A recent merger between the two Hulme Grammar Schools: the boys' school, which was founded in 1611 and reconstituted in 1887; and the girls' school, founded in 1895. It is set on raised ground in southern Oldham, looking out over Manchester and Cheshire beyond. The different school buildings are in an urban setting within walking distance of each other. The combined school has both kindergarden and sixth form that are co-educational; between the ages of 8 and 16, boys and girls are taught separately although they mix for meal times, break times and for extra-curricular activities. It has a very diverse pupil population, both socially and ethnically. It is academically selective but not socially exclusive. A sound, broad education is provided in the grammar school tradition, although recent innovations include A-level dance. A range of extra-curricular activities is provided, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the CCF.
Pupils: 1070 day pupils (550 boys, 520 girls). Senior department, 11-18, 766 pupils (388 boys, 378 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. For sixth form entry 6 GCSEs at least grade C (including maths and English), at least grade B in sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. 66% of entrants at age 11 from state schools, 12% at age 16.
No scholarships. 15 pa means-tested bursaries, up to full fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks. Average extras £1500 pa (eg lunch, instrument lessons, school trips).
Headmaster: Dr Paul G Neeson, in post since 2006. Educated at Pope John XXIII Memorial School and Brunel University (physics and education). Previously Deputy Principal, Second Master, Director of Studies, Head of Physics at Berkhamsted, physics lecturer at Luton VI Form College and assistant physics teacher at Shrewsbury. Also member of HMC Sports Committee. Teaching staff: 81 full-time, 14 part-time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 44.
GCSE: 137 pupils in Year 11, 93% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 85 pupils in Year 13, 100% passed in 4+ subjects, with an average final points score of 365.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 7% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 14% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in art and design, 50% in other subjects eg education, finance, accounting, food & nutrition, drama & theatre studies. A few typically go straight in to the professions or the armed forces.
GCSE, AS and A-levels, OU degree modules. 21 GCSE subjects offered (most take 10), 25 AS/A-level. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies in Year 13, A-level optional. Vocational: Work experience available in Years 11 and 12. Special provision: Learning support department screens for eg dyslexia and provides support for pupils with learning difficulties (one to one tuition, additional literacy, working with subject teachers); qualified EFL teacher. Languages: French, German, Latin, Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; all learn French and Latin in Year 7, choose 2 in Year 8 and all take GCSE in at least one language. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 6 computer suites for pupil use, plus others in departments (9 hours a day); some 5% of pupils have their own laptops. All take GCSE short course in ICT
Music: Up 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Music offered to GCSE and A-level (18 take GCSE, 4 take A-level) and as an extra-curricular activity. Musical groups include choral, brass band, orchestra. Drama and dance: Both offered as part of the curriculum, plus drama as an extra-curricular activity. 27 pupils take GCSE drama, 5 AS/A-level; 6 take AS-level dance; pupils also take LAMDA exams. Some pupils are involved in school productions, eg Oliver, Sound of Music, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 5 AS-level, 3 A-level. Painting, drawing, design technology, pottery, textiles offered.
Sports available: rugby, football, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, swimming, Brazilian jujitsu, karate, rounders, athletics, badminton, golf. PE compulsory except in sixth form. A-level in PE offered. U14 All England netball champions (2010), bronze medallists (2009). Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional for 5 years from age 13 (Army and RAF sections); community service optional for 3 years from age 15 and number of national and local charities supported by all pupils. Also outdoor activities eg skiing, climbing, canoeing available. Up to 30 clubs and activities including: string group, orchestra, choir, karate (juniors); horticultural; Brazilian jujitsu, world film Club, greeting card club (seniors).
Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy and girl (selected by the Principal after interview), prefects (elected by sixth form and teaching staff). School Council. Religion: School has no religious affiliation; no compulsory religious worship. Social: Ski trips (to eg Austria, US); twinned with a school in Ghana. Pupils allowed to bring their own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. Most pupils travel to school by car or bus; school bus service. Some supervision available before and after school (8am-6pm); most sporting fixtures on Saturdays.
Pupils failing to produce homework once would be given the opportunity to submit the work at the earliest possible juncture; any pupil caught with cannabis on school premises could expect permanent exclusion. School aims to avoid the extremes of indulgence and tyranny.
is run by Alison O'Brien, c/o the school
John Stapleton (TV journalist and presenter); Jack Tinker (Daily Mail drama critic); Andy Kershaw (TV pop music presenter); Brian Moffat (British Steel), Professor Brian Cox (physicist); Bryan Clough (writer); Sarah Lancashire and Shobna Gulati (actresses); David Nott (MSF surgeon); Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City defender); Nicola White (All England Hockey).
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