St Bees became co-educational in 1976 and has approximately 290 pupils, of whom 150 are boys and 140 are girls. Boarders now compromise about 40% of the 290 total; they are accommodated in small dormitories during the early years and progress to study bedrooms in the Sixth Form. Weekly boarding is an increasingly popular option. There is an extensive transport system for pupils, including transfer from main line stations and airports.
All pupils follow the same broad curriculum during the first three years; 16 GCSE courses are offered in the Fourth and Fifth Forms and 18 A Levels courses in the Sixth Form. Results over recent years have been excellent; 100% of leavers enter Higher Education, the vast majority proceeding to degree courses at universities.
The School has excellent sports facilities. These include a 9-hole golf course, courts for tennis, squash, badminton and Eton fives, an indoor heated swimming pool, multigym, indoor shooting range and a large multi-purpose sports hall.
The Lake District National Park is very close at hand for climbing, fell-walking, wind-surfing, canoeing and camping. Outdoor pursuits, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, form an integral part of the curriculum. Music, Drama, CCF, and Community Service all thrive and there are numerous clubs and societies.
A Business Studies Centre was opened in September 1992. This is a joint project with industry and provides outstanding facilities for the school and business users in Information Technology, Languages, Business Studies and Economics.
The St Bees International Centre opens in September 1997 specialising in intensive tuition in English. Students from all over the world will be accepted on courses tailored to their individual needs and ranging in length from two weeks (Summer courses) to one year.
