College highly rated in Good Schools Guide

The Good Schools Guide (GSG) features an in-depth entry on the College and makes interesting reading for current and prospective parents.

Written in an informal style, the GSG is independent in its judgements and views schools from a parent's point of view, based on interviews with parents and students.

The Guide gives the College an excellent report on its academic achievements, describing it as "First division...with a strong overall performance and consistently among top schools in the South East"

Students do well in all subjects and interestingly, the "most popular ones are maths and science (especially physics - a pat on the back on this score with the subject so much out of favour elsewhere)." Music and drama also fare well: "Good and strong in performance," the Guide says.

Not surprisingly, sport is well regarded. "Strong sporting tradition where enthusiasts thrive and facilities are fab". Success on the sporting field is achieved at national and county level and "drives the youngsters to know there are older ones here playing for England."

The Guide says the co-educational mix is working well - "girls have civilised the place - it's more positive, co-operative and relaxed."

In describing their requirements, one parent is quoted as saying, "We were looking for an adult version of their vibrant prep school and feel we found it here. Very social - buzzy"

The Guide gives praise to the House system and levels of pastoral care, noting that the majority of the 80 staff live alongside pupils on site. Parents rate the pastoral side as "fantastic."

In summary, the Guide believes the College is a "slicker outfit these days" with "excellent on-site facilities, well resourced and good academia."

"And you don't need to live in to gain the benefits of the boarding atmosphere," the guide concludes.

The full version of the College's entry can be found at http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/.