Kelly College aims to develop as fully as possible the academic potential of each of its pupils, from the most talented - two recent sixth formers gained six A grades at A level, as well as places at Oxford and Cambridge - to those with more modest abilities. In recent years, every leaver who has wished to proceed to Higher Education has been successful in obtaining a place to do so.

Classes are kept small - the average class size up to GCSE is around twenty and in Sixth Form fifteen - ensuring that the individual pupil has the attention from members of staff that is necessary to ensure sound progress is being made.

Subject teachers make regular reports that go to the Tutor, and then on to the Housemaster/Housemistress and Headmaster. Under this system, any problem can be identified and dealt with early, and pupils are encouraged to care about and measure their own progress.

There are internal examinations, mid and end of term reports, and opportunities for parents to talk with subject teachers on a number of occasions each year. Parents are encouraged to keep in close contact with staff, and to contact the Tutor, Housemaster/Housemistress, Mr McDermott, Deputy Head, Academic or Headmaster at any time, if they have any concerns.

The emphasis in the Lower School Curriculum is on the development of the basic, but vital, skills of Mathematics and English. There is, however, the full range of subjects for all pupils, including Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Information and Communications Technology, Music, Religious Studies and Physical Education. The Sciences are taught separately in the Third Form (Year 9), in preparation for GCSE and there is the opportunity to take either Spanish or French in First Form/Year 7 with the addition of learning a new language (German or Spanish) in the third year onwards. Pupils continue the Personal Social and health Education programme (non-examinable).

In the Fourth and Fifth Forms, the GCSE Years 10 and 11, four subjects are chosen in addition to the core subjects of English, Information & Communications Techology (ECDL), Mathematics, and Sciences (taken either as three separate subjects or as the Double or Single Award science option).

Advice and guidance are given in choosing subjects, and parents are consulted before the final decisions are made. Each pupil is entered for between eight and twelve GCSE subjects. All pupils continue with the Personal Social and Health Education programme.

Sixth Formers are encouraged to see their studies as being the important stage between school and University. They are helped to develop their own study skills, to begin to learn independently and to question in a reasoned and informed manner. There is, however, the discipline of regular preparation work, essays and assignments, and academic progress is monitored by Tutors and Housemasters/Housemistresses. There is a wide range of A level subjects allowing all the usual Arts and Science combinations and many unusual combinations besides. The subjects offered are reviewed regularly.

In the Sixth Form there is a programme of weekly lectures by outside speakers which form the General Studies programme. Help and encouragement are given in the use of the resources in the well-equipped Information Technology Centre.

For further information or discussion of GCSE or A level choices, you are asked to contact Mr McDermott, Deputy Head, Academic.