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What it's like

Founded in 1553 under Letters Patent of King Edward VI, it now occupies a site about 1½ miles from the centre of Southampton. The buildings were initially erected in 1938 but have been significantly extended in the last 15 years, most recently to include a new design technology block, sixth form centre, ICT rooms, 17 science laboratories and a purpose-built dance studio. There are adjoining playing fields, a further 33 acres of off-site sports facilities at Swaythling and a sailing club at Weston. Founded as a boys' school, girls were accepted into the sixth form in 1983 and throughout the school from 1994. Pupils of all religions are accepted, but there is a close association with St Mary's, Southampton. Academic standards are high and examination results consistently very good. Music and drama are well supported. A broad range of sports and extra curricular activities are provided. The school also has a rural study centre on Dartmoor.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18, 970 day pupils (600 boys, 370 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam, interview and report; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B. State school entry 50% main intake (plus 60% new entrants to sixth form).

Scholarships & bursaries

10 scholarships, value up to 10% of fees. Up to 6 academic, 4 creative arts (music, art and drama). Further awards available for sixth form entry. A number of bursaries awarded on financial need.

Head & staff

Head Master: Julian Thould, appointed in 2002. Educated at King's College, Taunton, and Oxford University (history). Previously Director of Studies at King's, Worcester, Head of History at Cranleigh, and Assistant Master at Westminster. Also 4 years in management with H P Bulmer PLC. Teaching staff: 90 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 39.

Exam results

GCSE: 150 pupils in fifth year: all gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 133 in upper sixth: 10% passed in 4 subjects; 90% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 377.

Pupils' destinations

99+% of sixth form leavers go on to higher education (48% after a gap year), 11% to Oxbridge. 13% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in mathematics, science, engineering and technology, 56% in humanities, social sciences and the remaining 1% go into employment or further study.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 25 AS-level subjects, 23 A-level. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 or 4 at A-level. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses and activities. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 320 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, wind band, jazz band, swing band, string, woodwind and brass groups, choirs; many performances during the year. Regular European musical tours. Music and music technology GCSE and A-level offered. Drama and dance: Variety of productions each year such as South Pacific, Canterbury Tales, and various Shakespeare plays; regular student-directed shows. Active junior drama club. On average 40 take GCSE theatre studies and 12 A-level. Dance is a popular extra-curricular option. Art and design: On average, 45 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design also offered. An arts festival held regularly in the summer.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, cricket compulsory; many other options. Sixth form only: football. 40+ pupils annually gain county honours, several regional, in a variety of sports; national representatives in sailing, hockey. Frequent sports tours abroad. Activities: Over 300 pupils involved with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. International expeditions, community service, charity work locally and abroad (such as working in a Romanian orphanage). Over 50 clubs including aerobics, chess, Christian Union, cookery, debating, essay, film, astronomy, photography.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn below sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head of school, head of house and prefects, appointed by the Head Master. Religion: Attendance at non-denominational assembly. Social: Exchanges (Europe and USA); classical tours, ski trips, sports tours (cricket, hockey, netball, rugby). Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.

Discipline

High standard of conduct and good manners is expected of all pupils, on and off school premises. Any pupil in breach of school regulations or failure to complete homework assignments will be liable to be given an appropriate detention. Any pupil found supplying or in possession of illegal substances whilst under school jurisdiction must expect serious action to be taken.

Association of former pupils

The Edwardians Association, contact via the Development Officer at the school.

Former pupils

Isaac Watts (minister and hymnist); Hugh Whitemore (playwright/screenwriter); Thomas Lawrence (painter); Edward Penley Abraham (biochemist); Alec Campbell (footballer); Roger Helmer (MEP); Michael Langish (bishop).