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Oswestry School,奧賽斯特中學，奧賽斯特學校  Oswestry,
Shropshire SY11 2TL
Tel: 01691 655711 Fax: 01691 671194
Website: www.oswestryschool.org.uk
• CO-ED, 2_–18, Day & Boarding
• Pupils 436, Upper sixth 30
• Termly fees £2790–£3310 (Day), £5570 (Boarding)
• SHMIS
• Enquiries/application to the Director of Recruitment

What it’s like
Founded in 1407 and one of the oldest continuous foundations in England. The agreeable, well-designed, red-brick buildings occupy pleasant grounds and playing fields on the edge of the market town of Oswestry, overlooking the Shropshire Plain. The pre-prep school, Bellan House, is self-contained but nearby. Facilities are very good. A good all-round education is provided in a supportive family atmosphere (every effort is made to accommodate families’ needs) and examination results are good. The music department is thriving, and drama and art are also lively. Sport and games are encouraged and high standards are attained (many county representatives annually). A large number of clubs and societies cater for most needs. The CCF is vigorous and the school has an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and in leadership training.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 2_–18; 436 pupils, 346 day (202 boys, 144 girls), 90 boarding (60 boys, 30 girls). Senior department 13–18, 220 pupils (125 boys, 95 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 9, 11, 13 and 16. Entry by interview and report from previous school; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C, including sixth-form subjects. No religious requirements.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Scholarships and exhibitions available, value 10%–50% fees, awarded at 9, 11, 13and 16. Some bursaries, based on financial need; fee concessions for children of teachers and servicemen. Parents expected to buy textbooks.

Head & staff
Headmaster: Paul Stockdale, in post from 2001. Educated at Carlisle Grammar School and at the universities of Hull (zoology), Bangor (PGCE) and Birmingham (educational management). Previously Head of Ballard School, New Milton, and Deputy Head of Kirkham Grammar School. Member of the Institute of Biology.
Teaching staff: 38 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 43.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 48 pupils in Year 11: 54% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 14% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 46 (47 over 5 years).
A-levels: 30 in upper sixth: 62% passed in 3 subjects; 25% in 2; and 10% in 1 subject. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 262.

University & college entrance 95% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (2% after a gap year). 10% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 15% in science & engineering, 25% in humanities & social sciences, 17% in art & design, 34% in vocational subjects eg drama, music, business and finance, leisure management. Others typically go on to non-degree courses (eg art, drama, catering, agriculture) or into careers (eg armed services, banking, retailing).

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 14 AS/14 A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4–5 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; some take supplementary GCSEs; general studies not taken. 20% take maths and science A-levels; 20% arts/humanities; 60% both. Key skills: communication and ICT.
Special provision: EAL teaching and help for dyslexic pupils (on withdrawal from classes basis) in Learning Support Unit, usually three times a week.
Languages: French and German offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Spanish GCSE.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 52+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), most networked, all with email and internet access.

The arts
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, pop group. Pupils in county orchestra.
Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school productions.
Art & design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Pupils regularly accepted for art college and to read architecture.

Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, soccer, cricket for boys; hockey, netball for girls; athletics, cross-country, swimming, badminton, tennis for boys and girls. BAGA, ASA exams may be taken. Regular county representation (cricket, swimming, athletics, hockey, football).
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Active social service and charitable works. Clubs include computer, chess, climbing, aerobics, drama, art, metal modelling, kayaking, motor enthusiasts.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form (smart business dress).
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, heads of house and house prefects – appointed after consultation.
Religion: Non-denominational. Compulsory chapel. Boarders must attend unless attending own (eg Roman Catholic) church.
Social: Trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a reminder, then work detention for persistent failure. Any pupil caught supplying drugs would expect to be expelled.

Boarding 5% have own study bedroom; 50% share (1 or 2); 35% in dormitories of 3–8. Single-sex houses of approximately 50; separate sixth-form houses for boys and girls. Resident qualified medical staff. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks. 3 or 4 overnight exeats each term. Visits to local town allowed.

Alumni association is run by Stephen Hodge, c/o the school.