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What it's like

Founded in 1920 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 now 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 good range of games and sports, with consistent county representation in a number of them. Music and drama are strong. There is a voluntary CCF and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 520 pupils, 274 day (188 boys, 86 girls), 246 boarders (156 boys, 90 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance (at 13) and own exam used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C, with 2 at grade B or better (including in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry: 60% 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 10%-50% fees: approx 18 academic, 2 all-rounder, 2 art, 2 drama, 2 sport and 2 music. Approx 6 means-tested 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, appointed 2009. Educated at St Edward's, Oxford, and at 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: 59 in upper sixth, all passing in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 329.

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. Others typically go on to non-degree courses eg agriculture, armed forces, art foundation courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 AS and 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 etc. 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; CCF optional. 140 are involved in community service each week.

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.

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).