The school occupies a beautiful site immediately to the South of the Cathedral. It has fine buildings ranging from the XIVth century College Hall, the refectory of the mediaeval monastery, to many modern purpose-built facilities which include a new theatre, a new covered swimming pool and fully refurbished House and teaching accommodation. The mediaeval school with a history going back to the seventh century, was refounded by Henry VIII in 1541.
The School started to move towards full co-education in September 1991, and achieved this goal in September 1995. Boys and girls are now admitted equally throughout the Junior School, and to the Senior School at 11, 13 and 16. There are 182 boys and girls in the Junior School, and 825 boys and girls in the Senior School; the large Sixth Form contains 263 pupils including 109 girls.
The School is well aware of the needs of the 1990s and beyond, and equipped to meet them. Over 90% of the Sixth Form go on to degree courses, mostly at universities, and almost all the rest go on to other types of further education. On average, 10 pupils a year go to Oxford and Cambridge.
Extra curricular activities abound, and in particular, Music is strong - the Cathedral Choristers are educated at the School; Drama flourishes with ten to fifteen full length plays including a drama festival every year.
There is a considerable variety of successful sport. Pupils have frequently won County, National and International honours.
Most important of all, the School is determined to identify the potential of all pupils wherever it may lie, and to give them the opportunity to develop their talents to the full.
