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What it's like

A national and international specialist school for blind or partially sighted students who are academically able to follow the national curriculum. It is now fully co-educational, having accepted girls since 1987. The school has a wide range of specialist facilities, including science laboratories, a gymnasium, drama studio, computer rooms, a swimming pool and a learning resources centre. Its aim is to prepare pupils academically and socially for adult life, so that they can take their place in society on equal terms with their sighted peers and with good self esteem and self confidence. In order to do this, the college aims to ensure that they reach their full academic potential and have the necessary skills to look after themselves. Living skills are put into practice in the residential houses under the guidance of a houseparent and, later in the sixth form hostel, on a more independent basis under the guidance of care tutors. Students ultimately take care of their own cooking, laundry and leisure time. There is a wide range of outdoor and leisure activities, encouraging pupils to develop a 'can do' approach.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range normally 11-19; 102 places for boys and girls, most of whom board. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16 but also at any age or time appropriate to the pupil. Own assessment used but all pupils must be able to benefit from GCSE and A-level courses.

Scholarships & bursaries

Most pupils' fees are covered by their LEA or LSC.

Head & staff

Principal: Mrs Mardy Smith, in post from 2005. Teaching staff: 33 full time, plus a number of part time and 35 care staff. All teaching staff are experienced teachers in their own subject, who have qualified to teach the visually impaired; care staff also have specialist qualifications.

Exam results

GCSE: 11 pupils in upper fifth, almost all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects (70% in 8+ subjects). A-levels: 25 in upper sixth, almost all passing in 3+ subjects with an average final point score of 310.

Pupils' destinations

95% of leavers go on to degree courses (5% after a gap year).

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels, including some vocational subjects; over 24 sixth-form subjects. Most pupils take up to 10 GCSEs, AS levels and up to 4 A-levels. Also personal and social development awards (ASDAN) and opportunities at local colleges for those wishing to take vocational courses. Particular emphasis is given to living skills, mobillity, keyboarding and Braille. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 120 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take GCSE full or short course.

The arts

Music: Over 70% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. A wide range of musical groups including choral, wind, rock, folk. Drama: GCSE expressive arts and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and other productions.

Sports & activities

Sport: Athletics, swimming, football, cricket, goalball, dance, trampoline compulsory. Optional: canoeing, cycling/tandeming, skiing. BAGA, RLSS, ASA and BTF exams may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Varied clubs eg choir, chess, craft, swimming, radio, aerobics. Other activities include archery, horse riding, bowling, climbing, ice skating, water skiing.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn up to Year 10. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Head boy/girl jointly elected by staff and pupils. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational; all denominations accepted. Religious education given on a broad basis. Social: Pupils free to join local organisations. Trips abroad include school exchanges, ski trips, adventure holidays (eg to Costa Rica, Nepal).

Discipline

Pupils are expected to behave in a way that is considerate to the community.

Boarding

Family units in five boarding houses, mostly new and purpose-built. 10-14 to each house, with a choice of mixed or single-sex. Sixth-form hostel on the lines of a university student hostel. Daily living skills developed in the house and practised on a regular basis.

Association of former pupils

Former Students Association, c/o the college.