Impressive learning opportunities for every pupil

The school was founded in l859 by John Henry Cardinal Newman, who believed in an education system based on sound moral principles, a scientific and methodical approach to academic study and a personal concern for the welfare of every pupil. Small classes ensure that there is a close monitoring of work with an academic programme designed to provide something for everyone. The three sciences are taught separately from Year 7 and a second language is taught from Year 9.

Newly extended departments, (Art and Design, English, Maths, and Theology), offer impressive learning opportunities for every pupil with the development of leadership skills playing an important part in the daily routine including adventure training, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, debating, public speaking, Combined Cadet Force and prefect training.

Daily sport means that boys have the opportunity to reach a high level of sporting excellence, some going on to play for international teams.

The school has a great rugby tradition with three unbeaten teams last season and national Sevens wins at Stonyhurst, (Northern Sevens) and Windsor. Real tennis is unique to the school and an impressive shooting team hold an array of trophies, including the Schools’ Grand Aggregate.

An award-winning art and design department offers Foundation Course status, voted by the Good Schools’ Guide as top in the UK for art at A-Level, as well as gaining the best results at GCSE.

A lively drama department produced three major plays a year, some in conjunction with local girls’ schools, while the music department provides all that would be expected from a senior school with a strong emphasis on choral singing and small instrumental ensemble work.

The Sixth Form provides academic monitoring, interview training, study skills and individual guidance. This year’s A level results showed 75 per cent at grades A*-B and GCSE results 46.5 per cent at grade A*-A representing a ten per cent rise on the 2009 results.