This week: Essential facts on Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn

SCHOOL REPORT

To help our young people to develop intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually as rounded individuals, in a supportive environment.

This is one of the reasons QEGS has become a fully co-educational school, welcoming boys and girls. Our pupils are the citizens of tomorrow and the world they will enter is one of equal opportunity. We believe co-education is the best preparation for that world.

PRESENT PUPILS

Junior School on same site for boys and girls aged 7 to 11. Main School and Sixth Form both now fully co-educational, educating boys and girls aged 11 to 18.

HISTORY LESSON

Founded in 1509 as the chantry school adjacent to St Mary's Parish Church (on the site of Blackburn Cathedral). Moved to Freckleton Street in 1826 and to its present site on West Park Road, by Corporation Park, in 1886.

STAR PUPILS Sir Kenneth Durham FBA (former Chairman of Unilever), Russell Harty, Sir Ivor Bolton (conductor), Michael Winterbottom (film director), Gary Smith (film producer), Wayne Hemingway (fashion designer, Red or Dead), Charlotte Hindle (TV producer), Mick Jackson (novelist), Krishnan Guru-Murthy (Channel 4 TV presenter), James Beattie (footballer, Southampton FC), and Nick Dougherty (professional golfer, former World Junior Golf Champion).

OUT AND ABOUT

Wide range of clubs and societies to enable boys and girls to pursue their interests. Opportunities for all to take part in music, drama, debating, public speaking to build personal confidence. Cultural exchanges with partner schools in France and Germany, plus sports tours, expeditions and visits, both within the UK and overseas. Charitable fund-raising and community activities encouraged. QEGS is a Sportsmark Gold school with a strong tradition of sporting excellence. Independent Schools FA Cup winners in 1996 and 2001.

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT

Main campus now fully networked for ICT with fibre optic links to all buildings. Excellent library, swimming pool, and newly-modernised kitchens. Purpose-built Sixth Form Centre, with own caf and recreation areas. First-class sports ground at Lammack, one mile from school.

WHAT ABOUT THE PARENTS?

The Elizabethan Association is the school's parents' association, supporting the school and helping directly to improve the opportunities available to the young people at QEGS. The school encourages parents to maintain an active role in their children's education, and in helping them to plan for university and beyond.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH £100,000?

Make an early start on the Language Laboratory (planned for 2002).