In Years 7 to 9 all pupils study a broad range of subjects. Streaming takes place in Mathematics, but all other subjects are taught in mixed-ability groups.

The Middle School curriculum (Years 10 to 11) is designed to prevent early specialisation in arts or sciences, to keep options open for AS/A level, and to provide some choice to cater for individual strengths and interests whilst, at the same time, ensuring a broadly-based education for each boy and girl.

All pupils study GCSE English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science (either as Single Sciences or Double Award), at least one Humanities subject, Modern Language and Technological or creative subject. They may take more than one of these if they wish.

In the Sixth Form a wide range of AS and A level subjects provides plenty of choice. All students take 4 AS level subjects (5 if one is Further Mathematics) in Year 12, usually dropping to 3 plus A level General Studies in Year 13.
All year groups also have an afternoon of Games and Years 7 to 11 have a PE lesson.

For more information about subjects available to Sixth Form students, please see the Sixth Form page of the website.

A wide range of extra-curricular activities is available for all year groups – see the ‘Clubs’ page of this website.

For information regarding the Junior School, please click here.

The Six-Day Cycle

The School operates a six-day cycle of 42 periods (7 periods per day). We start the year on Day 1, and when we get to Day 6 we begin the cycle again. There is no weekend school, apart from Saturday sports fixtures.

Resource Centres

Resource Centres provide areas for quiet study within departments. They are stocked with books, magazines and other resources relating to the subject. These areas are used by the Sixth Form in their private study periods and during free time and by other pupils at lunchtime and after school.

Learning Support

The School does not have specialist teachers for special educational needs. However, we endeavour to ensure that pupils who are identified as being in need of special support receive help through outside agencies, if necessary, and through any non-specialist help that subject teachers are able to give. We wish to be sympathetic and supportive to pupils with difficulties to ensure that they fulfil their potentials and are happy in their studies.

Pupils entering the School in Years 4, 5 and 7 are given a screening test soon after their arrival. Pupils who are identified as possibly having learning difficulties will be observed and evidence from their teachers will be analysed by the Learning Support Co-ordinator. The Learning Support Co-ordinator produces an Individual Education Plan for each pupil who is diagnosed as dyslexic or who has any other recognised learning difficulty. Teachers give consideration to pupils with learning difficulties and provide help based on the recommendations that have been made.

Student Profiles

Fiona is in Year 9. She is a talented musician, playing the violin in the Intermediate Orchestra and Strings Group and singing in the choir. “I have violin and singing lessons once a week at school and I particularly enjoy rehearsing with other pupils two or three times a week.” She is also in the hockey team for her year group and she attends practices and plays matches on Saturdays. Her life is very busy but she says, “I enjoy my involvement in all these activities, and I do manage to find time for my homework, too!”

James enjoys sport and he represents the school at rugby and cricket. “I enjoy the camaraderie of team sports; I think they have taught me the importance of working together and not letting people down. I am also studying hard for my GCCEs this year. I hope to achieve good grades so that I can apply to read Law at university in a couple of years time.”

Adam is in Year 13 and has applied to Cambridge to study medicine. He achieved excellent GCSE results and A grades in his four AS subjects last summer. “I have received a great deal of helpful advice regarding university entry and the school organised a trip to Cambridge to visit the colleges. I am doing work beyond the demands of A level to assist me with my application, and I am much enjoying the challenge that this poses.”