The school first came into existence on its present site in 1837, as a private boys school; girls were accepted in 1972. In 1999 a separate junior school opened, taking boys and girls from age 3. The school lies on the southern side of Wellington, at the foot of the Blackdown Hills; it has pleasant well-equipped buildings in gardens with extensive playing fields. Examination results are consistently very good. Music, art and drama are strong, with large numbers of pupils in many productions. A wide range of sports and games exists and high standards are achieved (a large number of representatives at county and national level). There is considerable commitment to local community schemes. A flourishing CCF and much emphasis on Outward Bound activities. An excellent record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils: Total age range 10-18; 800 pupils, 650 day (335 boys, 315 girls), 150 boarding (90 boys, 60 girls). Entrance:à Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs including English and maths (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. A number of pupils from own junior (enquiries to the Registrar, Wellington Junior School, tel 01823 668700, email junior@wellington-school.org.uk).

Up to 28 pa academic scholarships awarded at 10, 11 and 13; music scholarships at 13 and sixth form. Variable number of bursaries (most for sixth form); 20 reduced fee places (academic grants). Parents not expected to buy textbooks; 150 pa maximum extras.

20+% come from armed services; 30+% are in industry or commerce. 30+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.

Headmaster: Martin Reader, in post from 2006. Educated at St Olave's Grammar School, Orpington, and at universities of Oxford (English and MLitt) and Hull (MBA International School Leadership). Previously Senior Deputy Head at Reigate Grammar School, Deputy Head at Laxton's and taught at St Edward's, Oxford. Teaching staff: 70 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 35.

GCSE: 105 pupils in fifth: 97% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 3% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 58. A-levels: 112 in upper sixth: most students pass 3 A-levels. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 330.

Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses, 8% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, 43% in science and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 7% in art and design.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18-20 examination subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 27% take science A-levels; 28% arts/humanities; 45% both. Key skills: IT taught as a discrete, examined unit; communication and number integrated into courses, non-examined. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Extra English tuition provided by qualified ESL teachers for overseas students. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across all subjects. Most pupils take key skills level 3. 62 computers for pupil use (8+ hours a day), most networked (in 2 networked suites) and with internet and email access.

Music: Over 38% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 14 musical groups: 2 orchestras, 2 choirs, male voice sextet, brass, woodwind, cello ensembles. Pupils selected for National Youth Orchestra, National Children's Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered. Large number of pupils involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 43 take GCSE, 10 A-level; design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered. Many carry on to foundation and degree courses.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket compulsory for boys; netball, hockey, rounders for girls; athletics, cross-country, swimming, tennis for all. Squash optional. National representatives in rugby and athletics; regional hockey reps; county reps in all sports. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. CCF optional (including Corps of Drums); takes part in Ten Tors and the Nijmegen Marches. Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, eg chess, riding, bridge, textiles, drama, debating, cookery.

Uniform: School uniform worn Years 6-11; many concessions for sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. No prefects; school captains/vice-captains appointed by Headmaster; house captains/vice captains by house staff. Religion: Church of England. Daily chapel services; C of E worship encouraged. RE for all unless parents wish otherwise; confirmation classes. Social: Public-speaking competition with other schools. Exchanges with Lillebonne, France (town twinning) and Immenstadt, Bavaria; sixth-form visit to Berlin and Nancy. Day pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school; boarders, bike only. Meals self-service. School tuckshop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

House system discipline in operation. Drugs-misuse policy in place.

David Suchet (actor); Jeffrey Archer (author); Simon Singh (mathematician and TV presenter); Keith Floyd (gourmet/broadcaster); Michael Green (ITN correspondent); Prof Ellis Baker (pharmacologist); Judge John Baker; Kenneth Steele (former Chief Constable, Avon and Somerset); Frank Gillard (veteran broadcaster/war correspondent).