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What it's like

Founded in 1958, it is set in 200 acres of leafy Warwickshire parkland, a few miles from Leamington Spa, Rugby and Coventry. The school occupies a magnificent former Benedictine monastery; recent additions include a new sixth-form centre. It is part of a Catholic foundation, which includes an associated junior school, but welcomes pupils of all faiths. Originally a boys' school, it is now fully co-educational. A sound general education is provided and examination results are good. Music, art and drama are all strong. Sport is also popular, with a strong track record of county and national success. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is well supported, and there is a strong commitment to local community outreach projects.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 11-18; 750 day pupils (403 boys, 347 girls). Entrance: Own entrance examination used; main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. For sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements; the school is part of a Catholic foundation but welcomes pupils of all faiths. Approximately 50% intake at 11+ from maintained sector, 50% to sixth form. Significant intake from associated junior school (Crackley Hall Junior School, tel 01926 514444).

Scholarships & bursaries

20 pa scholarships awarded at 11+, value 25%-50% of fees: 11 academic, 5 music, 2 art, 1 sport and 1 all-rounder.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Edmund Hester, appointed 2009. Educated at Oxford University (engineering). Previously Assistant Head at Rugby, Head of Department at St Christopher’s School, Bahrain, Head of Year at Mount St Joseph and maths teacher at Downside. Teaching staff of 85. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 45.

Exam results

GCSE: 130 pupils in fifth form; 92% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-level: 79 pupils in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.2 subjects with a final point score of 340.

Pupils' destinations

98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year). Others typically go straight into work.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 subjects at GCSE, 23 at A-level (including psychology). All pupils take AS-level general studies. Vocational: Work experience in Year 10. Special provision: Specialist input for pupils with dyslexia, those for whom English not their first language or who are exceptionally able. Languages: French compulsory from Year 7, plus German or Spanish in Years 8 and 9. All three offered to GCSE (most pupils take at least one), and to AS/A-level subject to demand. Regular trips to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Computers widely available to pupils in the library, teaching rooms, sixth form study rooms, common rooms and dedicated ICT suites.

The arts

Music: Some pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental examinations can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choirs, brass ensemble, informal chamber ensemble. Drama and dance: Both offered. A-level theatre studies may be taken. Majority of pupils involved in school productions, some in house/other productions. Art and design: On average 28 pupils take GCSE, 10 A-level.

Sports & activities

Sport: All pupils have games session weekly. Major sports offered, additional options include archery, golf, table tennis and clay pigeon shooting. GCSE, AS and A-level can be taken. Regular county, regional and national success in sport. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Sixth form encouraged to foster links with the local community (eg OAPs' Christmas lunch), Vincent de Paul group involved in outreach activities. 30+ clubs and activities eg photography, chamber music, cheerleading, chess, creative writing, warhammer, dance and drama.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; business wear in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl, prefects and heads of houses. School council. Religion: Catholic foundation. Termly whole-school Eucharist compulsory. Social: Wide variety of organised trips and visits. Pupils may bring their own car/bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.

Association of former pupils

is run by Melanie Butler, Marketing Manager, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Ian Bell (cricketer).