Founded in 1595, it has occupied its present site since 1881. This is an attractive campus (on the south side of the town) with pleasant buildings, lovely gardens and ample playing fields (about 50 acres in all). There have been many developments in the last 20 years and the school has first rate facilities. A pre-preparatory school opened on the same campus in 1990, providing the possibility of continuous education for boys and girls from 3-18. Chapel services and teaching are in accordance with the principles of the Church of England. A well-run school, it provides a sound general education with good academic results.
Recent developments have been modernising the science laboratories, re-furbishing boarding accommodation, and establishing the Richard Gent Centre for Design and Technology. Music and drama are strongly encouraged. An exchange visit with a French or German school takes place annually, and there are other educational visits abroad. Expeditions and leadership training take place through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the Combined Cadet Force. The principal winter games for boys are association football, rugby and cross-country; for girls, hockey and netball. There are also cricket, tennis, athletics, shooting and other sporting activities. The school is organised to offer a core programme of academic teaching, games coaching, CCF and Duke of Edinburgh Scheme Monday to Friday with a comprehensive activities programme after the teaching day and at weekends. Day boarding, weekly boarding and full boarding are all offered.
