What it’s like
Founded in 1890 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It is situated about a mile from the middle of Reading but enjoys a most peaceful environment of over 60 acres of lovely wooded grounds, formerly the estates of two large country houses. Some of the well-designed school buildings are 19^th, some 20^th century; facilities are excellent, including a science and technology centre, drama studio, concert hall and a floodlit all-weather pitch. The school is fully co-educational; girls were accepted throughout the school from 1993, after many years in the sixth form. It lays considerable emphasis on the value of the individual and on Quaker philosophy, which stresses mutual respect, understanding, tolerance and the peaceful resolution of conflict. It is a community of many faiths and pupils come from all over the world. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. All pupils have the chance to visit or exchange partner schools in Nantes and Hamburg. Strong in music, drama and art. High level of achievement in sports and games (including representatives at county and national standard). Much emphasis on outdoor pursuits and adventure training. There is a commitment to local community services; a very wide range of activities and hobby interests after school, so pupils can enjoy developing new skills.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18: 427 pupils, 258 day (167 boys, 91 girls), 169 boarding (100 boys, 69 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam and Common Entrance used, plus interview. Strong intake from both prep and maintained schools.

Scholarships & bursaries Total of 50+ scholarships (academic, music, art), value 10%–25% of fees. Some means-tested bursaries available (some from the Friends’ Schools Joint Bursaries Scheme).

Parents 50+% live within 30 miles; 20% live overseas.

Head & staff
Head: John Dunston, appointed in 1996. Educated at John Lyon School, and the universities of Cambridge (modern languages) and York. Previously Head of Sibford. Churchill Fellow, spent some time training choirs in schools in mainland China. Also FRSA, Associate of Institute of Linguists; Chairman of SHA, of SHMIS (1999) and of its Education Committee; Reporting Inspector for ISI.
Teaching staff: 37 full time, 44 part time (including music). Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 60 pupils in Year 11: 60% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 33% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 52 (55 over 5 years).
A-levels: 57 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 294.

University & college entrance Almost all sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (36% after a gap year). 2% took courses in medicine, 9% in science & engineering, 34% in humanities & social sciences, 2% in art & design, 52% in vocational or business management courses.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 GCSE, AS-level and A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 33% take science A-levels, 33% arts/humanities; 33% both. Key skills optional.
Vocational: Work experience for all Year 11.
Special provision: Dyslexic tuition and EFL.
Languages: French, German and Chinese offered to GCSE and A-level, Latin and Spanish to GCSE; also Russian GCSE (by arrangement). Regular exchanges (France and Germany)
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research and design. 80 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), 55 networked and with email and internet access. Many boarders have their own PCs/laptops.

The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including jazz band, big band, brass and woodwind ensembles, jazz cats, rock band. Mendelsohn’s Elijah performed with all Quaker Schools. Choir and orchestra tour to Prague 2004.
Drama: GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies offered. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions. Current and former students have starred in film/TV/theatre productions.
Art & design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered. Number of students go on to art college.

Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, hockey, soccer, tennis, athletics, swimming compulsory to age 14. Additional options from 15: badminton, basketball etc. International sailors and ice-skaters; regional table tennis player; county hockey, cricket and rugby players.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional. Over 50 clubs including Young Enterprise.

School life
Uniform: School dress code followed throughout.
Houses & prefects: Competitive pastoral houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Head in consultation with staff and school. School council.
Religion: All pupils attend the Quaker meetings for worship, based on silence.
Social: Regular conferences at sixth-form level and social events with other schools; also Challenge of Industry events. Exchanges and trips abroad, including sports tours to Hong Kong, Ireland, South Africa. Meals formal. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils expected to show self-discipline and high standards of behaviour and courtesy. Sanctions available include detention, gating, loss of privileges or (for very serious offences) exclusion.

Boarding Most sixth form have own study bedrooms, younger pupils mostly in rooms of 3–4. Houses of approximately 70–80 (including day pupils). Resident qualified medical staff. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Weekly and flexi-boarding an option. Visits to the local town allowed.

Former pupils Michael Foot; Sir David Lean: Sir Richard Rodney Bennett; Lawrence Gowing; Lord Caradon; Bishop Newbigin; Peter Cadbury; Karel Reisz; Tony Baldry MP; Basil Bunting; Lord Seebohm; Jim Broadbent; Nathaniel Parker; Quentin Davies MP; Robin Denselow.