The Good Schools Guide

Teens who love the outdoors will be in their element in this stunning location on the edge of Dartmoor.

There’s a real family feel to the school and that’s a credit to the head.

Swimming is its pièce de résistance and many pupils swim at both national and international level (the school has produced more than 100 international swimmers over the last 45 years).

Most sixth formers opt for university, around a third to the Russell Group. Cardiff, Exeter, Manchester, Nottingham, Loughborough and Stirling currently popular. Growing numbers go to overseas universities, often with sports scholarships.

Twenty subjects on offer at A Level, plus BTECs in Applied Science, Performing Arts Practice and Sports Coaching. Most popular A Level subjects are Mathematics, Biology and Psychology, then Physics and Chemistry.

Most take nine GCSEs – all do English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and either duel or triple Science and usually at least one language (French or Spanish).

A Prep that sets out to make childhood last as long as possible but does a great job of developing pupils’ independence along the way. If the sparky children we met were anything to go by they’re succeeding in their mission.

Like its senior counterpart, the Prep is very keen on sport and pupils do something physical every day.

Art is genuinely exciting, with an inspiring head of art who likes to push pupils out of their comfort zone. ‘It’s all about developing their confidence,’ she says.

Around 200 music lessons every week (some pupils learn more than one instrument) and there are myriad ensembles to join – orchestra, string ensemble, soul band and rock bands.