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What it's like

Founded in 1850, it became well known by 1900 as one of the leading independent schools in southern England. There have been girls in the sixth form since 1989 and the school is now fully co-educational. It is located in the village, occupying very attractive brick-and-timber and brick-and-flint houses in one of the prettiest regions of Berkshire. The total grounds cover about 200 acres. The accommodation is excellent and there are very good facilities, including centres for electronics and IT, music, design, a sports complex, indoor tennis centre and a new golf course. It is a Church of England foundation and Christian values are embodied in the life of the school, but those of other denominations are very welcome. The school aims to inspire its pupils to become confident, open-minded and creative future members of the global community. Examination results are good. It is very strong in music and drama and there is an open-air Greek theatre where plays in Greek are performed every three years. Strong in sport and games, with numerous representatives at county and regional level. There is a CCF unit which emphasises adventure training and leadership skills, alongside plentiful outdoor activities including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and sailing on the gravel pits at Theale.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 13-18; 705 pupils, 117 day (83 boys, 34 girls), 588 boarding (383 boys, 205 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance exam or own texts used, plus interview with the Headmaster and satisfactory school reports. Sixth form: Admission based on GCSE results, interview, internal tests and school report. No special skills required, but any are taken into account; no religious requirements.

Scholarships & bursaries

Some scholarships and exhibitions. Means-tested bursaries, up to 100% of fees, available where parents can not afford the fees (including to supplement a scholarship or through change of circumstances for exisiting pupils); 1 pa to pupil from a state maintained school.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Peter Roberts, in post from 2003. Educated at Tiffin School, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Oxford University (history). Previously Housemaster of Scholars and Head of History at Winchester.

Pupils' destinations

95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 3% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 61% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 3% in drama and music. Others typically go on to non-degree courses, art colleges or straight into careers such as management training.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 GCSE subjects, 32 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level (sometimes a furthre AS-level). Languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Latin and Greek offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany, Italy and Spain. International pupils: 10-15%. ICT: Taught as part of the core curriculum but not examined.

The arts

Music: 45% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15 musical groups including orchestra, band, jazz, swing bands, choirs, barbershop quartet, brass, wind, string ensembles. Regular winners in Oxford Music Festival. Drama: Drama offered. GCSE and A-level drama/theatre studies and LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions; Greek play every third year.

Sports & activities

Sport: Aerobics, athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, climbing, cricket, cross-country, dance, fencing, fishing, fives, football, golf, hockey, horse riding, karate, lacrosse, netball, polo, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, tennis, weight training, water polo. Numerous county and regional representatives at various sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 2 years, then optional. 30+ clubs, including astronomy, film-making, clay-pigeon shooting,Italian food.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, business dress in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Heads and deputy heads appointed by Headmaster; heads of house and house prefects appointed by housemasters aftert consultation with other staff. Religion: Church of England school. Regular attendance at school Chapel service, with some choice. Social: Several organised holiday expeditions each year. Meals self-service. School shop. Junior and sixth form social centres.

Discipline

Disciplinary matters are dealt with by housemasters and housemistresses and may be referred to the second master or Headmaster as appropriate. The college pupils' handbook sets out disciplinary procedures in detail.

Boarding

70% have own study bedroom, 30% share 1-2 (some ensuite). Houses of approximately 50; all new Year 9 pupils in a purpose-built house. Resident qualified medical staff. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Visits to the local town allowed for sixth form.

Association of former pupils

c/o the Development Office.

Former pupils

Richard Adams (author); Martin Ryle (astronomer); Sir John Knott and Lord (David) Owen (politicians); Benedict Allen (explorer); Louis de Bernieres (author); Nick Clark (BBC); Philip Howard (Michelin-starred chef).