In addition there is a strong tradition of service children in the school, many of whom hold armed forces allowances. As the Assisted Place scheme draws to a close, the school is seeking to establish a rather larger bursary fund. Generally girls perform rather better than boys at GCSE but the grades achieved by boys and girls are more or less the same at A level. In lessons and in their written work pupils achieve high standards at all levels in the school. Attainment is above the levels expected for pupils of this ability, increasingly so as they move up the school.
Pupils show that they understand the work they are doing as well as gaining knowledge of the topic.
Pupils requiring learning support receive excellent help and the needs of the more able are recognised by some setting in the middle school and with a supplementary programme in the sixth form. Progress is satisfactory or good in most lessons. In all subjects, as well as progress in each year, there is continuity and progression from year to year and across the key stage boundaries. Pupils quickly become competent learners, and are well motivated and co-operative in almost all lessons. They have good research skills, work well in small groups and respect the views of others in the class.