What it’s like
Founded in 1532 by William Radcliffe and in the 19th-century endowed by the Trustees of Browne’s Hospital, as was the High School for girls. The two schools (and junior school) have a joint Principal but each has its own Head. They share many cultural, social and educational activities, including mixed sixth-form teaching, and a common junior school. Over the centuries both have played a major part in the life of the town and neighbourhood. Stamford School’s buildings lie to the north-east of the town in some 34 acres of agreeable grounds and playing fields. The chapel was originally part of the 12th-century St Paul’s Church. Since 1875 there has been a continuous programme of building and modernisation, resulting in excellent facilities. An Anglican foundation, it follows the liturgy of the Church of England but welcomes boys of other faiths. Academic standards are high and examination results good. Music is very strong indeed, as is drama. A standard range of sports and games is provided and there are many successful teams. The CCF contingent has RN, Army and RAF sections and local community services are a popular alternative. Many clubs and societies cater for most needs. A successful Young Enterprise group and a traditional commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in which the school has an outstanding record of success. A large number of overseas trips is organised, including sporting tours all over the country and beyond.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18; 652 boys (578 day, 70 boarding).
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (preferably A in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 50% of intakes at 11 and 16 from state schools; 50% at 11 from own junior (enquiries to the Headmistress, Stamford Junior School, Kettering Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2LR).

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Scholarships, value £250–£1000. Some bursaries for families in financial difficulties. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Parents 60+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.

Head & staff
Principal (of The Stamford Endowed Schools): Dr Peter Mason, appointed 1997. Educated at Rochdale Grammar School and Newcastle University (chemistry). Previously Headmaster of Reading School, Head of Chemistry and Senior Housemaster at Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.
Head: Peter Fraser, appointed 2000. Previously Deputy Head of St Paul’s School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Teaching staff: 70 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 44.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 106 pupils in fifth: 81% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 17% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 56 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 78 in upper sixth: 11% passed in 4+ subjects; 76% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 339.

University & college entrance 90% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 6% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 30% in science & engineering, 5% in law, 50% in humanities & social sciences, 5% in art & design, 5% in drama and music. Others typically go on to non-degree courses or directly into careers (banking, armed forces, retailing).

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects offered, 28 at AS/A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 13% take science A-levels; 47% arts/humanities; 40% both. Mixed teaching with Stamford High School allows wide range of subjects.
Vocational: Well-established links with business and industry include a sixth-form industrial conference, industry day for 14-year olds, careers conferences and practice interview arrangements. Work experience in Year 10 (1 week).
Special provision: Two teachers give individual lessons to dyslexic pupils.
Languages: French, German and Russian offered at GCSE and A-level (French compulsory from age 11 to GCSE). Spanish and Italian at A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany, Italy and Russia.
ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 300 computers for pupil use (9+ hours a day), all networked and with e-mail and internet access.

The arts
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including symphony orchestra, wind band, choral society, chapel choir, chamber groups, jazz band etc. Pupils have achieved Oxbridge choral scholarships, pop group reached finals in national competition.
Drama: Much extra-curricular drama. Many pupils are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions.
Art & design: On average, 50 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, pottery and sculpture also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Choice from rugby, hockey, cricket, cross-country, athletics, soccer, tennis, squash, canoeing, golf, table tennis, shooting, basketball, ski trips, chess. Strong county representation in rugby, hockey, cricket; frequent county athletics champions; national cross-country finalists; national youth canoeing champions in recent years; shooting at Bisley annually.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; some 40 pa gold. CCF optional (over 200 boys and girls) and community service. Up to 30 clubs, eg science, history, chess, air rifle, quizzes, computing, art, Young Enterprise.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy, head of house and house prefects. School prefects appointed by Headmaster, house prefects by housemasters.
Religion: Christian worship compulsory.
Social: Plays, musical events, choir. Trips abroad for eg fieldwork, skiing etc; rugby tours (eg New Zealand), cricket (eg West Indies); exchange with St Albans School, Washington DC. Pupils allowed to bring own car/motorbike/bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to be admonished and kept in if persistent; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be suspended while all factors considered – expulsion likely.

Boarding 25% have own study bedroom, 35% share; 40% in dormitories up to 5. Houses of 40, divided by age group. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Pupils can make own coffee, tea and toast. Seniors allowed to local town daily with permission; juniors, rationed.

Alumni association is run by Membership and Information Secretary, B M McKenzie, 11 Rutland Terrace, Stamford PE9 2QD.

Former pupils M J K Smith (England cricket captain/England rugby too); John Terraine (historian); Sir Malcolm Sargent; Sir Michael Tippett; Robert Clift (Olympic Gold Medallist, hockey); Simon Hodgkinson (England rugby); Mark James (golfer); Philip Goodrich (Bishop of Worcester); Colin Dexter (Insp Morse creator); Iwan Thomas (400m Europe & Commonwealth Gold); General Sir Michael Jackson (Chief of Defence Staff).