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What it's like

Founded in 1555 by Sir John Gresham, the school enjoys the support of the Fishmongers' Company with which the school retains close associations. In one of the most beautiful parts of England, a few miles from the Norfolk coast, 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 excellent. It is a C of E foundation, 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 1:8. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. The International Baccalaureate Diploma is now available alongside A-levels in the sixth form. 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.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 13-18; 476 pupils, 206 day (108 boys, 98 girls), 270 boarding (154 boys, 116 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own scholarship exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B preferred in sixth-form subjects). All special skills are encouraged; no special religious requirements. Entry from both local state and prep schools; some 65% of pupils from own prep (enquiries to the Headmaster's Secretary, Gresham's Prep School; tel 01263 714557, email prep@greshams.com).

Scholarships & bursaries

Up to 30 pa scholarships, value 15%-50% fees: 16 academic; 14 for sport, art, drama and music; most awarded at 13 and 16 but some awarded prior to entry and carried into the school. Also bursaries awarded based on financial need. Average charge for extras £200 per term. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Parents

35+% live within 30 miles; up to 15% live overseas.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Philip John, appointed in 2008. Educated at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School and at Bradford University. Previously Principal of King William’s College, Isle of Man. Teaching staff: 55 full time, 20 part time. Annual turnover low. Average age 38.

Exam results

GCSE: 87 pupils in fifth, most gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 83 in upper sixth. 24% passed in 4+ subjects, 70% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 319.

Pupils' destinations

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (41% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in science or engineering, 24% in business, economics or related subjects, 10% in humanities, 12% in art and design.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels and IB Diploma. 21 GCSE subjects, 26 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. Special provision: Help available from specialist members of staff. Languages: French, Latin, German, Spanish and Japanese offered to GCSE and A-level. Possibility for exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Over 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. Drama: GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Pupils involved in school productions and in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 37 take GCSE, 24 A-level art. Design also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Major sports: rugby, hockey, cricket (boys): hockey, netball, tennis, rounders (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. Sports tours. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (20-25 gold pa). CCF and community service optional. Up to 20 clubs, eg Auden Society, debating etc.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; sixth form wear a tailored suit in a sober colour. Houses and prefects: House structure (4 boys, 3 girls). Head boy/girl, prefects, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster and housestaff. No formal school council but regular meetings with prefects and Deputy Head. Religion: Church of England school but all faiths welcome. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Many joint events with other schools, mostly sport. Trips abroad include sports tours (eg to South Africa, Jamaica, Barbados). Day pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol allowed for over 18-year-olds in sixth-form club under supervision

Discipline

Clear set of school rules, governed by the principles of common sense and concern for others; covers aspects of discipline, from minor offences to categories of misconduct which may result in suspension or exclusion.

Boarding

45% have single study bedrooms; 22% share with 1-3 others. 33% in dormitories of 6+. Single-sex houses 56-74, 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-Fri and weekends). Own school counsellor.

Association of former pupils

is run by OG Co-ordinator, John Smart.

Former pupils

Stephen Spender and W H Auden (poets); Lennox Berkeley (composer); John Reith (BBC founding Director General); Benjamin Britten (composer); Sir Christopher Cockerell (inventor hovercraft); Peter Brook (theatre/film director); Leslie Everett Barnes (swing wing aircraft inventor); James Dyson (inventor); Philip Dowson (President, Royal Academy of Arts); John Tusa (Manager of The Barbican).