What it’s like
The college was founded in 1868 in East Anglia. It now occupies a fine site on the edge of the
pleasant town, next to open countryside. Its gardens and grounds cover 130 acres. The buildings are agreeable and well equipped and, at their centre, stands an impressive Memorial Hall (erected in 1921). Recent improvements include an indoor swimming pool, sixth-form laptop scheme and improvements to boarding facilities. Founded primarily for the education of the sons of non-conformists, it now welcomes boys and girls of all Christian denominations and faiths; girls were first admitted to the sixth form in 1977, at 13 in 1995 and the school is aiming for a ratio of 1:1. The size of the school allows a friendly and family-like environment for both work and recreation. Examination results are very good and balanced with a broad range of other opportunities. Music, drama and sports are particular strengths. There is also a plentiful variety of extra-curricular activities, including projects related to the community and the environment.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 13–18, 402 pupils (276 boys, 126 girls), 307 day, 95 boarding.
Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Own entry tests. Small state school entry at 13+, 30% intake to sixth form. 90% of intake from own prep (enquiries to the Junior School Admissions Secretary, same address, tel 01279 838607).

Scholarships & bursaries Scholarships (academic, art, music and all-rounder). Awards for children of Free Church ministers; bursaries for those showing financial need.

Head & staff
Headmaster: John G Trotman, appointed 1997. Educated at Alleyne’s Grammar School and Oxford University (English). Previously Deputy Head of The Leys.
Teaching staff: 51 full time, 10 part time.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 68 pupils in upper fifth; 97% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 60 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 96 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 318.

University & college entrance 93% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (28% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 21% took courses in science & engineering, 68% in humanities & social sciences, 11% in vocational subjects eg architecture, accountancy, music and drama.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS/A-level subjects offered.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS and 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 20% take science A-levels; 50% arts/humanities; 30% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses; not examined except some ICT.
Vocational: Work experience available for all upper fifth and for sixth form on request.
Special provision: Learning support department.
Languages: French, German and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level; also GCSE Spanish and Japanese in the sixth-form. Regular exchanges to Germany and France.
ICT: Taught both across the curriculum and as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week in Year 9–10; key skills option in sixth form). 150 networked computers across the campus with e-mail and broadband internet access; home access to school files; wireless network allows sixth formers to use laptops.

The arts
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12+ musical groups including orchestra, wind, dance bands, guitar, string quartets, brass group, choirs, choral society, various ensembles and pop groups. Own recording studio.
Drama: Drama offered. Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions.
Art & design: Design, pottery, photography, printmaking, glass engraving also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Sports compulsory 3 afternoons/week. Main sports for boys, rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, cross-country, tennis, water polo; also badminton, soccer, athletics. For girls, hockey, netball, rounders, tennis, swimming.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional; strong links with old people’s homes and centres for those with physical or mental handicaps. Environmental projects. Up to 15 clubs, eg science, natural history, local history, literary, expeditions, chess, debating, Schools Challenge (general knowledge), choral, poetry.

Discipline Range of sanctions applied including detentions, loss of privileges and house duties; suspension and even expulsion are ultimate punishments. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect an extension to be granted; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises forfeit the right to remain at the school.

Former pupils Ben Clarke (rugby player international); Stephen Lander (MI5); Lord Greenhill