The Royal Hospital School aims:

• to provide a full boarding and day school education for boys and girls who are aged from 11 to 18 who are in the top half of the academic ability range, and who are in sympathy with the aims of the School
• to provide a civilised, caring, Christian community, based upon reasonable behaviour, mutual respect, value, trust and courtesy between staff and pupils
• to have high expectations of its pupils and to help them to develop their full potential with their academic work, in games and outdoor pursuits, in music, drama, artistic, cultural and other practical activities, depending on their aptitude and interests
• to develop an atmosphere in which learning and personal development can prosper
• to safeguard and promote the welfare of its pupils, particularly with regard to their health, happiness and proper physical, intellectual, emotional, social, moral, spiritual and behavioural development
• to encourage the development of qualities of personal responsibility, honesty, reliability, truthfulness, integrity, independence, adaptability, perseverance, initiative and self-confidence, helping pupils to function as individuals and as part of a team
• to promote high standards of personal appearance and dress, good manners and self-discipline
• to develop respect and tolerance for other people and the ideal of service within school and the community at large
• to enable pupils to develop a sense of their own identity and value
• to promote the acquisition of knowledge and skills relevant to adult life in a constantly changing world and thereby prepare pupils for life after school

School Traditions

The Royal Hospital School has a unique seafaring heritage maintained today through a number of traditions:

• All pupils have the opportunity to learn to sail and there is a strong sailing tradition throughout the school.
• At the beginning and end of each day the School colours are raised and lowered, with due ceremony, by pupils.
• New pupils are taught the rudiments of marching in order to take part in our ceremonial parades known as Divisions which occur on a number of occasions throughout the year.
• We celebrate key naval events such as Trafalgar Night.

Parents are welcome and, indeed, encouraged to come to the School to watch Divisions and to attend Chapel on various Sundays during the term. Dates for these are issued in the School Calendar. Boarders may join their families for the rest of the day on these occasions.

Religion

The core values of the School are based on the Christian faith although children from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds attend the School and we respect all beliefs. We regard the Chapel as being at the spiritual hub of school life and expect all pupils to regularly take part in the act of corporate worship.