What it's like

Founded in 1871, it has a fine site in Dover on the grounds formerly occupied by the medieval Priory of St Martin. Some of the monastic buildings survive and are occupied by the school: the Refectory (c.1130) is the school dining hall and the Gatehouse now serves as a venue for music lessons for the younger pupils. The College Close, a rare patch of green in the midst of Dover, is surrounded by the ancient buildings. There have been numerous improvements and extensions in recent years, most recently a sixth-form centre and new accommodation for the music school within the grounds is planned. The College has an Anglican foundation but adopts an ecumenical approach to religious teaching. Now co-educational, girls were first admitted in 1978 and throughout the school from 2002. A small school, it prides itself on a dynamic, caring and friendly atmosphere which is made possible by the high staff to pupil ratio. A sound general education is provided and consistently creditable results are achieved by a wide range of pupils. The aim is always to develop the confidence and strengths of each individual. Music, art and drama play an important part in the school life. ICT and design technology are well provided for. A wide range of sports and games are available, and there are many county and regional representatives.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 345 pupils, 233 day (113 boys, 120 girls), 112 boarding (77 boys, 35 girls). Senior school 11-18; 267 pupils (144 boys, 113 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own tests plus previous school reports; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (preferably grade B in sixth-form subjects).

Scholarships & bursaries

Some scholarships, value 10%-40% fees: academic, sport, art, music and all-rounder. Siblings bursaries (10% of fees).

Parents

Up to 60% live within 30 miles; 30% live overseas.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Stephen Jones, in post since 2004. Educated at Hurstpierpoint and Lord Wandsworth and at Durham University (philosophy). Teaching staff: 32 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 33.

Exam results

GCSE: 45 pupils in fifth: 61% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 40 in upper sixth: Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 251.

Pupils' destinations

92% of sixth-form leavers go into higher education, 4% to art foundation courses, 4% returned home or to study abroad.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 19 GCSE subjects, 22 AS/A-level (including 2 vocational A-levels), BTEC (sport). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: Vocational A-level courses (business studies), BTEC in sport. Special provision: Curriculum support unit (dyslexia) and EFL. Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges plus individual visits and exchanges. ICT: 40 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all on wireless network and with email and controlled internet access.

The arts

Music: Up to 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including jazz, orchestra, choirs. Musical groups perform in Canterbury Festival, European choir tours and make recordings; also informal concerts organised by pupils. Drama: Drama offered to GCSE and A-level. Art and design: On average, 15-20 take GCSE, 5 A-level. Design, textiles, ceramics, photography and expressive arts also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Athletics, basketball, cricket, fencing, cross-country, hockey, netball, rounders, football, swimming, tennis. GCSE, AS-level, BTEC may be taken. National football representatives; regional and county representatives at hockey and cricket. Activities: All pupils take bronze, silver or gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award or school leadership programme. Community service compulsory for 3 years at age 15. Up to 15 clubs, eg chess, bridge, debating, photography, library, boat maintenance, conservation, karate, IT, wine tasting (for sixth formers), pottery.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Non-denominational school. Compulsory worship, with specific exceptions. Social: School works to 11-day timetable; day and flexi-boarders can take every other weekend off. Some organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school; cars only with specific permission. Meals self-service with wide choice of home-cooked meals. No alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework may expect detention or extra school; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.

Boarding

80% have own study bedroom, 20% share (with 2 or 3). Single-sex houses, of 30-65, same as for competitive purposes. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook snacks in houses. Visits to local town allowed daily for an hour or so. Some flexible boarding (3 nights a week). Full boarders participate in structured weekend activities programme including sport, drama, shopping and sightseeing trips.

Association of former pupils

c/o the school; www.olddovorians.com

Former pupils

Sir Frederic Ashton (choreographer of the Royal Ballet); Lord Maugham (Lord Chancellor); General Sir Gerald Duke; Sir Michael West; Adrian Stoop (rugby player); Richard Aldington (writer and poet); Group Captain Johnnie Hill (RAF Squadron Leader); J. Lee Thompson (film director); George Lam (actor and singer); Simon Cowell (TV personality); Achim Steiner (director of the UN Environment Programme).