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When Steyning Grammar School (SGS) was first established in 1614, the school only had one master, no more than 50 boys, and six boarders. Today, it’s the largest state school in West Sussex with over 2,200 students aged 11 to 18, 450 Sixth Form students, and one of the most modern boarding facilities in the country accommodating 120 students from all over the world
Here, all are equal. All learners are recognised and respected regardless of background or faith, as reflected in the school’s seven key principles of equalities. This practice, coupled with the SGS’s commitment to holistic education, creates an environment that ensures every student feels valued, uplifted, and nurtured. The school displays unwavering dedication to providing excellent pastoral care, health, and well-being support, cementing its status as one of the most successful boarding provisions in the UK.
Source: Steyning Grammar School
“The boarding provision has a highly positive effect upon the ethos and character of the school,” writes an Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report by the Church of England. “Students who board are exceptionally well cared for pastorally and spiritually. Within the boarding house, there is a truly inclusive and nurturing atmosphere.”
Wherever they go, an SGS student, boarding or otherwise, has the full support of faculty and staff. Within the school, all learners thrive in a variety of class formats, ranging from small group seminars, demonstrations, practical activities, e-learning based research, group debates, and presentations. Outside the classroom, a diverse range of extracurricular activities are available – sports, arts, and music programmes that appeal to a wide range of interests and develop individual skills. This combination has paved the way for many SGS graduates to pursue their passions.
Take singer and songwriter Maisie Peters, for example. An SGS graduate, she won the school’s annual talent show in 2015 with a performance of her own composition “Electric.” Today, she’s an award-winning singer, performing opening acts for big-name artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Conan Gray and Taylor Swift. Then there’s British historian Elizabeth Norton, who graduated from SGS and pursued archaeology and anthropology at Cambridge and Oxford. She has written 13 books about the queens of England and the Tudor period, contributed research to peer-reviewed journals and magazine publications, and made many appearances as an expert on television.
Purposeful learners, great results
Source: Steyning Grammar School
SGS understands that each child is different. Here, every student can reach their full potential – academically, socially and individually – and get into their first-choice universities. But an education here not only prepares students for higher education and beyond; it also offers boundless opportunities to pursue personal interests.
In Sixth Form, students have the opportunity to pursue a broad range of A Level and Applied courses, designed to equip each student for university, apprenticeships, or the world of work. There are over 30 options – each promises a high-quality experience that equips students with the necessary skills for the next stage in life.
For those uncertain about their future choices, the school has a comprehensive Careers and Guidance support programme available. The school often invites industry experts, colleges, and employers to run talks with Year 10 and 11 students and employs staff to help with application writing and individual guidance, offering further counselling if necessary. In addition to all that, SGS places Sixth Formers in a Learning Group with an experienced mentor, ready to guide them on all aspects of learning, life and beyond.
This well-rounded suite of support and services has led to excellent outcomes. The results are evident, especially in this year’s A Level cohort – 27% of grades were A*/A across A Level and Applied subjects, with many students scoring high in subjects like Photograph, Sports, Politics, and sciences such as Chemistry, Biology and Forensics.
Some are moving on to top universities and organisations. Lottie S, who earned A*s in Biology, Maths and Chemistry, secured five university offers, and is going to Manchester to study medicine. Student President Rory D scored A* in Economics and As in Maths and Physics, and will be undergoing a highly competitive degree apprenticeship at J.P. Morgan, following a demanding application process. Their peers have done just as well – this year, many will pursue higher education at their desired universities or apprenticeships at businesses the likes of Jaguar Land Rover group, Rolls Royce, and PEB Construction.
“We look forward to watching our Sixth Form alumni go on to study at universities of their choice, as well as undertaking apprenticeships or entering the world of work – whatever their next steps we know they will take with them their learnings and experiences during their time with us,” says Adam Whitehead, Headteacher.
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