Independent Day & Boarding School in London Area, UK

Stowe School, London:
Stowe School is a co-educational independent boarding school in Buckingham, one hour north of London in the heart of the English countryside. The School enjoys a national reputation and attracts pupils from across the UK; a further 10% of its pupils are international. Nearly 90% of pupils enjoy full boarding, but the School also welcomes over 70 day pupils from nearby towns and villages. We are a wonderful school in the most sublime setting which celebrates youth rather than stifling it. Stowe embodies the English Enlightenment and its ethos continues to be shaped by the people who teach and learn here. We offer an inspiring environment for the education of boys and girls aged thirteen to eighteen in the firm belief that every one of them has the potential for excellence waiting to be unearthed and burnished – the jewel within. Through teaching of the highest calibre, Stoics are encouraged to think for themselves, challenge conventional orthodoxies and pursue their own enthusiasms.

Academic Curriculum:
Pupils are encouraged to make the most of their academic abilities. Through discussion and guidance from their Tutors, they are set targets and given a clear understanding of our expectations. Progress is closely monitored and reported back to both Stoics and parents, through the reporting system and weekly one-to-one Tutor sessions.

Lower School:
In their first year, pupils join the 3rd Form and study 17 or 18 subjects:
English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, Classics, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Art, Design & Technology, Drama, Music, ICT, PE, Visual Education, Spanish or German or Extra Science.

Before moving into the 4th Form, based on first year preparation and Tutors' guidance, pupils choose their GCSE subjects from various options, in addition to the core subjects of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Co-Ordinated Science (Dual Award). Options include:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Greek, History, Geography, Drama, Design and Spanish.

Upper School at 6th Form:
For GCE A level studies Stowe operates a '4 column system' where pupils choose one subject from each column, enabling them to study a minimum of 4 subjects at AS level in the Lower 6th. Experience has shown that a Grade B at GCSE is a realistic indicator for success in a subject at AS level.

* Subjects offered include:  Art, Economics, Modern Languages, Biology, English Music, Business Studies, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, History, Politics, Classical Civilisation,  History of Art, Religious Studies, Design & Technology, Latin, Sport, Science, Drama & Theatre Studies, Mathematics (& Further Maths).

* In addition:  Other courses such as ECDL (European Computing Driving Licence) may be offered to the Lower Sixth.

Entry qualification for the 6th Form is currently six GCSE passes (A to C) with four or more at Grade B or above. The minimum requirement for continuation to A2 in the Upper 6th is three AS pass grades (at grade E or above).

Arts:
We believe that the Art School very much represents what Stowe School aims to be, a place where students are enabled to think deeply and to engage in autonomous learning. Students achieve ambitious levels of outcome, high standards at all examination levels and many go on each year to study the subject further at colleges such as St. Martins and Chelsea.

The Art School is aiming wherever possible to work from direct experience and observation. Work should come from the development of concepts that are sustained and sequential as appropriate to age and ability level. We encourage students to have a strong awareness of contemporary practice and be able to place this within a theoretical and historical context.

Physical Education:
Sport is an important part of life at Stowe, whether representing the School, playing in an inter- House event or just for enjoyment with friends. Through the enjoyment of sport we enable Stoics to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as initiative, perseverance and leadership skills, while learning to understand the importance of team spirit and sportsmanship. Development of physical confidence helps establish self-esteem, so valuable in other areas of life.

The main sports for boys are rugby, hockey and cricket; for girls, lacrosse, hockey and tennis. Stowe also offers an exceptionally wide range of other sports, giving everybody the opportunity to take part in an activity they enjoy.