House loyalty is strong, with the unfettered mixing of year groups but there is also interaction amongst the houses afforded by the wide variety and extent of activities on offer. These give opportunities to individuals to develop their interests, leadership skills and self-discipline and to work as members of teams. Social contacts are maintained with a number of girls' schools. An atmosphere of cheerful friendliness pervades the school with pupils shewing courtesy and concern. The rules are clear and sensible and the duties of the prefects are clearly laid out.
Staff are very alert to the possibility of bullying, of which there is clearly very little.
The school's pastoral care was universally praised by the parents who met the inspectors. Pupils enjoy the support of resident house staff and of tutors, with the sixth formers opting for a tutor of their choice. The careers department is well-housed and attractively furnished, situated in the heart of the school. It has files on a wide range of higher education institutions and pupils are encouraged to take tests and attend courses. The success in placing pupils, some of only average ability, in such a range of quality higher education institutions is a tribute to the effectiveness of the higher education advice within the school.