Boarding

Although we do not take weekly boarders, our boarding system remains reasonably flexible. With approximately two-thirds of the pupils boarding, this is done to protect and maintain our boarding facility. In addition, we take a few part-time boarders (usually pupils who would like to board, but are not yet ready to full board). Parents of these boarders are asked to name either two or three days a week that they would like to board at the start of each term. There are usually a few vacancies in each year.

Boys board in the main school house under the care and supervision of the headmaster and his wife and the resident Housemaster and his wife, with the assistance of six resident matrons headed by the Senior Medical Matron. Girls spend their first year in the main school house under the direct supervision of the Headmaster and his wife: they normally move to Yate's House in their second year, where they are looked after by the resident Housemistress and her assistants.

The houses become very much a home to the children, who sleep, play and relax in their house. Main meals are taken as a group in the two school dining halls, the first two years in the smaller dining room and the top three years in the main dining room.

Children are encouraged to maintain close links to home by letter, phone and email; parents are welcome to visit the school at any time.

Overview

Breadth

As well as the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, all pupils study Modern Languages and the Humanities.
In addition class Music, Art, Design Technology, ICT and PE are taught to all.
Latin is still a major subject and Greek is available.

Monitoring

Regular work reports and end of term reports, seen by Tutors and the Headmaster, assure that progress is continually assessed and monitored.
Regular Parents’ Meetings take place throughout the year.

Flexibility

With a mixed ability entry, each child is encouraged to fulfil his or her potential. Our main objectives are Common Entrance and Public School Scholarship. These are taken a year before Key Stage 3 Tests. There is considerable overlap with the National Curriculum, but we are not bound by it.