What it’s like
Founded in 1949, it is unusually fortunate in its site and buildings. These are part of a large rural estate, next to the pretty village of Acton Burnell in a particularly beautiful part of Shropshire. The principal building is a very elegant regency (1811) mansion. Other very attractive buildings are within a couple of minutes’ walk; all lie amidst lawns and gardens. There are many excellent modern facilities, including an art studio, workshops, laboratories, library and a new music block and arts centre. Boarding accommodation is comfortable in single or twin-study bedrooms (boys and girls in separate residential blocks). The college’s name is claimed to symbolise its life and ethos; it is multi-national with representatives from some 50 countries. The staff/pupil ratio is a very favourable 1:8 and examination results are very good. Music and drama are well supported. There is a standard range of sports and games and regular excursions to the continent (eg Paris, Amsterdam) are organised. The school remains open to pupils in half terms and holidays except over the summer.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 13–20; 326 pupils, 41 day (22 boys, 19 girls), 285 boarding (150 boys, 135 girls).
Entrance: Main entry at 13, 14 and 16. Own entrance tests used. No special skills except general competence in secondary school subjects; no religious requirements. Small state school entry into sixth form. Feeder schools include Prestfelde, Kingsland Grange, Shrewsbury Convent School.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Total of 50 scholarships available, 20% of fees. Parents are expected to buy textbooks; average extras £200 pa. No additional charge for holiday accommodation.

Parents Up to 10% live within 30 miles of the school; over 60% overseas.

Head & staff
Principal: Anthony Morris, in post from 1975. Educated at Wales University (economics and history). Previously Vice-Principal and Economics Master at the college. Also Rotarian; Chairman of CIFE.
Teaching staff: 38 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover under 5%. Average age 40.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 34 pupils in upper fifth: 82% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 49.
A-levels: 121 in upper sixth: passing an average of 3.7 subjects, with a final point score of 386.

University & college entrance 98% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course, 8% to Oxbridge. 72% took courses in natural sciences (including medicine), 28% in humanities & social sciences.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels offered. 20+AS/A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4–5 subjects at AS-level (1 in different subject area), 3–4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 65% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses, apart from IT which is discrete.
Special provision: EFL department.
Languages: French, German, Italian and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS-level and A-level; also Japanese and Mandarin Chinese.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week in sixth form) and across the curriculum. 44 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), most networked, some with email and internet access.

The arts
Music: Up to 15% pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 3 musical groups, orchestra and choir.
Drama & dance: Drama and dance offered. Majority of pupils in school or other productions.
Art & design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 20 A-level; design, pottery, textiles and photography also offered. Art facilities open to non-examination pupils.

Sport & activities
Sport: Some compulsory sport up to age 16, optional thereafter: soccer, rugby, basketball, squash, badminton, tennis, karate, archery, swimming and riding. Up to 15 clubs.

School life
Uniform: None.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl, prefects and head of house and house prefects, elected by the school.
Religion: No compulsory worship.
Social: Regular excursions to Paris, Amsterdam; art tours, ski trips. Students may bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. Smoking is not allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a reprimand; students caught smoking cannabis on the premises would face expulsion.

Boarding 90% have own study bedrooms; 10% share with 1 other. Single-sex houses, divided by age group. Resident qualified nurse. Students allowed to provide and cook own food in recreation time. Full dining room meals provided. Exeats allowed each weekend (although few taken). College remains open during half terms and holidays (except summer); no additional charge for holiday accommodation. Visits to the local town allowed, restricted hours, transport provided by college.