E T H O S a n d H E R I T A G E

Founded on the site of a 12th century Augustinian priory by bequest of Sir John Port in 1557. In exchange for their education, pupils were obliged to pray for the Port family’s souls – arguably a less painful form of recompense than the school fees forked out by today’s parents. The next 300 years saw acrimonious legal disputes, fluctuating pupil numbers and a general decline that was not reversed until the middle of the 19th century. Fragments of the original priory buildings remain, notably parts of the arch that marks the entrance to the school and a tower that was incorporated into the building. Girls admitted from the 1970s, fully co-ed by 1991. Now something of an empire, with seven international schools spanning the Middle East, Egypt, Malaysia and China and further plans for Bulgaria, Kazakhstan and more in Egypt

So intertwined are the school and village that it’s not always easy to separate them Even that ancient arch isn’t as prominent as you might think – we drove straight past it The school owns 100 of the local houses for staff and the Spar shop must see a dramatic fall in its profits during the holidays A few grumbles among students that the pub is out of bounds, ‘but sixth formers are allowed some wine,’ said a pupil Grounds pristine –lawn lines were being perfected when we visited, framing the picturesque (more quaint than grandiose) buildings The library, chapel and head’s house would win the beauty contest

Many eminent military, sporty and clerical types among former pupils, as well as MPs both red and blue. Includes Roald Dahl and Jeremy Clarkson (neither of whom recall their time with affection), poet James Fenton, comedian Graeme Garden, novelist and screenwriter Christopher Isherwood, artist Anthony Gross and recent field hockey Olympic medalists Georgie Twigg and Ellie Watton.