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What it's like

Founded in 1922 and endowed by Lord Wandsworth. It has purpose-built buildings on a beautiful estate of 1200 acres on the north Hampshire-Surrey border. It is extremely well equipped in a village environment, with a secure, happy and relaxed atmosphere. It is co-educational throughout, having admitted girls since 1997. A sound all-round education is provided and examination results are good, with pupils consistently achieving beyond expectations. It is non-denominational and all faiths are welcome. There is a wide range of games and sports, with consistent county representation in a number of them. Music, art and drama are strong. There is a CCF, Community Action programme and a strong Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 534 pupils, 310 day (222 boys, 88 girls), 224 boarders (152 boys, 72 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance (at 13) and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 4 GCSEs at least grade C, plus 2 at grade B (including in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry: 50% at 11, 10% to sixth form. Pupils come from local junior schools and a range of prep schools eg Amesbury, Barfield, Boundary Oak, Crosfields, Daneshill, Eagle House, Edgeborough, Hall Grove, Haslemere Prep, Highfield, Lambrook Haileybury, St Edmund's, St Neot's, Yateley Manor.

Scholarships & bursaries

20-25 pa awards, value 5%-50% fees: approx 18 academic, plus 2 each for art, drama, sport, music, all-rounder. Approx 6 means-tested foundation bursaries, for children who have lost the support of one or both parents through death or separation.

Parents

75+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Fergus Livingstone, in post from 2009. Educated at St Edward's, Oxford, and Cambridge University (English). Previously Senior Deputy Head at Rossall. Teaching staff: 53 full time, 16 part time.

Exam results

GCSE: 99 in fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 71 in upper sixth, all passing in 3 subjects with an average final point score of 364.

Pupils' destinations

99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 5% to Oxbridge. 40% take courses in science and engineering, 60% in humanities and social sciences. A few typically go to the armed forces or non-degree courses eg agriculture, art foundation courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 20% take science A-levels; 20% arts/humanities; 60% take both. Languages: French, Spanish, German and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular visits (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and as a tool across the curriculum. 400 wireless networked computers for pupil use, available all day and evenings.

The arts

Music: Over a third of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, orchestra, big band, swing band, jazz band. Drama: Many school productions and workshops. Art and design: On average, 15 take A-level. 3D studies also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, cricket, hockey, netball compulsory to a small degree. Optional: canoeing, sailing, squash, football, tennis, badminton, golf, athletics, cross-country, basketball, trampolining, gymnastics, swimming. Many county players in rugby, hockey, cricket and netball. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Other activities include CCF, community action, rock climbing, pottery, biking, self defence, debating, orienteering, chess, Greek, judo.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn during working day throughout. Houses and prefects: Mildly competitive houses. Head boy and girl and heads of houses appointed by Headmaster following applications and interviews. Sixth form centre run by an elected committee. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at weekly religious worship compulsory. Social: Many dramatic and musical functions. Organised trips abroad. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once could expect loss of free time to do the work missed. Pupils found in possession of drugs are treated on an individual basis. School has clear policies on drugs, bullying etc (details on school website).

Boarding

Houses of 45-75 pupils (including day pupils). Qualified nurses. Central dining room. Exeats possible each weekend.

Association of former pupils

The Sternian Association, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Julian Sands (actor); Jonny Wilkinson, Peter Richards, Ugo Monve (rugby players); Sir Peter Coulson QC (high court judge).