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What it’s like
Founded in 1844 as a C of E foundation. Built as a school for the purpose of
giving a sound education to the sons of clergy and lay people. It is well sited
on the Lancashire coast between Cleveleys and Fleetwood, semi-rural on an estate
of 155 acres. The addition of new buildings and the refitting of the solid
Victorian buildings has been a constant process and much of the modern structure
dates from the 1970s. Religious worship is encouraged and the chapel used daily.
A well-qualified teaching staff allows a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:10.
Academic standards are high and good examination results are achieved. Music is
strong and drama is well supported. There is a good range of sports and games
and a high level of attainment. Extra-curricular activities are plentiful. There
are many opportunities for outdoor pursuits, with emphasis on self-reliance and
practical skills; this is complemented by an extensive programme of community
service to assist the less advantaged. The CCF contingent is the most senior,
having been formed in 1860 and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is well
supported.
School profile
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18; 415 pupils, 240 day (124 boys, 116
girls), 175 boarders (114 boys, 61 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No
special skills or religious requirements, though school is C of E foundation.
35% of senior intake from state schools (plus 15% to sixth form); 65% from own
junior school (enquiries/application to Rossall Junior School, same address, tel
01253 774222).
Scholarships & bursaries 15+ pa scholarships, up to 100% fees; 10
Governors awards for
sixth-form entrants; clerical and service bursaries.
Parents Some 60% live within 30 miles; 30% live overseas.
Head & staff
Principal: Tim Wilbur, in post from 2001. Educated at universities of
Kent and Loughborough. Previously Deputy Head at Sutton Valence and Housemaster
at Millfield.
Teaching staff: 44 full time, 32 part time (including music). Annual
turnover less than 10%.
Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 74 pupils in Year 11: 87% gained at least grade C in 5+
subjects. Average GCSE score 44 (48 over 5 years).
IB/A-levels: 60 in upper sixth. 14 took IB (13 passed with 24+ points);
remainder took A-levels. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth
formers 280.
University & college entrance 91% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on
to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 2% to Oxbridge. 41% took courses in
science & engineering, 22% in humanities & social sciences, 4% in art & design,
31% in business studies. Others typically go in to careers (armed forces,
computing, retail management).
Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels or International Baccalaureate. 20
subjects offered (including A-level general studies and PE). 20% take science
A-levels; 53% arts/humanities; 27% both.
Special provision: Support units for specific learning difficulties and
overseas pupils requiring help with English.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level.
Exchange visits to France and Germany. International study centre offering
intensive ESL in small classes.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (3 lessons a week) and across the
curriculum (eg geography and mathematics). 61 computers for pupil use (10 hours
a day), majority networked and with email and internet access.
The arts
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams
can be taken. Numerous musical groups including orchestral, wind, jazz, choral.
Member of National Jazz Youth Orchestra.
Drama & dance: Both offered (own theatre school). Some pupils are
involved in school and house/other productions.
Art & design: Pottery also offered.
Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, soccer, cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, netball,
squash, fives, cross-country, shooting, swimming available. GCSE and A-level may
be taken.
Activities: Pupils take bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. CCF
and community service both optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg chess, drama, outdoor
pursuits, sub-aqua, fencing, debating.
School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form (who wear dark suits).
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. School captain, house captains,
monitors.
Religion: Twice weekly chapel compulsory, to provide school’s
multi-racial, multi-cultural community with a period of reflection.
Social: Occasional (irregular) events with local schools. Regular sports
tours abroad; exchange visits with German school. Meals cafeteria-style.
Sixth-form centre with bar; no tobacco allowed.
Discipline Pupils failing to produce prep complete work in daily
detention; minor misdemeanours dealt with by community service within school.
Any pupil in possession of cannabis must expect expulsion.
Boarding Sixth formers have own study bedroom; remainder in
dormitories of 4–10. Houses of 35–55, single-sex except junior house (11–13).
Qualified nurses. Central dining room. Flexible policy on exeats. Visits to
local town allowed, twice weekly.
Alumni association is run by George Ayres, President, Rossallian
Club, c/o the school.
Former pupils Sir Thomas Beecham; Leslie Charteris; General Sir
Thomas Hutton; Sir David Brown; Professor F R Smith; Lord Lugard.
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