Our motto be what you are is reflected in our approach to our curriculum. All of our pupils extend their ‘core’ education with the vast range of co-curricular activities on offer – ranging from sport and creative arts to outdoor education, CCF and beyond – these opportunities allow them to develop their talents and discover new ones both in and outside of the classroom within an accepting community that encourages everyone to be exactly what they are and become the best version of themselves.
Our broad curriculum allows all pupils to develop skills and interests. This enables them to make appropriate choices for their GCSE options. Pupils study Art, Classics, English, French, Geography, History, Maths, Music, Religious Studies, Science and PSHE together with a course exploring a range of technology subjects. All pupils study French in Year 7. In Year 8, they choose either German or Spanish in addition to French and will then carry on with their chosen combination until the end of Year 9.
We recognise that all pupils need a proper balance of recreation and physical exercise so we also include Sport, Integrated Arts (consisting of art, music, drama and dance), as well as Outdoor Education.
Choristers and Specialist Musicians work together in dedicated forms following individually tailored learning programmes.
We personalise your learning to follow a curriculum at a pace and in a direction that suits your needs and plays to your strengths but pushes you to reach your potential. We give you more freedom as you progress and encourage you to take responsibility for developing your own interests and skills within clear structures.
In Years 10-11, pupils prepare for their GCSE examinations. You can choose three GCSE options in addition to the core subjects of Mathematics, English Language and Literature, a Modern Foreign Language (usually from French, German or Spanish), Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and Religious Studies. This provides a comprehensive platform so your options are open when you come to choosing your A levels.
All pupils follow a PSHE course, and take part in the varied sport, PE and outdoor education programme.
We award academic scholarships to talented young pupils. Please see this page for more information and how to apply.
Academic results are an important part of what we do as a school, but for us they are the results of a good education not the target. Our focus is on producing well rounded pupils who will go on to be successful individuals in society throughout their lives, and for that reason we are more interested in the types of people they will be in 10, 20 or more years after they have left school. That said, we believe that because of this approach our academic examination results continue to be some of the best of any co-educational day and boarding schools in the South West.