Founded in 627 AD, St Peter’s is the fourth oldest school in the world and one of the country’s leading schools. Our academic results are outstanding but we believe that independent thinking and a love of learning are just as important as excellent grades. We offer co-education from 2 to 18 and our three-school structure enables us to give a tailor-made experience for each age group, while giving access to the facilities of the whole school and a strong sense of belonging. Situated just minutes from the heart of York, one of the nation’s greatest and most beautiful cities, everyone at St Peter’s is part of a modern, dynamic community where we walk, as our motto says, ‘over ancient ways’.
Welcome
The years you spend from the age of 13 to 18 are amongst the most exciting and rewarding of your time at school. It is a wonderful age when you start to develop particular interests and specialisms before stepping over the threshold into adult life and all that lies ahead. At St Peter’s 13-18 you will find increasing areas of opportunity whether in the classroom, through academic extension or in the co-curricular programme. We want you to open up new avenues and the sheer breadth of activity means that we operate on a full six day schedule - any less and there wouldn’t be time for all we do. With our boarding community being ever-present, this is a school where being busy, happy and active is a way of life. It is a great time for developing your sense of personal responsibility and taking on leadership alongside working in teams. It can also be a challenging time and support is here for you and your family all the way through and after your time at St Peter’s. The House system is the engine room of the school and the bedrock of pastoral care alongside
St Peter’s 2-8
other structures and there is a wealth of guidance and advice on making choices about careers and future pathways. Our beautiful campus and outstanding facilities give you space to grow and a sense of beauty and calm. Meanwhile, York is one of the best cities in the country in which to spend your years as a teenager and beyond and our links to the Minster and partnerships with local schools, universities and other cultural organisations brings a richness to the experience of being a Peterite. One thing to watch out for is that your final years at school can move pretty fast. Make the most of it and you will find that life at St Peter’s will be full of challenging fun as you learn the keys for life.
Jeremy Walker, Headmaster of St Peter’s School
St Peter’s 8-13
St Peter’s 13-18
KEYS FOR LIFE
Keys for Life
Our aim is prepare our pupils for confident, successful and fulfilled adult lives and to make a positive impact on their world.
Our Four Pillars
Qualifications
Skills
Interests
Values
Our Seven Key Values Friendship
Endurance
Trust
Humility
Wisdom
Hope
Compassion
Our Key Skills Emotional Intelligence
Originality
Resilience
Leadership
Initiative
Flexibility
Social Influence
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Creativity
Persuasion and Negotiation
KEYS FOR LIFE
A lifelong
love of learning We are proud of the academic results we achieve and we know that excellent academic results don’t just happen. They come from a carefully structured curriculum, inspirational teaching and a school culture that values effort and hard work as much as it does creativity and enjoyment. Academic achievements are essential, after all they will be the starting point for interviews and appointments after school. However, our strength comes from the combination of these with skills, interests and values, the four pillars of a St Peter’s education, which underpin all we do. We have consistently strong results at GCSE and A Level. In 2019, 85% of A Level and equivalent Pre-U examinations at the school were awarded at A*–B. At GCSE, 46% of pupils achieved all 9-8 grades (A*) with 98% awarded grades 9-4 (A*-C). In 2020, 92% of A Levels were awarded at A*-B. 52% of GCSE grades were 9-8, with almost every pupil achieving grades 9-4 in all subjects. In 2021, 91% of A Levels were awarded at A*-B and 56.8% of GCSE grades were 9-8, with 99% of pupils achieving grades 9-4 in all subjects. When pupils join us in the Third Form, our aim is to give them as much choice as possible, allowing them to make the best selection from our extensive range of GCSE subjects. Fourth and Fifth Formers follow an enriched GCSE curriculum with plenty of additional opportunities to explore subjects in greater depth. Our wide-ranging Sixth Form programme comprises the very best A Level and Pre-U courses, with each department offering the course that best prepares pupils for Higher Education. Throughout their studies, pupils are supported by highly skilled teachers who will ensure that they achieve their full potential.
Academic study is not just confined to the classroom. Trips are used to bring the curriculum to life, whether to the North Yorkshire coast to explore geology and biology, watching Shakespeare at The Globe Theatre or visiting Rome’s ancient monuments. Visiting speakers including authors, scientists and theologians inspire our pupils with their particular expertise. Teams from St Peter’s regularly reach national competition finals in science, technology, maths, engineering, marketing, debating and general knowledge. To find out more visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/ st_peters_13_18/academic
ACADEMIC
KEYS FOR LIFE
Find your
SIXTH FORM
place in the world We welcome a large number of new Sixth Form pupils to the school each September, with many of them choosing boarding as a means of preparing for life beyond school. There are opportunities to pursue academic and co-curricular passions to new depths. Life as a Sixth Former involves focus, dedication and increasing responsibility. But there is still plenty of time for fun. Our Sixth Form community is characterised by a strong sense of friendship, and is one where individuality is supported and encouraged. Our experienced teachers prepare pupils for the rigours of examinations, but participation in a range of activities is the norm. An extensive and inspiring Academic Extension Programme offers pupils the chance to pursue subjects, skills and topics far beyond any examination programme, building enthusiasm and experience that forms a strong basis for further study and lifelong interest. Many Sixth Formers will take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), enriching their A Level studies with a broad range of self-selected and independently researched topics.
Sixth Formers have a choice of study spaces to work quietly and in groups, including their own purposebuilt space in the brand-new Pascal Building. Whether it is in drama, music, sport, debating or engineering, many will represent the school nationally, benefitting from the chance to develop and test ideas in the real world. The city of York, with its cafes, theatres, cinemas and shops, and our style of boarding provision, means Sixth Formers can study hard in the week, yet find time for the relaxation and inspiration that our great city offers. The breadth of our Sixth Form curriculum and our award-winning Careers Department help us to ensure that each and every Sixth Former leaves St Peter’s confident and enthusiastic about life after school, whichever path they choose. We are proud not only of the high proportion of our pupils accepted by their first-choice university, but also of the variety of courses, events and bespoke opportunities created by our Careers Department. An exciting range of pathways are followed by our pupils with each having the support and experiences to choose what is right for them. To find out more visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/ st_peters_13_18/sixth_form
KEYS FOR LIFE
More time for
the things you love Being part of our boarding community allows pupils to dedicate more time to the things they love, putting them in the best position to take advantage of all St Peter’s School has to offer. Living in one of our four senior boarding Houses means that boarders can throw themselves into as many activities as they choose, still leaving plenty of time to relax in their home from home. Senior boarding is where friendships are made for life, living as a family. Small groups of younger pupils share rooms, whilst Sixth Formers tend to have one roommate or a single room. Every House offers an abundance of communal space including gardens, lounges and study spaces. The shared kitchens mean that there is always an opportunity for a snack and a catch up with friends. Boarders can choose to spend their free time taking part in organised activities or doing their own thing. With the beautiful city of York on their doorstep, there is no shortage of culture, commerce and entertainment. House parents are always keen to hear boarders’ views on what would make House life even better and there are lots of opportunities to share and discuss ideas. Along with the live-in House parents and assistant House parents, tutors, matrons and housekeeping staff all add to the family feel of the boarding Houses. All take great pride in being part of their House and there’s always someone ready with a listening ear. To find out more visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/ boarding
BOARDING
KEYS FOR LIFE
A nurturing
PASTORAL CARE
community
At the heart of pastoral care at St Peter’s is the House system. Each House, day or boarding, is comprised of pupils from the Third Form to the Upper Sixth, fostering relationships and support which will endure for a child’s entire time at the school. House parents and staff get to know every single individual, allowing them to adapt their approach to every child’s unique characteristics, strengths and areas to develop. The Houses are not just places to gather, they are a place where pupils feel comfortable, understood and able to share experiences. Friendly rivalry between the Houses leads to many opportunities to show off strengths, whether in sporting competitions or House challenges. No one is left out and the aim is to have fun. Houses form part of a wider network of pastoral support. We have a fully equipped medical centre, run by qualified staff offering round the clock support. There is a Listening Space available where pupils can visit at any time and have access to the school counsellor. The Pastoral Deputy has an open door, as do the rest of the senior team, and pupils are encouraged to drop in.
As a school with strong Christian foundations, the Chapel is central to school life. Pupils gather three times a week for a short service, for an act of worship as well as a welcome chance for quiet reflection in the midst of their busy lives. With a joint foundation in 627AD, we share strong links with York Minster and celebrate our Christmas and end of year Commemoration services there. To find out more visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/ st_peters_13_18/pastoral
KEYS FOR LIFE
An active lifestyle
There is no doubt that sport is a way of life at St Peter’s. It’s all about participation and everyone finds something they really love doing, at a level which is right for them. Whether it is one of our core sports of hockey, rugby, netball, cricket or tennis or one of the myriad other sport and fitness opportunities available, St Peter’s strives for all pupils to lead active and healthy lives. We are not just all about the core sports. With the River Ouse on our doorstep, rowing has long been part of life at St Peter’s and in 2020 we opened our brand new £1.2m boathouse. Pupils benefit from our outstanding facilities. With 47 acres of land, we have abundant space for sports pitches, a fully equipped gym including the strength and conditioning suite, a modern indoor swimming pool and sports hall. Teachers and sports coaches provide the encouragement and support to get the very best out of every pupil. This has led to national success across all of our main sports in recent years. Sports and activities including yoga, Pilates, football, badminton, cross country and numerous others mean that there really is something for everyone. To find out more visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/st_peters_13_18/sport
SPORT
MUSIC
Making music
The Music School at St Peter’s is one of the largest and most diverse school music departments in the country. We offer a wide range of opportunities for individual and ensemble performance, with full Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Band, Swing Band and Brass Ensemble, and numerous chamber groups from String Quartet and Classical Guitar Group to our Clarinet Choir and Percussion Group.
instrumental teaching and practice rooms, a recital room and a fully equipped recording studio. A new Bösendorfer concert grand piano in the Memorial Hall is the centrepiece of our instrumental stock, which also contains six Yamaha Conservatoire series grand pianos and a beautiful Andrew Garlick harpsichord.
Singing is highly regarded. All are welcome to join our school choir, which gives many of our pupils an opportunity to learn and sing a range of classical and popular music. Our more specialist choirs are the Chapel Choir and the Chamber Choir who sing a varied and challenging programme of music. St Peter’s is the choir school for York Minster so the senior school choirs are enriched by pupils who have sung in the internationally renowned choir. Alongside this strong traditional base, we also run Barbershop groups for both boys and girls, which are always a popular feature in school concerts.
We are fortunate to have our beautiful Chapel to use for our concerts and events. In addition, a significant part of St Peter’s music programme involves pupils participating in events at York Minster, for whom we provide the choir school in our 8-13 division. We also perform in other venues throughout the area, nationally and on regular international trips.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our instrumental teaching. Lessons are available on all orchestral instruments, piano, organ, singing, classical guitar, electric and bass guitar, percussion and drum kit. The Music School contains many
The department has an excellent academic record for pupils who opt for GCSE and A Level Music. Pupils also sit Associated Board and Trinity Guildhall examinations each term with the majority achieving merits or distinctions. Many pupils attain Grade 8 each year, with regular numbers going on to achieve either a DipABRSM or ATCL diploma. To find out more visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/ st_peters_13_18/life_at_st_peters/music
KEYS FOR LIFE
Discover
your passion Our extensive co-curriculum of sport, drama, music, activities, clubs and societies helps pupils to discover and explore new interests, skills and talents. St Peter’s co-curricular programme gives pupils the opportunity to interact with the wider community, and nurtures healthy lifestyles and attitudes. We want each child to develop their own unique character and natural curiosity, and to enjoy all that life has to offer. There is something for everyone. Enthusiastic participation is the only requirement. Skills and attitudes learned outside the classroom, such as how to work as a team, win and lose gracefully, and seek out new experiences, are the qualities that lie at the heart of our school. We offer over 80 co-curricular activities including Combined Cadet Force, Debating, Duke of Edinburgh Award, journalism through school magazines and radio, and the Eco Club. As a socially engaged school, active in our community, we also run a volunteering programme, with pupils who are proud to be involved in local charities and projects, hosting regular events for participants.
CO-CURRICULUM
KEYS FOR LIFE
Opportunities
to join us
If our prospectus has made you keen to find out more, please visit us. We will take you and your family around the School so that you can see lessons, meet teachers, explore our campus and find out what it’s like to be a part of the St Peter’s family. A visit will give you a much better idea of the atmosphere, energy and fun in our School.
If you decide to apply to us: • You can submit an application form by the end of October for Sixth Form Entry and the end of December for Third or Fourth Form entry for the following academic year • St Peter’s is oversubscribed and all applicants undergo entrance assessments – Sixth Form applicants sit tests in their chosen A Level subjects plus a general paper in November – Third and Fourth Form applicants sit tests in English and Maths plus a general paper in January – All pupils have a short face to face interview with a member of the teaching staff • We will let you know the outcome of the assessment morning in December for Sixth Form and mid-February for Third and Fourth Form For more information please visit our website: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/st_peters_13_18/admissions Or contact Gillian Bland, Admissions Officer 01904 527305 g.bland@stpetersyork.org.uk
We offer Help With Fees of up to 100% for children applying to join us. For more information please visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/st_peters_13_18/admissions/help_with_fees