DRONFIELD HENRY FANSHAWE SCHOOL in Derbyshire, Dronfield

Education Centre Information: Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Controlled School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Derbyshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 1834
Number of boys: 919
Number of girls: 915
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The 'Ancient Free School of Dronfield' was founded in the reign of Elizabeth I. The present school was formed when Henry Fanshawe School, Gosforth School and Gladys Buxton School merged in 1990, to form the largest school in Derbyshire. It is based on two sites about one-and-a-half miles apart, each with 'extensive' facilities including a sports hall and playing fields. As a result of a fire in 1993, which destroyed much of the Henry Fanshawe site, a new #2m building was constructed with state-of-the-art facilities which are 'some of the best in the county' and include a business centre and a hall with sophisticated sound and satellite TV broadcasting facilities. The Dronfield has held Investors in People status since 1999 and was the first school in the county to be awarded the quality assurance kitemark. A 'wide and varied' curriculum includes a 'particularly broad range' of post-16 courses, taught within a 'relaxed but purposeful' atmosphere. A 'wide variety' of extra-curricular activities is also on offer, with football teams in 1999 having 'virtually swept the board' in competitions and 'further successes' in basketball, netball, hockey and golf. The Young Engineers Club won national honours as the 1997 Club of the Year and pupils at the school are the local maths quiz champions. As well as 'rich and varied' music and drama groups, a major show is staged each year. An after-school Year 7 club caters for up to 30 students each weeknight. The majority of pupils live in the immediate area, although increasing numbers travel from over the South Yorkshire border. 'The maximum participation of parents' is a guiding principle, especially where pupils have special educational needs. The school offers 'a caring and supportive ethos with an emphasis on recognising potential and maximising achievement'. It has now been awarded specialist technology college status.