The school works six days a week during term time. Saturdays are full working days with classes in the morning and games, projects and activities in the afternoon. Each year of between sixty and seventy boys is divided into three teaching groups for all subjects, although they may be set differently for maths and english. Maximum class size is therefore 24.

The National Curriculum is delivered to all pupils in years 9, 10 and 11, which, with the added 'Brymore' elements gives a sound general education in English, mathematics, science, geography, history, a modern foreign language, agriculture, horticulture, art, religious education, design and technology, information technology, physical education and personal and social development. Where it is deemed appropriate and with full consultation with parents there are deviations from this overall experience for some students. Parents have the right to withdraw their sons from all or part of religious education and/or collective worship; the School should be informed of this request at the formal interview stage so that alternative provision can be discussed.

The basic course: (age 13-16) lasts 3 years. The majority of subjects follow courses that lead to a GCSE examination, but recently Brymore has vocational assessments in agriculture and horticulture in preference to the GCSE exam - a decision that was highly praised during the OFSTED inspection. The practical nature of these NVQ and City and Guilds assessments are particularly suited to the 'experimental' education (i.e learning-through-doing) offered at Brymore. Accordingly, the proportion of practical lessons is greater than in most schools.

An optional extended course (age 16-17) is available for boys seeking further vocational qualifications. Year 12 experience a curriculum based on either a one-year BTEC First Diploma course in both agriculture or horticulture, or a one-year NVQ level 2 course in Engineering. Both courses involve substantial work experience and this extra year also has valuable personal and social spin-offs in that the students concerned assume even more responsibility for themselves and others.

All boys have timetabled games periods in addition to physical education. Each year group has a double period (1 hour 10 minutes) one afternoon a week during which a variety of sport is taught and practised. The sports vary with the seasons.

Pupils with additional educational needs are well catered for. They are not usually withdrawn from normal classes, but are supported by staff appointed for this purpose. Such support is tailored to suit the particular needs of pupils who are 'Statemented' under the terms of the 1981 Education Act. The full policy document can be obtained from the school by request.

Careers guidance is very effective in the School and is part of the personal and social development (PSD) programme. Each boy has the opportunity to have frequent interviews with the careers staff while the Schools Careers Service also conducts regular interviews. For many years no boy has left Brymore without an assured job and/or place in further education or training.

Health education and sex education (including discussion of inter-personal relationships) are provided, largely within the science syllabus and the PSD programme. Full details can be obtained form the School by request.

Prep (Homework)

Prep is set regularly, each evening Monday to Friday. Boarders do this work under the supervision of monitors; boys in their first year for one hour and boys in their second year for one hour and a half hours. Dayboys are expected to spend an equivalent amount of time on their homework.

Examination Entry Policy