Rossall School

Since 2018, Jeremy Quartermain, previously deputy head (academic) at Brentwood School. History degree from Cambridge and MPhil in medieval history from Trinity College Dublin, where he also tutored undergrads. Taught English overseas for a while then

Entrance tests in English, maths and non-verbal reasoning. Interview with head for all applicants, who also have to produce a handwritten personal statement of no more than two sides of A4. Rare for the school to say no, though – only really happens

Around a third leave after GCSEs. Most sixth form pupils go on to university, over 60 per cent to Russell Group or other top 20 universities. Manchester, Durham, Exeter, Edinburgh, Leeds, LSE, UCL, King’s College London, Loughborough and Sheffield

In 2024, 39 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 72 per cent A*/A at A level (91 per cent A*-B); average IB score 34.

Results reflect the broad intake but are on the up. Parents appreciate the recent changes made to the curriculum, especially the greater focus on pupils’ academic attainment. Maths, sciences, English, technology and art do particularly well. Drama is

High-quality SEN support headed up by head’s wife, who comes in for high praise from parents particularly for her knowledge of students’ individual needs. Dyslexia, ADHD and ASD all catered for. In-class support and curriculum adjustments can be

There is something for everyone at Rossall, with seemingly endless extracurricular opportunities, especially for arty and musical children and outdoorsy types. More unusual examples include film making, cryptography, psychology, jazz band, knitting,

This is a very sporty school for both girls and boys. Ian Botham sent his son Liam here and many alumni have gone on to play rugby, hockey or cricket professionally. Several current students are playing football at club and national level. More than

Pupils can board for weekdays only or the whole time. If day pupils want to temporary board, which they often do, then they stay in spare beds within their own house. Temporary boarding allows day pupils to stay at the school for a night or longer

Several parents identified the quality of pastoral care as the single thing they most appreciated about Rossall. One parent was full of praise for the care and individual attention shown during a recent family bereavement, not just to the pupil but

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Quite a few parents are alumni of Rossall. Lots of state-educated too. Some pupils get help with fees from grandparents or from the school’s own means-tested bursary scheme. Three-quarters of families are from the UK, the rest international – further

The school has been in very good financial health for a number of years. About 25 per cent of pupils in the senior school receive significant means-tested bursaries (a 50 per cent reduction of fees or more, with 100 per cent bursaries for local sixth

A warm, welcoming and happy school that embraces the diversity of its community in an unselfconscious and genuine way. The buildings are grand and imposing from afar but once inside you can’t help but be bowled over by the enthusiasm, purposefulness