths A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 40% both. Key skills: IT and communications integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Extra tuition for dyslexic pupils; provision for those with mild physical disabilities, including wheelchair access. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; also GCSE Chinese.à Regular visits/exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (leading to ECDL) and across the curriculum. 150 computers for pupil use (all day), all networked and with email and internet access - PC-based, in 5 computer rooms; also digital language laboratory.

The arts

Music: All new pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20+ musical groups including choirs, orchestras, concert band, brass group, numerous quartets, trios. Trinity Boys Choir has many national and international engagements, eg Royal Opera House, the Proms, film soundtracks etc; several finalists annually in National Chamber Music Competition. Drama: Drama offered. All pupils are involved in regular school and other productions. Art and design: Art, design and photography offered. School has film studio and editing suite.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket compulsory initially. A very wide range of additional, optional sports. International and county representatives in various sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional. Community service compulsory in Year 12. Up to 70 clubs, including astronomy, bridge, chess, climbing, drama, Japanese, philosophy, sub-aqua.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form (where suit and tie are required). Houses and prefects: Prefects and school captain - appointed by the Headmaster and the school. Sixth Form School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Dramatic and musical productions and sixth-form societies with local girls' schools. Many organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service.

Discipline

High expectations regarding both behaviour and work ethic.

Alumni association

is run by The Secretary, Old Midwhitgiftians Association, Lime Meadow Avenue, Sanderstead, Croydon CR2 9AS, tel 020 8657 2014.