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What it's like

Founded in 1921 as a boys' school, it has been fully co-educational since 1985. It moved to its present site on the edge of the town in 1928. For the most part there are elegant buildings amidst fine gardens and playing fields on a site overlooking the Solent. There have been many additions to the buildings and the school is now very well equipped. Boarding accommodation is provided at Bembridge, some 8 miles away. Academic standards and examination results are good. Drama is strong, as are music and art. There is a good range of sports and games (regular representatives at county level); a wide variety of extra-curricular activities includes the CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and community service.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 785 pupils, 745 day (373 boys, 372 girls), 40 boarding (24 boys, 16 girls). Senior department 11-18, 515 pupils (265 boys, 250 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 9, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance sometimes used, otherwise by interview; for sixth-form entry, GCSE grade B (sometimes C) in sixth-form subjects.

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships, value 5%-10% fees awarded annually; means-tested assisted places awarded on entry at 9, 11, 13 and 16; all may carry up to 100% remission of fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; individual music tuition extra (110 per term) and lunch for day pupils (180 per term).

Head & staff

Headmaster: Dr Nicholas England, in post since 1997. Educated at Wellington College and Oxford University (physics). Previously Housemaster and Head of Physics at Wellington. Teaching staff: 65 full time, 27 part time. Annual turnover 8%. Average age 43.

Exam results

GCSE: 66 pupils in fifth: 80% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 18% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 60 (over 3 years). A-levels: 66 in upper sixth: 25% passed in 4+ subjects; 70% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 341.

University & college entrance

90% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 8% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 60% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design. Others typically go on to eg art or drama courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; AS and A-level general studies are additional options. 20% took science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Some arrangements for dyslexic pupils. Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Most pupils take IBCT or GCSE. 80 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 6 musical groups including orchestra, concert band, swing band. Drama: A-level theatre studies and ESB exams may be taken. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, swimming, athletics, cross-country compulsory. Optional: trampolining, volleyball, basketball, weight training, table tennis, indoor athletics. Sixth form only: ice skating, aerobics. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Pupils regularly selected to represent county in a wide variety of sports. Activities: CCF, Duke of Edinburgh's Award or community service for 1 year at age 15. Some 15 clubs, eg computers, hobbies, video, shooting and other sports, debating.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by staff and pupils. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory religious assembly. Social: Organised trips abroad including choir and sports tours, geography, history and art trips. Meals formal. School shop.

Discipline

A pupil failing to produce homework might expect detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises should expect expulsion.

Alumni association

is run by Stephen Keen, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Philip Norman (journalist and author), Carl Prean (table-tennis player), Leigh MacMillan (Olympic sailor).