Part of that is making learning available to local pupils in subjects that are not offered to them in their own schools. This is particularly an issue in the later years of education, so we have an average of 15 pupils from the maintained sector per year coming to us to study A-level subjects such as Art History and Geography and we host a Classics Academy, giving both GCSE and A-level pupils access to Latin and Greek classes.

We are also keenly aware that many schools are unable to adequately equip their pupils for the educational, practical and social challenges of university study. Therefore we are pleased to invite between 20 and 30 pupils each year, from a range of local schools, to attend our weekly University Preparation lessons. In addition to this, our teachers offer specific personal support to partner-school pupils applying to study disciplines such as medicine and architecture, as well as regularly providing interview advice and practice.

The earlier years of education, however, are not forgotten and we have a number of key partnerships with local primary schools. Throughout the academic year whole classes of pupils in Years 4-6 from surrounding state schools are invited to attend a series of interactive science workshops, devised and led by members of the Science Department and some of our Sixth Form pupils. The objective is to enthuse the younger children about practical science and its uses in medicine and technology, while offering our Sixth Form pupils an opportunity to act as mentors and role models.

A number of our Year 11 drama pupils also work with local schoolchildren, going in to write and perform short plays that fit with key topics the primary schools are studying; such as bullying, or good citizenship. Some of our pupils also volunteer with primary-school-age children, helping them with their reading, writing and studies.