Founded in 1577, in 1864 it moved to its present fine site of 45 acres of wooded grounds and playing fields overlooking Woodbridge and the River Deben. Both the school and its own prep school, The Abbey, enjoy a calm and beautiful environment. Many of the school's buildings are 16th and 19th century. It is now fully co-educational (with equal numbers of boys and girls) having admitted girls since 1974. It is a Church of England foundation; there is some emphasis on religious education and attendance at worship is compulsory. The examination results are very good. Music is especially strong, with a purpose-built music school; drama, art and chess are also vigorously supported. Excellent facilities for sports and games and high standards are attained; the girls' hockey is outstanding. Riding is also successful and the school's horse events are the biggest in eastern England. A wide range of clubs and societies caters for most needs. The CCF (Army, RAF and Royal Navy) is very popular, as is the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and all are very successful. There is considerable involvement in local community services and an active Charity Committee. The school's European emphasis is reflected in the number of exchanges and work placements in Europe. It is highly thought of in the town and its neighbourhood.

Age range 4-18: 904 pupils, 864 day (446 boys, 418 girls), 40 boarding (20 boys, 20 girls). Senior department, 11-18, 610 pupils (315 boys, 295 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B (including sixth-form subjects). No special skills required, but sporting, musical and other interests valued; no religious requirements. 50% of senior intake from state schools (plus 15% to sixth form); 50% from own prep department (enquiries to The Abbey, Tel 01394 3826730).

Academic, music and art scholarships, at 11, 13 at 16, (occasionally at other ages), plus instrumental music bursaries. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; average extras, 100 a term.

Headmaster: Stephen Cole, in post since 1994. Educated at Dulwich and Oxford University (physics). Previously Housemaster and Head of Science at Merchant Taylors', Northwood, Assistant Master at Wellington College and taught in the state sector. Teaching staff: 100 full time, 26 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 34.

GCSE: 92 pupils in Year 11: 88% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 10% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 62. A-levels: 89 in upper sixth: 7% passed in 4+ subjects; 80% in 3; 10% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 295.

96% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 8% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 48% in humanities and social sciences, 6% in other vocational subjects, 8% in music, modern languages, drama etc. Others typically go on to HND hotel management, art foundation courses, drama courses, employment or training.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 24 AS/A-level (including psychology, philosophy). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level, with a wide range of combinations. In addition, all take non-examined general studies course. 18% take science A-levels; 27% arts/humanities; 55% both. Special provision: Special needs teaching for those who need it. Languages: French, German and Spanish at GCSE and A-level; also Italian GCSE. All sixth formers encouraged to continue with a language. Regular exchanges. Reciprocal scheme with schools in France, Finland, Germany, Hungary and Netherlands. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 110+ computers for pupils use (10 hours a day), most networked and with access to email and internet; access for laptops to network.

Music: Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups, including 3 orchestras, 3 choirs, concert band, swing band, various ensembles of recorders, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, string quartets, percussion etc. Periodic musicals and concert at Snape Maltings. 35 members of National Youth Choir and Training Choir; 6 recent Oxbridge choral scholars. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama and LAMDA exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. 1 pupil in National Youth Music Theatre. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 5 AS-level, 15 A-level. Design also offered.

Sport: Rugby, hockey (boys and girls), cricket, athletics, basketball (boys), soccer (boys), netball (girls), health related exercise, badminton all compulsory. Optional: squash, volleyball, tennis, soccer, badminton, cross-country, swimming, sailing, riding (link with local stables), golf, judo, indoor hockey, shooting, rowing, girls' rugby. GCSE offered. Girls' hockey championships at all ages; 2 cross-country county champions. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Optional CCF (popular with girls and boys; shooting is successful at regional and national level); also community service. Up to 20 clubs eg chess, debating, Christian Union, literary, science, charity committee. Pupils regularly earn community or junior sports leaders' awards.

Uniform: School uniform worn; dress guidelines in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. All sixth formers in position of leadership; prefects, head boy/girl - appointed by the Headmaster. School council. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Occasional joint lectures with local schools. Regular exchanges with French, German and Dutch schools; adventurous activities in Norway and Iceland; numerous sports tours (eg Spain, Netherlands, USA). Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Based mainly on encouragement, praise and confidence building. But pupils failing to produce homework once may receive an extra study period after school; those caught in possession of cannabis on the premises can expect to be expelled.

is run by the school (registrar@oldwoodbridgians.org.uk).