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What it's like

Founded in 1952, it is largely housed in a beautiful building of medieval origin and Tudor appearance and is of considerable architectural and historical interest (King Alfred is thought to have lived on the site and King Ethelwolf to have been buried there in the 9th century). The 13th century chapel is at the heart of the building. The mansion lies in 50 acres of splendid landscaped grounds and gardens, with woodland and a chain of small lakes. Religious worship is in the Anglican tradition. It has all the advantages of being a small school, and its most particular feature is its large special needs department staffed by over twenty teachers. The school specialises in pupils who for various reasons have underachieved, especially those with dyslexia and dyscalculia. There is much emphasis on personal attention and the large staff (including part-timers) permits an unusually generous staff:pupil ratio of about 1:6. Class sizes are very small (ten pupils or fewer). Much is achieved academically and, although the sixth form is small, several pupils go on to degree courses each year. Art and drama are particular strengths. There is an excellent range of sports and games (including fishing and riding) and a plentiful variety of extra-curricular activities.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 11-18; 180 pupils, 35 day (27 boys, 8 girls); 135 boarding (115 boys, 20 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages, 11, 13 and 16. For sixth form entry, interview and GCSE grade C in subjects to be taken. No special skills or religious requirements although Church of England predominates. State school entry, 20% main intakes (plus small number to sixth form).

Scholarships & bursaries

Means-tested bursaries are available.

Parents

10+% in armed services; 30+% in industry or commerce; 10+% in farming. Up to 10% live within 30 miles; 10+% live overseas.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Geoff Link, appointed 2005. Educated at Maidstone Grammar School and Exeter University. Previously Deputy Head at the school and Housemaster at Grenville College. Teaching staff: 30 full time, 16 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 34.

Exam results

GCSE: 29 pupils in Year 11: 35% gained at least grade C in 5-7 subjects; and 65% in 1-4 subjects. A-levels: 16 in upper sixth, achieving an average final point score of 152.

Pupils' destinations

30% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 20% take courses in science and engineering, 20% in humanities and social sciences, 60% in art and design. Others typically go on to non-degree courses or straight into careers.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels and GNVQs. 20 subjects offered (including motor vehicle engineering). Vocational: GNVQ business studies, leisure and tourism. Special provision: School has been a leader in the field of specific learning difficulties for 30+ years. Three special units with 21 trained staff including 3 speech and language therapists; lessons on one-to-one basis. EFL teaching offered. Languages: Spanish and German offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 80 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access. Practical CISCO Systems IT course offered.

The arts

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include pop, brass band, choir. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE drama and RAD exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Design, textiles and photography also offered. On average 3 pupils get into art college each year.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, football, cricket, swimming compulsory initially. Additional options: squash, badminton, netball, athletics, basketball, judo, sailing, riding, golf, fishing. Activities: Pupils take bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional at age 16. Up to 30 clubs, including models, skateboarding, debating, angling, computer, chess, motor vehicle maintenance, welding, radio-controlled cars, climbing.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by the Headmaster after discussion with housemasters. Religion: Inter-denominational. School chapel; daily assembly by form, weekly for full school. Inter-denominational Sunday service. Preparation for confirmation. Social: Some trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol (no spirits) at limited times in staff/sixth-form bar.

Discipline

Pupils caught experimenting with illegal substances would probably expect expulsion.

Boarding

5% of seniors have own study bedroom, 95% share; juniors in dormitories of 4+. Single-sex houses. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. 3 termly exeats. Visits to local town allowed.

Association of former pupils

is run by Secretary to the Wyvern Society, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Paul Cox (artist); Marc Sinden (actor); Michael Blodgett (sculptor); Christopher Neame (actor/producer); Charles Balchin (TV producer); Charles Vincent, alias Copper Finger (commodities dealer); Lucas White (polo player); Guy Ritchie (film director).