What it’s like
Founded in 1912, it has a fine rural site between York and the very agreeable spa town of Harrogate. Pleasant gardens and ample playing fields surround it and beyond lies beautiful Yorkshire countryside. The buildings are well-designed and spacious and the boarding accommodation is comfortable. The prep school (Chapter House) and the senior school are on the same site. From 1999, the school began the process of extending the co-education of the prep school into the senior school. It has all the advantages of being small; a happy, purposeful, family atmosphere prevails. There is considerable emphasis on Christian values, and religious practice in the Anglican tradition. Examination results are good. The music, art and drama departments are very active. A good standard is attained in sports and games. The school has a high reputation locally, a commitment to local community schemes and an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. It has its own BHS Approved Equestrian centre and cross-country course. Full use is made of the cultural amenities of Harrogate and York.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 1–18; 422 pupils; 118 boys (56 day boys, 62 boarders), 304 girls (100 day, 204 boarding). Senior department 11–18, 200 girls, 65 boys.
Entrance: Main entry ages, 2_, 5, 11, 13, 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 20% intake at 11 plus 50% to sixth form. Own junior department provides over 50% of senior intake.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Scholarships, including music, drama, art and sixth form, value up to 50% fees; may be enhanced by a bursary. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff
Principal: Peter Dass, in post from 2001. Educated at Mentmore School, Leighton Buzzard, and at the Open University (maths) and universities of Wales (education) and Sussex (MA educational management). Also JP, Member of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Panel; qualified pilot.
Teaching staff: 33 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 5%.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 40 pupils in upper fifth: 80% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 43 (46 over 5 years).
A-levels: 40 in upper sixth: 88% passed in 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 311.

University & college entrance 95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 23% in science & engineering, 3% in law, 40% in humanities & social sciences, 12% in art & design, 10% in vocational subjects eg pharmacy. Others typically go on to nurse training or family business.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-level and Vocational A-levels (AVCE). 17 GCSE subjects, 19 AS/A-level, 1 AVCE.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3–4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 55% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities, 10% take a combination of both.
Vocational: Work experience available; also RSA qualifications in basic competence in IT. BHS Assistant Instructors Award in riding, BTec National Diploma in horse studies; AVCE in business; Leith’s basic certificate in food and wine.
Special provision: Special needs unit. English as a foreign language.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France). Pupils in school from variety of European countries.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons a week) and across the curriculum. 124 computers for pupil use (open all day), 120 networked and with email and (screened) internet access. Most pupils take Clait, IBTII.

The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken.
4 musical groups: choir, chamber, orchestra, handbells.
Drama & dance: Both offered. GCSE and
A-level performing arts and LAMDA speech and drama exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions.
Art & design: On average, 16 take GCSE, 10 AS-level, 6 A-level. Fashion and photography A-level offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, tennis, netball, rounders, football, cricket, rugby compulsory. Optional: riding, fitness, gym. Indoor Olympic-size riding school and cross-country course. Sixth form pupils can take BHS Assistant Instructor Award.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional. Up to 15 clubs, eg riding, computer, art.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl/boy, head of house and house prefects.
Religion: Religious worship encouraged.
Social: Debates, dances, choir, literary studies outings, French trips and exchanges. Pupils can bring own horse to school. Formal meals. School shop. Alcohol occasionally on controlled basis.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect reprimand; thereafter a series of penalties and procedures in place for a range of misdemeanours.

Boarding Houses, of approximately 50, plus sixth-form house. Qualified nurse, visiting doctor. Visits to local town allowed: on a regular basis at weekends.