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What it's like

Founded in 1567, it moved in 1750 to an old manor house on the site of the present school house. By the end of the 18th century it was established as a major independent boarding school. Dr Arnold became Head in 1828 and added much to its fame. Substantial growth in the 19th century led to the addition of many of the buildings which give the school its distinctive character. Most recent developments include a state-of-the-art language laboratory, an exhibition space for both pupils and local professional artists, a studio theatre and excellent performance facilities. There are also fine gardens, 80 acres of playing fields, plus the amenities of Rugby town on the doorstep. A traditional school, but also warm, friendly and open. It accepted girls into the sixth form for a number of years before becaming fully co-educational in 1993. It is a Church of England foundation and religious education is compulsory in the lower school as is some worship (for other faiths too). The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:8. Academically, it is a high-powered school and examination results are excellent. There is co-operation with other schools in disciplines including music, science, ICT and maths. The music, drama, media and art departments are very strong. Over 20 sports and games are offered competitively and recreationally and many pupils compete at county, national and international level. A large number of clubs and societies are available, and a special enrichment programme is run for scholars. There is a large voluntary CCF contingent, a considerable commitment to local community services and links with a school for Calcutta street children.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18, 795 pupils, 152 day (79 boys, 73 girls), 643 boarding (362 boys, 281 girls). Senior school 13-18; 769 pupils. Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance used; scholarship exam and/or interviews for entry to sixth form. No special skills or religious requirements. Some state school entry into junior day house (plus few into sixth form). Other pupils come from prep schools nationwide.

Scholarships & bursaries

Generous number of scholarships including academic, music, art, design, sport; value at least 10% of fees (can be augmented to 100% of fees on means-tested basis). Also foundationerships for day pupils; increasing number of foundation scholarships (value up to 100% of fees, plus extras) for pupils with all-round ability and need for boarding, usually from state sector. Parents expected to buy textbooks; clothes and music lessons also extra.

Parents

20+% live within 30 miles; approx 12% live overseas; remainder widely spread over British Isles.

Head & staff

Head Master: Patrick Derham, in post from 2001. Educated at Pangbourne and Cambridge University (history). Previously Headmaster of Solihull, Housemaster and Head of History at Radley. Teaching staff: 100 full time, 28 part time (including musicians). Annual turnover 5%. Average age 34.

Exam results

GCSE: 136 pupils in Year 11, 97% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 172 in upper sixth, achieving an average final point score of 378.

Pupils' destinations

99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 12% to Oxbridge and 4% to US universities. 5% take courses in medicine, 22% in science and engineering, 34% in humanities, 31% in social sciences, 7% in art, drama or music.

Curriculum

GCSE, A levels and Pre-U. 24 GCSE subjects, 33 A-level; extended projects including perspectives in science course. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3½-4 subjects at A-level; general studies is not taken. 20% take science A-levels; 51% arts/humanities; 29% both. Vocational: Work experience available for all pupils, post-GCSE. Special provision: Qualified teachers for dyslexia give regular lessons. Languages: French, German, Russian, Greek, Latin and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; Italian, Welsh to GCSE and business level; also Japanese. Talks from MEPs and other distinguished European visitors. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (all subjects encourage the active use of IT skills). All pupils have laptops, which connect with the school network and so to the internet.

The arts

Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Numerous musical groups including 5 choirs, symphony orchestra, concert band, senior strings, chamber ensembles and jazz orchestra. Over 70 performances a year, including appearances on TV and overseas tours. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school productions and the majority in house/other productions. Annual arts festival. Art and design: Both offered. Typically 62 pupils take art A-level. Photography A-level offered. Fully equipped media/TV studio.

Sports & activities

Sport: Options include rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, tennis, netball, swimming and most other sports. Substantial county representation in various sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. All pupils in CCF or community service. Up to 15 clubs, including Tawney Society (politics and current affairs), debating, chess, history, astronomy, Temple (philosophy and religion).

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Junior house for day pupils 11-12. Prefects (the Levee) and heads of school - appointed by Head Master; head of house, house prefects - appointed by housemaster/mistress. No school council but Levee take some decisions. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory 10-minute chapel 3 times/week; compulsory Sunday services each term. Other faiths may visit their own places of worship. Social: Co-operation with other schools in music (including orchestra), ICT, science and maths; local school children and teachers attend eg lectures, workshops; pupils teach and mentor children in local schools. Trips abroad include ski trips, several departmental expeditions (eg politics to USA, history to Poland, art to Florence, classics to Tunisia), language exchanges (Vienna, Madrid) and trips to eg Paris, Brittany. All meals in house dining halls; lunch formal. Regular dances. School shops. Sixth form Crescent Club (2 drinks limit) and junior social open on Saturday evenings; 18-year-olds may visit designated pubs with permission.

Discipline

Structured system of sanctions, covering everything from poor work to drugs.

Boarding

Year 11 and sixth formers have own study bedroom, others in dormitories of 3-5; most pupils also have a study. Houses of approximately 55, are main social unit. Resident qualified medical staff. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks, 3 termly exeats (1 week, 2 weekends), unlimited Sundays after Chapel/Forum. Visits to restricted area of local town allowed after lunch each day.

Association of former pupils

is run by Julie Bott (jb@rugbyschool.net)

Former pupils

Lewis Carroll, Rupert Brook, Matthew Arnold, A N Wilson, Salman Rushdie, Isabel Wolff (writers); Lord (Tom) King and Lord (Ian) Lang (politicians); Marmaduke Hussey (former Chairman of BBC Governors); David Croft (TV scriptwriter); Sir Ewen Fergusson (former Ambassador to Paris); Robert Hardy, Francesca Hunt (actors); Sir Campbell Adamson (former Director of the CBI); Zia Mahmood (world bridge champion); Andrew Rawnsley, Richard Addis, Tim Butcher (journalists); Alison Campbell (1st female RAF fast jet pilot).