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What it's like

Founded in 1722 by Richard Churcher, a local philanthropist. The junior and senior schools are on their own sites at Liphook and Petersfield respectively, with integral playing fields and a backdrop of the South Downs. The senior school's Victorian buildings have been added to over the years and overlook spacious grounds and gardens. Girls were first accepted in 1980. It seeks to give the widest range of experiences and while academic results form a core element, they are achieved within an extra-curricular involvement including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, a thriving 3-section voluntary CCF and annual expeditions across the globe. Music, drama and art are very strong; so too is sport, particularly in rugby, netball and hockey. The school embraces a Christian ethos and the strengthening of pupils' self-esteem is considered paramount.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 986 day pupils (575 boys, 411 girls). Junior department 4-11, 217 pupils (115 boys, 102 girls). Senior department 11-18, 769 pupils (460 boys, 309 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam, reference and interview used; for sixth-form entry, interview and 5 GCSEs at least grade B. No special skills or religious requirements. Many entrants to senior department from own junior; 50% from state schools (plus some to sixth form).

Scholarships & bursaries

Academic and music scholarships/exhibitions, awarded at 11, 13 and 16; value 10%-25% of fees (may be enhanced by a bursary to a maximum of 50% of fees in the case of financial need). Bursaries awarded upon clearly identified need, mostly to existing pupils. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; a few items charged as extras.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Simon H L Williams, in post from 2004. Educated at Kingswood and at universities of Durham (biology), Keele (education management) and Cambridge (PGCE). Previously Deputy Head at Warwick, Head of Science at Newcastle-under-Lyme and biology teacher at Kings College School. Teaching staff: 75 full time, 19 part time. Annual turnover 7%. Average age 43.

Exam results

GCSE: 121 pupils in upper fifth, 99% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 86 in upper sixth, 5% passiing in 4+ subjects, 95% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 405 (including AS-level general studies).

Pupils' destinations

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (40% after a gap year). 25% took courses in science and engineering, 25% in law, business and economics, 27% in humanities, social sciences and languages, 11% in art and design, 12% in vocational subjects.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies, some take critical thinking. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. French from age 11, Spanish or German offered from age 6. Regular visits to France, Germany and Spain. Language assistants in each language. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. All Year 9 pupils take GCSE short course. 250 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: About 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental and singing exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, string orchestra, wind and jazz bands, clarinet groups, recorder consort, choirs etc. Drama: GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies and LAMDA exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 20 AS/A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, rounders, netball compulsory. Optional: football, badminton, table tennis, tennis, swimming, basketball, cross-country. County representatives at netball, rugby, cricket, hockey and swimming. GCSE, AS and A-level physical education offered. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh's Award (bronze, silver, gold) and CCF available. Up to 30 clubs, eg desk-top publishing, computers, karate, aerobics, debating, drama, fencing, bridge, basketball, race-car building, chess, adventure clubs (expeditions, canoeing, climbing, walking and cycling).

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects and head boy/girl elected by peers and staff. Religion: Non-denominational school. Religious worship encouraged. Social: Exchanges and visits to France, Germany and Spain, plus expeditions, ski trips and cultural tours. Sixth-form pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework might expect a detention; those involved with drugs could expect immediate expulsion.

Association of former pupils

run by the Foundation Director, tel 01730 236833 or email foundation@churcherscollege.com

Former pupils

Edward Kelsey (actor); Tiny Rowland (international industrialist)