Founded in 1951 by the Hermit Friars of the Order of St Augustine as a boys' school, it first accepted girls in 1986. It is situated in spacious grounds overlooking the historic city of Carlisle. A Catholic foundation, it is open to all denominations. The aim is to foster pupils spiritually, academically, socially and physically and all pupils are encouraged to develop their potential. A wide-ranging education is provided and examination results are good. There is a variety of sports and activities and a number of county representatives. An increasing commitment to local community schemes and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Good use is made of the cultural and physical attributes of the Borders and Lake District.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 547 day pupils (303 boys, 244 girls). Senior department 11-18; 358 pupils (205 boys, 153 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5+ good GCSEs (preferably grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills required.
Up to 6 pa scholarships, value 20% of fees, most awarded at 11. Variable number of means-tested bursaries. Parents not expected to buy all books; average extras £100.
Headmaster: Chris Lumb, in post from 2004. Educated at universities of Cambridge and Manchester (chemistry, PGCE). Previously Deputy Head at Mount St Mary's College (Spinkhill). Teaching staff: 49 full time, 13 part time.
GCSE: 70 in fifth form; 83% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 10% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 22 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.4 subjects with a final point score of 359.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (14% after a gap year). 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 32% in science and engineering, 32% in humanities and social sciences, 13% in the arts, 13% in vocational subjects.
GCSE/IGCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level, usually a broad range; in addition, many take A-level general studies. Special provision: Help for dyslexic pupils. Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 4 fully-equipped computer suites for pupil use (8+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 33% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include swing band, chamber music groups, 2 choirs, wind band and brass, saxophone, guitar and string ensembles. Members of city, county and regional youth orchestras. Drama and dance: Both offered. LAMDA exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: Currently 27 studying for A-level art and photography.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, tennis, netball, cross-country compulsory. Soccer, badminton, dance, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, swimming, golf optional. National representatives at rugby, cross-country, athletics and sailing. County honours in a wide range of sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional at age 16. Annual ski trips to Europe and America; climbing/walking trips to Scotland and Lakes. Up to 20 clubs, including computer, debating, chess, bridge, dance, indoor cricket, rock climbing and music.
Uniform: School uniform worn; sixth form may also wear suits. Houses and prefects: 3 competitive houses. Prefects, school captains, head of house and house prefects appointed by the Headmaster in consultation with senior staff. Religion: Assembly compulsory three days a week. All invited to attend Mass during the week. Social: Public-speaking competitions, choral works, careers conventions. Organised trips abroad to eg France, mountaineering expeditions (eg Alps), adventure course (Greece etc). Sixth formers may bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Lunch self-service. School shops sell tuck, stationery and uniform. Alcohol permitted on supervised social occasions.
High expectations of personal and social conduct, managed by peer review, prefect system, staff disciplinary system. A pupil being discourteous would result in a reprimand and encouragement to improve behaviour; a pupil caught using drugs would expect to be excluded.
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