What it's like

A Woodard school founded in 1868, it stands in 100 acres of rural grounds. There has been considerable updating and development of facilities, including a theatre, IT facilities, art and DT centre and a new music school; there are also astroturf hockey pitches and a 9-hole golf course. Examination results are good. The declared aim is to encourage pupils to develop their individual talents in academic work and a variety of activities including sports, music and drama. Major sports are played to a high standard and pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the CCF.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 570 pupils, 440 day ( 300 boys,140 girls), 130 boarding (85 boys, 45 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; sixth-form entry on basis of GCSE results. Special skills required for scholarships only; no religious requirements but pupils expected to attend Church of England services. 50% of intake at 11 from state schools. Feeder schools at 13 include Yarlet, Foremarke Hall and Terra Nova.

Scholarships & bursaries

Some scholarships available (academic, instrumental, choral, sporting, art, drama, design technology) and bursaries (for children of clergy, servicemen), up to 40% of fees. Scholarship awards are made at the Headmaster's discretion.

Head & staff

Headmaster: David Derbyshire, in post since 1997. Educated at Bolton School and at universities of Kent (industrial relations and politics), Loughborough (PGCE, PE and social science) and LSE (MSc government and politics). Previously Housemaster and Head of Hockey at Cranleigh, Head of Economics and Politics at King's School, Bruton. Teaching staff: 50 full time, 5 part time. Average age 35.

Exam results

GCSE: 93 pupils in fifth form: 98% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 76 in upper sixth: 100% passed in 3+ subjects, with an average final point score of 345.

Pupils' destinations

On average, 99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 2% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 27% in science and engineering, 46% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in art and design, 9% in music and drama.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS/A-level subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 26% take science and technology A-levels; 47% arts/humanities; 27% both. Special provision: Specialist teaching for dyslexic pupils and for EFL. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 3 designated computer rooms for pupil use (one networked and with email and internet access), plus access in library and art department; classrooms with interactive whiteboards. GCSE, AS and A-level in ICT offered .

The arts

Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams are taken 3 times a year. Some 8 musical groups including choirs, orchestra, concert band, swing band, percussion group. Drama and dance: All pupils study drama up to Year 9; GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Annual senior and junior productions; junior drama festival. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 10 A-level, including design and pottery. Numerous pupils go on to art college.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, cricket, cross-country, swimming, hockey, netball, football, rounders, athletics, fives, badminton, keep fit, shooting, golf. County champions in rugby and girls' hockey; national and local honours in cricket and rugby. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional. Up to 30 extra activities (different options each term) including chess, drama, choir, golf, swimming, arts and crafts.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; more relaxed in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and head girl, house captains, appointed by Headmaster. Religion: Church of England school. Attendance at Chapel compulsory (simple service and full chapel weekly). Social: Trips abroad include study tours to Spain, Washington DC, First World War sites and World Challenge (Vietnam 2010); expeditions for skiing, hill walking, CCF camp, rugby and cricket tours. Meals self-service. School shop.

Discipline

Withdrawal of privileges and community help used.

Boarding

20% have own study bedroom, 60% share; 20% in dormitories of 4+. Boys' accommodation, divided by age; separate girls' house. Resident qualified medical centre sisters. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. 48-hour exeats twice termly and 1-2 week half-term. Visits to local town allowed for older pupils. Weekly boarding available.

Association of former pupils

Denstone Association, contact alumni@denstonecollege.org

Former pupils

T A Kemp (rugby international/President RFU); Geoffrey Smith (political columnist); John Makepeace (furniture designer); Ian Platt and Lucy Crowe (opera singers); P D Kelly (Walker Cup captain); Professor M L H Green (chemist); Fiona Lawrenson (garden designer); Lord Justice Kay.