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Portrait of
a Parish - Page 10
Ralph Allen School
Situated by Combe Grove Manor on the ridge of the valley,
overlooking the village and having outstanding views which
extend as far as Salisbury Plain, the school was built in 1957
initially catering for 500 pupils from 11 - 16 years of age. It
was named after Ralph Allen an eighteenth century Combe Down
mine and quarry owner who contributed much to the building of
Georgian Bath. In 2000, the school had 1,100 pupils, 165 of them
in the sixth form, but needless to say buildings and facilities
have not kept pace and overcrowding is a problem. Pupils come
from all over Bath, not just from the Parish.
It is currently the only non-denomination, co-educational
comprehensive school in Bath and is under the auspices of Bath &
North East Somerset unitary authority and its Governors, who are
drawn from the local education authority, parents, the
community, teaching and support staff. In setting great store in
pupils fulfilling their true potential in all aspects of their
academic and social lives, links have been made with the local
business community and Ralph Allen School runs an annual science
fair which is visited by representative from local business and
industry.
In the academic year 1998/99, examination results were well
above the national average and this year excellent productions
in the visual and performing arts were enjoyed both within and
outside the school. Amongst its many sporting achievements its
under-19 Gymnastics Team are current national champions. The
school values it sever growing links with its close neighbour,
Bath University and with several international contacts,
especially with South Africa. |
