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What it’s like
Founded in 1890 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It is situated
about a mile from the middle of Reading but enjoys a most peaceful environment
of over 60 acres of lovely wooded grounds, formerly the estates of two large
country houses. Some of the well-designed school buildings are 19th,
some 20th century; facilities are excellent, including a science and
technology centre, drama studio, concert hall and a floodlit all-weather pitch.
The school is fully co-educational; girls were accepted throughout the school
from 1993, after many years in the sixth form. It lays considerable emphasis on
the value of the individual and on Quaker philosophy, which stresses mutual
respect, understanding, tolerance and the peaceful resolution of conflict. It is
a community of many faiths and pupils come from all over the world. Academic
standards are high and examination results very good. All pupils have the chance
to visit or exchange partner schools in Nantes and Hamburg. Strong in music,
drama and art. High level of achievement in sports and games (including
representatives at county and national standard). Much emphasis on outdoor
pursuits and adventure training. There is a commitment to local community
services; a very wide range of activities and hobby interests after school, so
pupils can enjoy developing new skills.
School profile
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18: 427 pupils, 258 day (167 boys, 91 girls),
169 boarding (100 boys, 69 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam and Common Entrance
used, plus interview. Strong intake from both prep and maintained schools.
Scholarships & bursaries Total of 50+ scholarships (academic, music,
art), value 10%–25% of fees. Some means-tested bursaries available (some from
the Friends’ Schools Joint Bursaries Scheme).
Parents 50+% live within 30 miles; 20% live overseas.
Head & staff
Head: John Dunston, appointed in 1996. Educated at John Lyon School, and
the universities of Cambridge (modern languages) and York. Previously Head of
Sibford. Churchill Fellow, spent some time training choirs in schools in
mainland China. Also FRSA, Associate of Institute of Linguists; Chairman of SHA,
of SHMIS (1999) and of its Education Committee; Reporting Inspector for ISI.
Teaching staff: 37 full time, 44 part time (including music). Annual
turnover 5%. Average age 40.
Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 60 pupils in Year 11: 60% gained at least grade C in 8+
subjects, 33% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 52 (55 over 5 years).
A-levels: 57 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper
sixth formers 294.
University & college entrance Almost all sixth-form leavers went on
to a degree course (36% after a gap year). 2% took courses in medicine, 9% in
science & engineering, 34% in humanities & social sciences, 2% in art & design,
52% in vocational or business management courses.
Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 GCSE, AS-level and A-level
subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level;
general studies taught but not examined. 33% take science A-levels, 33%
arts/humanities; 33% both. Key skills optional.
Vocational: Work experience for all Year 11.
Special provision: Dyslexic tuition and EFL.
Languages: French, German and Chinese offered to GCSE and A-level, Latin
and Spanish to GCSE; also Russian GCSE (by arrangement). Regular exchanges
(France and Germany)
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg
research and design. 80 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), 55 networked
and with email and internet access. Many boarders have their own PCs/laptops.
The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams
can be taken. Many musical groups including jazz band, big band, brass and
woodwind ensembles, jazz cats, rock band. Mendelsohn’s Elijah performed with all
Quaker Schools. Choir and orchestra tour to Prague 2004.
Drama: GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies offered. Majority of pupils
are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions. Current
and former students have starred in film/TV/theatre productions.
Art & design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design, pottery,
photography also offered. Number of students go on to art college.
Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, hockey, soccer, tennis, athletics, swimming compulsory to
age 14. Additional options from 15: badminton, basketball etc. International
sailors and ice-skaters; regional table tennis player; county hockey, cricket
and rugby players.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award. Community service optional. Over 50 clubs including Young Enterprise.
School life
Uniform: School dress code followed throughout.
Houses & prefects: Competitive pastoral houses. Prefects, head boy/girl,
head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Head in consultation with
staff and school. School council.
Religion: All pupils attend the Quaker meetings for worship, based on
silence.
Social: Regular conferences at sixth-form level and social events with
other schools; also Challenge of Industry events. Exchanges and trips abroad,
including sports tours to Hong Kong, Ireland, South Africa. Meals formal. No
tobacco or alcohol allowed.
Discipline Pupils expected to show self-discipline and high standards
of behaviour and courtesy. Sanctions available include detention, gating, loss
of privileges or (for very serious offences) exclusion.
Boarding Most sixth form have own study bedrooms, younger pupils
mostly in rooms of 3–4. Houses of approximately 70–80 (including day pupils).
Resident qualified medical staff. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Weekly
and flexi-boarding an option. Visits to the local town allowed.
Former pupils Michael Foot; Sir David Lean: Sir Richard Rodney
Bennett; Lawrence Gowing; Lord Caradon; Bishop Newbigin; Peter Cadbury; Karel
Reisz; Tony Baldry MP; Basil Bunting; Lord Seebohm; Jim Broadbent; Nathaniel
Parker; Quentin Davies MP; Robin Denselow.
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