We award academic scholarships on entry to the school and after GCSE results. Specialist awards are given for Sport, Art and Music scholarships. We respond to the needs of the academically able and gifted by setting in some subjects, by providing stretching activities in lessons, and by entering pupils for national competitions. There are many opportunities for debating and public speaking and we also have a very successful history of entry into the Mock Trial Competitions, having won all three of their trials in the 2022 competition.
Our students enjoy an insight into a variety of careers through our career talks programme Biz Whizz. Once a month the school invites three industry experts to share information about their job roles, qualifications and work experience in order to inspire students and broaden their minds to the wealth of opportunities that lie ahead of them.
Academic study and creative work is further developed in the Sixth Form with our Extension Studies programme. The most challenging aspect of this is the Extended Project Qualification which fosters creativity and independence, providing a path towards undergraduate level study. We host an Oxbridge Forum and those aspiring to be medics, dentists and vets benefit from annual mock interviews involving local doctors.
There is a wide range of orchestras, choirs and musical ensembles and Art and Design clubs that help talented pupils to flourish. School plays and musicals also feature prominently throughout the school year. Pupils’ experiences of art and theatre are enhanced by visits to art galleries, theatre productions and cultural places of interest.
The development of leadership potential is addressed through a number of activities, which include our tutorial and prefect system and PSHE programme, Ten Tors, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and overseas expeditions. For those in the Sixth Form, we also provide the Community Sports Leadership Award.
