What it’s like
Established in 1994 by the amalgamation of Fulneck Boys’ School and Fulneck Girls’ School. Both were originally founded in 1753 by the Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) to educate and care for the sons and daughters of the Church’s ministers and missionaries. Essentially a Christian establishment, religious education is quite an important part of the curriculum although children of all faiths are welcome. The Grade I listed buildings stand in a semi-rural site on the side of a valley in the green belt between Leeds and Bradford. It has modern facilities with extensive grounds and playing fields. It aims to provide a broad education both through the formal curriculum and a wide range of extra-curricular activities which will prepare a pupil to lead a fulfilling life. The aim is to provide an environment where pupils can be known and valued as individuals. The boarding department has separate boys’ and girls’ houses, but most meals are shared and facilities and social activities are available to both.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3–18; 426 pupils, 382 day (195 boys, 187 girls), 44 boarding (22 boys, 22 girls). Senior school 11–18, 267 pupils (143 boys, 124 girls).
Entrance: Main entry at 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. 25% senior school from state schools; majority from own junior school.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 11 pa scholarships, value 20% day fees; 7 awarded at Year 7 (2 progression, 2 academic, 1 art, 1 sport, 1 music); 4 at 16. Bursaries available, maximum 50% of day fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Parents 15% in industry/commerce. Most live within 30 miles; up to 5% overseas.

Head & staff
Principal: Trevor Kernohan, appointed in 2003. Educated at Washington Grammar School and Leeds University (geography; MEd). Previously Vice Principal of the school.
Teaching staff: 33 full time, 16 part time. Annual turnover 6%. Average age 43.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 47 in Year 11: 62% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 18% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 51 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 18 in upper sixth: 56% passed in 4+ subjects; 44% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 335.

University & college entrance Almost all of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (10% after a gap year). 45% took courses in science & engineering, 30% in humanities & social sciences, 30% in vocational subjects eg management, education. A few typically go on to HND or art foundation courses.

Curriculum GCSE, AVCE, AS and A-levels offered. 20 examination subjects offered (including A-level general studies).
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 30% take science A-levels; 10% arts/humanities; 60% both. Key skills integrated into activities and courses.
Vocational: AVCE business offered and work experience available.
Special provision: Language support unit, staffed by specialists in dyslexia and EFL. Small classes.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. French compulsory from age 9, Spanish and German optional from age 12.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week in Years 7–9) and across the curriculum, eg geography field study data analysis. 60+ computers for pupil use, all networked with internet access. Most pupils take Clait or GCSE IT.

The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, jazz band, wind bands, recorder, flute choir and orchestral group. Choir sings choral evensong in York Minster annually.
Drama & dance: Drama and jazz dance offered. Theatre workshop with two productions annually. GCSE drama and Poetry Society exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions.
Art & design: On average 15 take GCSE, 3 A-level.

Sport & activities
Sport: Athletics, cricket, hockey, netball, rounders, soccer, rugby, tennis compulsory. Optional: aerobics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, cross-country, golf, scuba-diving, swimming, table tennis, volleyball. Pupils may take GCSE and A-level PE. City and county netball, athletics, soccer, cricket, and hockey representatives; recent national netball finalists U14. Sports tours abroad.
Activities: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Clubs include art, school magazine, computer, design and technology, drama, martial arts, dance, chess, debating.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head boy, house captains elected by staff and sixth form.
Religion: Religious worship compulsory.
Social: Trips abroad include choir tour (eg USA), business (Czech Republic 2001), netball (Barbados 2002), cricket (South Africa 2002), soccer (Barcelona 2003); annual ski trip (Italy); World Challenge expedition (Honduras 2002, Morocco 2003). Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. No alcohol or tobacco allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework might expect a lunchtime detention. Should it ever occur, a pupil in possession of illegal substances on the premises would expect immediate suspension and consultation with the Chairman of Governors; permanent exclusion would be a possibility.

Boarding Under 20% have own study bedrooms; remainder in rooms of 2–4. School nurse. Pupils allowed to provide and cook own food. Weekend exeats on request. Visits to local town allowed at weekends; unsupervised for older pupils; supervised for others. Full programme of weekend activities. Flexi-boarding available.

Alumni association is run by Mrs E Carruthers, c/o the school.

Former pupils Dame Diana Rigg; Sir Frank Cooper (former Permanent Secretary, MOD); Air Commodore C R Fowler (ADC RAF); Herbert Asquith (former Prime Minister).