►►►其它中学

Gresham's School 格雷欣中学, 格雷欣学校

Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA
Tel: 01263 713271
Fax: 01263 712028
Website: 
• CO-ED, 13–18, Day & Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 508, Upper sixth 115
• Termly fees £5045 (Day), £6505 (Boarding), £6475 (Weekly)
• HMC
• Enquiries/application to the Registrar

What it’s like
Founded in 1555 by Sir John Gresham, the endowments were placed under the management of the Fishmongers’ Company with which the school retains close associations. It enjoys a fine position in one of the most beautiful parts of England, a few miles from the sea near Sheringham and Blakeney. There are delightful grounds of about 150 acres including some 50 acres of woodland. The buildings are all 20th century. There have been extensive developments – most recently, astroturf pitches, art and CDT centres, theatre and language laboratory – and accommodation and facilities are now excellent. It is a C of E foundation and a good deal of attention is given to religious instruction; however, all denominations are accepted. Girls were first admitted in the early 70’s and it is now fully co-educational. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:9. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. A wide variety of sports and games is available and the facilities for these are first-rate. Music and drama are an important part of the school’s life and there is considerable strength in these fields. A very good range of extra-curricular activities. The CCF contingent is strong and there is a good deal of emphasis on outdoor pursuits and 20 gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards a year. The prep school and pre-prep school are affiliated.

School profile

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 32+ pa scholarships, value 25%–50% fees (possibly up to 100% in cases of need): 16 academic; 14 for sport, art, drama, music and African. Most scholarships awarded at 13 and 16; others awarded prior to entry and carried into the school On average, 5 pa bursaries, based on financial need. Average charge for extras £200 per term. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Parents 10+% farmers. 35+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmaster: A R Clark, appointed in 2002. Educated at St Andrew’s College, South Africa, and at Rhodes University and Cambridge University (history). Previously Headmaster of St Andrew’s College, South Africa, and Headmaster of St Joseph’s Marist College, Cape Town.
Teaching staff: 55 full time, 20 part time. Annual turnover low. Average age 35.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 128 pupils in fifth: 98% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 62 (60 over 5 years).
A-levels: 115 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 333.

University & college entrance 96% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (32% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 7% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 30% in science & engineering, 8% in law, 30% in humanities & social sciences, 12% in art & design, 4% in vocational subjects. Others typically go on to art foundation courses.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 GCSE subjects, 27 AS-level, 25 A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (usually including a contrasting subject), 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 20% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 50% both (50% take maths A-level). Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses but discrete IT units.
Special provision: Help available from specialist members of staff.
Languages: French, German, Spanish, Russian and Japanese offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Germany).
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week) and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), majority networked and with email and internet access.

The arts
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 16 musical groups including 3 choirs, 2 orchestras, 3 chamber, brass, guitar, recorder, jazz, popular. 6 pupils in National Youth Choir (2003); recent concerts in Venice, Malta and Cordoba.
Drama & dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level drama may be taken. Pupils involved in school productions and in house/other productions.1 pupil in National Youth Theatre.
Art & design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 12 A-level. Design also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Major sports: rugby, hockey, cricket (boys): hockey, netball, tennis, rounders and athletics (girls). Also (for both) athletics, squash, triathlon, cross country, swimming, shooting, sailing, badminton, tennis, sub-aqua, canoeing. Representation at national and county level in a number of sports, especially recently rugby, hockey, shooting and sailing.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; 25 gold a year on average. CCF and community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg fishing, debating etc.

School life
Uniform: School uniform except in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl, prefects, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster. No formal school council but regular meetings with prefects and Deputy Head.
Religion: Attendance at religious worship compulsory.
Social: Many joint events with other schools, mostly sport. Day pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol allowed in sixth-form club; no tobacco.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once could expect extra work period; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.

Boarding 45% have single study bedrooms; 22% share with 1–3 others. 33% in dormitories of 6+. Single-sex houses 38–70, same as competitive houses. Qualified nurses and sanatorium. 2 exeats per term (1–2 nights). Visits to the local town allowed for all (2 hours Mon-Sat and on Sunday afternoons). Own school counsellor.

Alumni association is run by OG Co-ordinator, John Rayner.

Former pupils Stephen Spender; W H Auden; Lennox Berkeley; John Reith; Benjamin Britten; Sir Christopher Cockerell (inventor hovercraft); Peter Brook; Leslie Everett Barnes (swing wing aircraft inventor); James Dyson (inventor of ball barrow); Philip Dowson (President, Royal Academy of Arts); John Tusa (Manager of The Barbican).