‘We rate personal development as highly as academic success’, Head tells parents on exam day

Parents of children taking examinations for entry into Year 7 at Colston’s School on Saturday had the chance to relax over coffee and pastries in the dining hall and chat with teachers.

They also gathered in the Chatterton Hall for a welcome and presentation by Headmaster Peter Fraser.

He explained that the entry process is more than a judgement on potential academic ability. Colston’s also looks for well rounded young people.

The school encourages diversity and a range of ability, focusing as much on tolerance, service and an understanding of others as on examination success.

Recognising that parents have a strong interest in examination performance, Mr Fraser summarised the 2006/7 outcome.

“At A Level, 64 per cent of students achieved A or B grades, 83 per cent gained A to C grades and the pass rate was 99 per cent,” he said.

“At GCSE, 49 per cent of grades achieved were A* or A, and 96 per cent were A* to C.

“However I dissent from the world of league tables. Grades don’t tell you about people. Academically our pupils consistently do well, and of course that’s good. But we rate their personal development as highly.

“In life they will be judged on qualities like independence, achievement, self motivation, leadership, confidence, tolerance. We want them to be rounded and successful, and there are no GCSEs in any of these things.

“If you choose to send your sons and daughters to Colston’s, they will be walking out of the door as young men and young ladies in seven years time,” he added.

“At that stage I hope we are judged not just on their examination results, but on what sort of people they have become.”