Denstone College

Achievement, confidence and happiness are central to the College philosophy, with pupils always encouraged to aim high and reach their full potential.  We offer a rounded education, where proper emphasis is placed on academic achievement, but where a wide range of other opportunities ensures that every individual finds and develops his or her own talents. Denstonians emerge with a degree of self-esteem and confidence that is only possible after years of opportunity and challenge, both academic and extracurricular. The College site of over 100 acres is located in magnificent countryside, yet is well served by road, rail and air. We welcome parents and their children to visit us and experience a taste of the Denstone education.

Three-school structure

At the heart of our approach to educating young people is the ‘three-school structure’. Unusual in traditional independent schools, this is a structure that allows our three different age groups to live, work and socialise in their own unique areas. It is based on the fact that 18-year-olds and the under-13s have very different needs. The traditional house system runs happily alongside this structure, and all its best features remain. House loyalty and spirit are as strong as ever in competitions, sport, music and drama.

Facilities

The College continues to reinvest in its facilities and in recent years over £10 million has been spent on additions to boarding, three new classroom blocks, a beautiful learning resources library and Music School. The new builds are in addition to a rolling programme of refurbishment of all buildings on our stunning 100 acre site. A large sports hall caters for a wide range of minority sports and activities, alongside a new sports complex with pavilion, changing rooms and catering facilities. Other improvements include a theatre, overhaul of the dining hall servery, Careers Centre and another Astroturf. At the heart of the campus is our beautiful Chapel, built as part of the main school building in 1873.

Academic Focus

Pupils are given every support and opportunity to realise their full academic potential, with progress being monitored closely through a highly developed system of tutors, reports and grade sheets. We provide a purposeful environment with skilled teachers, where high standards are expected and pupil/teacher ratios are very favourable.

Opportunities

A Denstone education gives students more choices and greater opportunities to expand their horizons. Frequent trips are a feature of our calendar, and a programme of more than 40 activities and an excellent record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme also help to ensure that Denstonians are always busy. Our sporting history is outstanding, with College teams county champions and national finalists many times over. We have a modern sports hall, swimming pool, two all-weather AstroTurfs, fives courts and an English Golf Union (EGU)-affiliated golf course.

“Being a Denstonian gives you more chances
in life... there’s no limit to what you can do."

Sixth Former