The 21st century, and with it the introduction of Repton’s 34th Headmaster Robert Holroyd in 2003, has brought many changes and challenges, but above all opportunities - and the School is blossoming. With just over six hundred and thirty pupils there is a vibrant, warm, community atmosphere; the School is large enough to achieve excellence in and out of the classroom, yet small enough for individuals to flourish and grow.
Some things have hardly changed since the School’s founding in 1557, the traditional values of encouraging pupils to aim high whilst showing respect for all are still of upmost importance. The School continues its strong educational vision, recognising the importance of being able to offer a Repton education to potential pupils from all backgrounds by providing Scholarships and Bursaries in a wide range of subjects.
Today’s Repton is undoubtedly modern in terms of practice and outlook. Although based around the inspiring 12th century Priory, our buildings and facilities are of the highest standards with a programme of constant maintenance and rolling development.
Classrooms benefit from the latest technology and a wide range of opportunities are provided by specially built amenities and teaching of the highest standards. In 2008 the Music School was re-developed, 2009 saw the completion of a grand extension for New House as well as the opening of a state of the art Modern Languages Centre and this year the School Theatre is being completely re-designed to include tiered seating and a vastly enhanced performance arena.
A focus on ‘wholeness’; developing the individual in all aspects, physical, moral, spiritual as well as scholarly, is of key importance. Chapel is a strong feature of Repton life along with involvement in activities including sports, the arts and CCF.
A caring pastoral system and strong community spirit is at the heart of the positive development of our pupils. Boarding at Repton now conjures an image of a home from home surrounded by friends and creature comforts. This cohesive, family environment is fostered by the traditional system of in-house dining, which means that the House community meets together three times a day, providing a chance to chat about the latest events, relax with their friends and for staff to keep abreast of any concerns a pupil might have.
Lessons start at 8:50am, with all School Chapel on a Friday at 8:30am, and continue through to 12:55pm, having had a half hour break at 11am. After lunch in the House, lessons continue on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are no further lessons on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as this is when sports’ practice, fixtures and extra curricular activities take place. Tea is at 6pm and Prep, for all pupils, is from 7pm – 9pm Monday to Friday.
The formal lessons taught at Repton reflect the modern world that our pupils are preparing to enter. For example, along with the core subjects IT is fully integrated into lessons and the introduction of courses in Politics at A Level, Economics and Business Studies reflect pupils’ increasing interest in current affairs and the world around them.
Repton School has added many achievements to its name in recent years; from outstanding results in inspections to winning prestigious recognition in specific fields, and of course by the achievements of our pupils and former pupils as testament.
2009 Inspection, Repton School ‘Outstanding’
Brilliant Exam Results 2009
Daily Telegraph School Sport Matters Awards 2008, ‘Independent School of the Year’
U18 Girls’ Hockey National Champions, for a record breaking six years, 2005 - 2010
U15 and U18 National Independent Schools Football Association cup semi-finalists 2010
Such achievements, high standards and a warm individual approach have seen Repton School grow in reputation to become one of the very best Independent Schools in the UK.