Situated in the Chilterns, close to London, Oxford and Windsor with easy access to the SE England. Mainline railway to London and Birmingham. Heathrow is 40 mins away. Primarily a day school serving the whole of South Buckinghamshire but with a weekly boarding facility for those further afield. A new boarding house is planned for Autumn 1998.
One of the strongest academic state schools in the country (First in The Times 'A' Level tables in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, fifth in 1995 and sixth in 1996).
In 1997, 197 candidates took 'A' levels with 196 qualifying for Higher Education. Wide choice of 'A' Levels (24) and AS subjects (16). Emphasis is on breadth of study. All boys take at least 9 GCSEs. Strength throughout the academic range with dedicated, professional staff prepared to give extra tuition (much commented on by parents). Oxbridge: 23 places in 1997.
OFSTED (1995) stated: 'National test and external examination results show that standards of achievement are high throughout the school ..... and better than those of other selective schools nationally'.
'The majority of pupils achieve standards which are consistent with their abilities or higher than might be expected. This was the case throughout the school'.
'Teachers are well qualified and committed to their work. They have high expectations of pupils and set challenging assignments, ....'
'An ethos of strong community identity and support has been developed and this pervades all aspects of school life'.
Awarded 'outstanding school' status by the DfEE in 1996.
Language College Status. Designated Language College by the DfEE in May 1996. Believed to be the first school in Europe to offer Bahasa Malay in the Sixth Form. Using the Internet to exchange ideas and projects with partner schools in SE Asia, Europe and South Africa.
Wide range of non-academic activities for boys to choose from. Provided in recent years internationals in rugby, hockey, cricket, golf, rowing, basketball and fencing. Regular dramatic productions (1995 'Inherit the Wind', 1996 'Guys and Dolls', 1997'The Merchant of Venice') with links with Wycombe High School. Fully equipped stage facilities with emphasis on the boys managing the computerised lighting etc.
Very strong musically with regular concerts recitals and choral productions. Excellent jazz band that performs professionally and is in much demand.
Traditional manners and courtesies are expected and taught. OFSTED report commented 'The school's values are clear, well established and supported by parents'. Parents felt that 'Our sons were well looked after in a caring community and there is easy and quick access to the relevant member of staff if and when necessary'.
Alumni - Old Wycombiensians include Prof Roger Scruton; Prof Michael Zander; Henry Sandon; Richard Hickox; Prof Denis Stevens; Philip Newport; Matthew Dawson; Nick Beal; Jonathon Wyatt; Ian Dury; Howard Jones; P Stinchcombe MP; Lord McIntosh of Harringay.
