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What it's like

Founded in 1981 as a direct result of the loss of the city's grammar schools through reorganisation. It is a Christian foundation but welcomes pupils of other faiths, who integrate fully with the school's religious activities. Links with Leicester Cathedral are strong and until 2008 the school was located within the cathedral precinct. It has since moved to a brand new purpose-built school on a greenfield site to the south east of the city; its junior school is on the same site. The school has always been co-educational. The curriculum is geared to the academic rather than the average pupil. A good standard of general education is provided and examination results are very good. Strong departments in music, drama and art. A full range of sports, PE and activities are offered. The school enjoys vigorous local support and has a substantial commitment to local social service charity work.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 10-18; 700 day pupils (400 boys, 300 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used; for sixth-form entry, interview and 6 GCSEs at least grade B (including AS-level subjects). No special skills or religious requirements; open to all faiths. State school entry, 65% of intake at 11, 30% at 16. Major intake from own junior school, Leicester Grammar Junior School (same site; tel 0116 2591950).

Scholarships & bursaries

Up to 12 pa scholarships, value 5%-25% fees: academic, music, art, sport. Variable number of bursaries available. Meals and non-curricular excursions extra.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Christopher King, in post since 2001. Educated at Queen Elizabeth's Hospital and Durham University (geography). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Kimbolton, Senior Housemaster at Rendcomb, and geography teacher at Sutton Valence. Teaching staff: 75. Annual turnover 4%.

Exam results

GCSE: 101 pupils in Year 11: 100% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 97 in upper sixth: 93% passed in 4+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 437.

Pupils' destinations

97% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 20% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 33% in maths, science and engineering, 2% in law, 24% in humanities, languages and social sciences, 5% in creative arts, 16% in vocational subjects eg marketing, finance, sports. Others go directly into employment.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 examination subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-5 subjects at AS-level (encouraged to maintain breadth), 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS and A-level general studies. 20% take science A-levels; 25% arts/humanities; 55% both. All do an ICT course; wider key skills integrated into A-level courses and monitored by tutors. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research and coursework. Network of computers for pupil use, including 50 in the library, all with email and broadband internet access. Year 9 pupils take Clait.

The arts

Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, recorder, jazz, dance bands, pop groups, quartets, wind and brass groups. Large numbers play in county schools orchestras, 10 in national orchestras; regular success at local festivals; 3 recent Oxbridge choral scholarships, 2 organ. Drama: GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and in house/other productions. Art and design: 55 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, pottery (at junior level), textiles also offered. Regular entry to art foundation courses.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, athletics, tennis, cricket, swimming, health-related PE programme compulsory and many other sports. GCSE and A-level PE may be taken. Sportsmark and Activemark award for PE/sports programme and participation rate. Activities: Pupils take bronze and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 25 clubs, eg chess, computer, history, literary, counselling, Christian Union, aerobics.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl and head of house; prefects appointed by the Headmaster in consultation with staff and pupils. Religion: Church of England. Daily assembly. Strong links with local Cathedral (servers' guild). Social: Pupils take part in local competitions for debating and academic activities (eg science, geography, classical reading). Classical, historical, geographical and language tours; choir, orchestra and major overseas sports tours (rugby, hockey, netball). Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service with additional sixth-form café.

Discipline

Extensive pastoral care through personal tutors, form tutors, heads of year and houses. Major sanctions: detention and extra work. School policies on bullying and drugs stress responsibility and resolution of the problem, but serious cases would invite expulsion.

Association of former pupils

is run by S. Redman, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Harry Ellis (rugby player for England); Sarah Teather (MP for Brent East)