Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How much homework will my son be given each week?  
 
Answer: Homework is a standard part of the curriculum and all pupils are expected to do homework on a regular basis. Parents are urged to take an active role in encouraging and supervising the performance of homework and are provided with a homework timetable. They are also asked to inspect and sign regularly their child’s homework diary. As a rough guide, about one hour’s homework per night is set in the first year, increasing as the pupil moves up the school towards public examinations.

Question 2: Does the school have a code of conduct?
 
Answer: Yes. A code of conduct regulates all aspects of school life and is issued to every pupil when they join the school.

Every boy is expected to be sensible and courteous in his behaviour at all times and to obey any reasonable request made by a member of staff. There are general school rules to ensure the smooth running of the school community, copies of which are sent to parents of prospective pupils. Discipline is firm, friendly and caring. Misdemeanours are dealt with in a variety of ways, ranging from reprimand to conduct cards. More serious offences are punished by detention accompanied, if necessary, by interviews with parents. Very serious offenders may be excluded.

Question 3: How is the school's pastoral system structured?
 
Answer: The school is divided into the Lower School, Upper School and 6th Form with a Head of School in charge of each. Each year group is divided into five tutor groups, under the direction of a Head of Year. Heads of School are responsible to the Headmaster for the administration, organisation, discipline and academic progress within their respective parts of the school. Form tutors work closely with Heads of Year and Heads of School, under the overall supervision of the Deputy Headmaster (pastoral), and are responsible for the day to day guidance and general welfare of the boys in their care. Registration is on a form basis by age. Attendance is regularly over 90% for all year groups. Attendance is monitored by the education welfare officers who liaise with relevant members of staff. 

Question 4: What's the schools policy on sex education?
 
Answer: The Church recognises that it is the privilege and responsibility of the family to inform and educate their children in all matters pertaining to human growth and development, particularly in the sensitive area of sexual development. However, it also recognises that parents need a major commitment from schools to support them in this role. The school has a Sex Education programme delivered through the R.E. and Science Departments, which spans the first five years of the boys’ time at school. It covers both the physical details of human reproduction and moral teaching on sexuality in accordance with the teaching of the Church. Parents have a statutory right to withdraw their sons from sex education classes except for those aspects of human reproduction which form part of the National Curriculum in Science.

Question 5: What is the school uniform?
 
Answer: All boys wear school uniform, about which, information is available on acceptance of a place. The legend on the school badge sums up the school’s ethos: 'God’s servant first'.

Question 6: Can I visit the school to discuss my son's development?
 
Answer: Meetings between the parents and the teachers to discuss the academic progress of pupils in each year group are arranged during the year. Parents are encouraged to make appointments with the appropriate Head of Year, Head of School, Deputy Headmaster and/or the Headmaster at any convenient time by appointment made through the school secretary.

Question 7: Where can I obtain a copy of the syllabus?
 
Answer: Parents are able, by arrangement, to see any relevant documents, policy statements or syllabi at the school. Please visit or phone the school during term time. (See Contact Details).

Question 8: Does the school have a parents association?
 
Answer: The Parents’ Association has done much to assist the school in the purchase of additional equipment and in organising social occasions when parents may meet each other. The committee, which meets regularly to arrange events, is open to all parents.

Question 9: Does the school have a newsletter?

Answer: Every week the school is open, pupils take home a double sided A4 newsletter containing details of school life, such as religious matters, charities, sporting activities, news of old boys, school visits and dates of meetings. The letter is called 'Contact' and can be found on this website. To read the latest copy of contact click here.