What it's like

Founded in 1667, it has a very pleasant rural location in the village of Drax. It is now co-educational, having admitted girls since 1992. It occupies two sites: on the main campus are the senior and upper junior schools and boys' boarding; another campus at the opposite end of the village, Adamson House, accommodates the 3-7 year olds and the girls' boarding. Most of the buildings are early 20th century. There have been extensive developments in the last 30 years and facilities are good. A small school, it caters for a wide range of ability, skills and interests and gives a sound all-round education. There are strong music, drama and art departments. A good range of sport, games and activities are offered, including CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and an adventurous activities programme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 340 pupils, 280 day (165 boys, 115 girls), 60 boarders (40 boys, 20 girls). Junior department 3-11, 65 pupils (45 boys, 20 girls). Senior department 11-18, 275 pupils (160 boys, 115 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 8, 11, 13 and 16. Admission by interview, verbal reasoning and maths test; for sixth form entry, GCSE at least grade C in sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 25% of intakes at 11 and 16. Many senior pupils from own junior department.

Scholarships & bursaries

Some sixth-form scholarships. Means-tested bursaries may be available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Richard Hadfield, appointed 1996. Educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and York University (chemistry). Previously Head of Sixth Form, Housemaster and Head of Chemistry at Gordonstoun. Teaching staff: 38 full time, 6 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 40.

Exam results

GCSE: 40 pupils in fifth form; 83% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 17 in upper sixth. 24% passed in 4+ subjects, 47% in 3, 12% in 2 subjects, with an average final point score of 295.

Pupils' destinations

83% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (some after a gap year). Others typically go on to commissions in armed services or other employment.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects, 16 AS-level, 14 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Typically 33% take science A-levels; 33% arts/humanities; 33% both. Vocational: Business studies offered. Special provision: Some extra English lessons provided for dyslexic pupils and EAL. Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Latin GCSE. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, (in revision skills, history class work, business studies). 35 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: A third of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 4 musical groups: recorders, wind band, ensembles, choir. Drama: Drama offered. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 2-3 A-level. Design and graphics also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, tennis, netball, football, cricket, cross-country, basketball are major sports. Minor: athletics, swimming, tae-kwon-do, badminton, golf. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Activities: CCF compulsory for 2 years from age 14, optional thereafter. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Several clubs in activity programme.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for some sports. Prefects and head boy/girl appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Church of England worship. Roman Catholic worship also available in local church. Social: Many local events organised; trips abroad include France, Spain, Italy (languages), Canada (skiing with CCF), Ireland (rugby tour); Year 10 challenge expeditions (eg Morocco and Namibia); adventurous activity programme (camping, climbing, orienteering). Pupils allowed to bring own bike/car to school. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.

Discipline

High standards expected. Suspension or expulsion for serious offences, rarely necessary.

Boarding

10% have own study bedroom, 50% share with 1 other; 40% are in dormitories of 3-4. Non-resident matron. Central dining room. Weekends away by agreement. Visits to local town allowed with parental permission for pupils of 14+. Many weekend activities on and off site.

Association of former pupils

is run by its own officers, c/o Headmaster.

Former pupils

John Sherwood (Olympic bronze medallist), Sir Leonard Appleyard (former Ambassador to China).