DirectoryNorth YorkshireSeniorAmpleforth College
Senior school

Ampleforth College

Full Boarding & Day School for students aged 11 to 18

North YorkshireSeniorCo EdAges 11–18Both397 pupils
Day fees
£9,000
How competitive entry is
Interview + ReferenceCompetitive entry
Pupils
397
Founded
1802
Next deadline
Registration closes: 15 Jan 2027
Updated 2 months ago
Houseroom Index 2026
58.5/100· ranked #95 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes46
Destinations & outcomes58
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing80
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add38
Access & breadth70
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent co-ed all-through school in North Yorkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 11–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

1 of 8 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensNot published
Not published
Registration closesConfirmed
15 Jan 2027
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentTBC
2027-01-15 to 2027-01-16Expected window — exact date not yet publishedAssessment Day for 11+ entry
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2027-28TBC15 Jan 2027TBCTbc

Open events

Open Morning5 weeks away
Sat, 19 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Sixth Form Open
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
9:00 am
Sixth Form Information Morning & Options Fair
Sixth Form Evening
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sixth Form Information Morning & Options Fair
Open Day
Sat, 14 Nov 2026
9:00 am
Year 9 Parents Day (Parents Retreat & Parent Reps Meeting Fri 13 Nov)
Open Day
Sat, 28 Nov 2026
9:00 am
Year 13 Parents Day (Parents Retreat & Parent Reps Meeting Fri 27 Nov)
Open Day
Fri, 11 Dec 2026
9:00 am
Carol Service / End of Term
Assessment
Fri, 15 Jan 2027
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Assessment Day (11+ Entry)
Assessment
Sat, 16 Jan 2027
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Assessment Day (13+ Entry)
Dates to be confirmed
Open Days and Other EventsVarious dates throughout the year
Dates TBC
Assessment Day for 11+ entry2027-01-15 to 2027-01-16
Dates TBC

Talks & tasters

Talks, tasters and other dated events
DateEventType
Sat, 19 Sept 2026Open MorningOpen Morning
Sat, 7 Nov 2026Sixth Form Information Morning & Options FairSixth Form Open
Sat, 7 Nov 2026Sixth Form Information Morning & Options FairSixth Form Evening

Fees

£41,649per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £41,649VAT status TBC7-year projection £328,956
vs London avg (£24,000)74% above
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

About the head

A Compass for Life

Jon Mutton is the Headmaster of Ampleforth College. He leads the school with a focus on Benedictine ethos and mission, forming students to live a life of service and make a positive difference in the world.

We educate the whole child, mind, body and soul, enabling them to flourish to the full at school and in life beyond. A compass for life.

Community, Faith, Scholarship (Benedictine principles)

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Country Sports (clay & game shooting)Cricket (boys & girls)DanceArcheryHorse RidingKayakingHockey (boys & girls)Rugby (boys)Hockey (girls, Autumn Term)Hockey (boys, Lent Term)Netball (girls, Lent Term)Cricket (boys & girls, Summer Term)Athletics (Summer Term)Rugby Sevens (boys, Lent Term)RugbyHockeyNetballCricketTennisFootballGolfCross-countrySquashSwimmingFencingFishingWater PoloBadmintonBoot-camp / Fitness / Strength & ConditioningBoot-campRaft RaceSpinningStrength and ConditioningFitnessCountry SportsKarateBasketballRugby SevensClay and Game ShootingAthleticsFitness / Strength & Conditioning

music

Ampleforth Highlanders Pipe & Drum BandSchola Cantorum (Choir)House Singing CompetitionCollege Chamber ChoirLunchtime Recital SeriesAmpleforth Choral SocietyInstrumental and Singing LessonsOrchestraPro Musica String EnsembleJazz EnsembleBrass GroupWind EnsembleAmpleforth Highlanders Pipe and Drum BandSHAC Rock (Pop & Rock Festival)Schola Cantorum (choral)Ampleforth Choral Society (community choir)SHAC Rock (student-led pop & rock festival)Instrumental and Singing Lessons (individual)Evening RecitalsSpring Concerto ConcertSt Cecilia Concert (November)Exhibition Concert (May)Music ProductionSHAC Rock Festival (student-led pop & rock bands)Instrumental & Singing LessonsChoirsPipe Band

drama

Green Room (backstage theatre)Drama / Theatre ProductionsLAMDA Speech & Drama LessonsSchool Plays & MusicalsGreen Room (backstage theatre society)Ampleforth Television (ATV Room)LAMDA Lessons

academic club

Music lessonsDanceEco-engineeringChessPolitics SocietyAstronomy SocietyDebatingLAMDA

service

Duke of EdinburghCharity & ServiceCommunity Service (Year 12)CCF (Combined Cadet Force)Combined Cadet Force (CCF)Community Service (Year 12: primary schools, charity shops, care homes)

other

CalligraphySilver-smithingVehicle Restoration / Electric Car ConversionArcheryHorse RidingKayakingKarateEco-EngineeringCCF (Combined Cadet Force)Raft RaceModel UN

Facilities

sports

Rugby, Hockey, Football and Cricket pitches19 Floodlit Tennis CourtsSports CentreSwimming Pool

arts

Main Theatre (proscenium arch stage)Theatre (proscenium arch stage)Performance Studio Black BoxATV Room (Ampleforth Television)Abbey ChurchPurpose-built theatreArt Department with large studios and ceramic roomsDrama Department including set design and prop making workshop

boarding

House Chapels8 Boarding Houses

wellbeing

Learning Hub

Latest exam results

59%
A-level A*–A
34%
GCSE 9–7

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

1%
to Oxbridge (2025)
9%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort78
Oxbridge1
Russell Group7
US Ivy0
Top universities (2025)
Edinburgh
Durham
Newcastle
Cambridge
Imperial College London
Bristol
Exeter

Recent coverage

In 2024, Ampleforth College achieved notable academic success, with 77% of A-Level grades awarded at A*-B and 43% at A*-A. Additionally, 23% of Year 11 students secured seven or more GCSEs at grades 9-7. In July 2024, the Charity Commission reported serious abuse allegations against pupils by monks and staff over the preceding decade, highlighting significant weaknesses in safeguarding, governance, and management. In September 2023, Ofsted conducted a full inspection, rating the college as "Good" overall.

Notable alumni

Dominic West (actor)Tom Hiddleston (actor)Edward Stourton (journalist)Nicholas Mostyn (High Court judge)Sir Humphrey Appleby (fictional character, not an alumnus)Sir Mark Moody-Stuart (businessman)Sir John Houghton (climate scientist)Sir Michael Wilshaw (educationist)
Recommended next step

Registration deadline confirmed

Ampleforth College closes registrations on 15 Jan 2027. Add the deadline to your plan and start booking visits before applications.

Fit for your child

How well does Ampleforth College match?

Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in North Yorkshire.

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House system

St Edward's & St Wilfrid's (Junior, co-ed)Senior Houses (3 girls, 4 boys)

Inspection

Ofsted 1 Sept 2023

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

good

Term dates 2025-26

spring7 Jan 202620 Apr 2026Half-term 12 Feb 2026–25 Feb 2026
summer20 Apr 202627 Jun 2026
summer20 Apr 202627 Jun 2026Half-term 24 May 2026–31 May 2026
autumn7 Sept 202611 Dec 2026
autumn7 Sept 202612 Dec 2026Half-term 22 Oct 2026–2 Nov 2026
lent7 Jan 202719 Mar 2027
spring7 Jan 202720 Mar 2027Half-term 5 Feb 2027–17 Feb 2027
summer8 Apr 20273 Jul 2027
summer8 Apr 20273 Jul 2027Half-term 30 May 2027–6 Jun 2027

INSET: 8 Jan 2027 · 9 Apr 2027

Schools like Ampleforth College

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

73%

Oundle School

North Northamptonshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£24,150 – £38,085
71%

Queen Ethelburga's College

North Yorkshire · All Through · Ages 0–19
£22,350 – £22,785
70%

Millfield School

Somerset · All Through · Ages 2–18
£2,910 – £39,465
69%

Eastbourne College

Eastbourne · Senior · Ages 13–18
£31,560 – £36,680
69%

Aldenham School

Hertsmere · Senior · Ages 11–18
£18,267 – £32,061
69%

Uppingham School

Rutland · Senior · Ages 11–18
£26,334

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Ampleforth College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Ampleforth College best for?+

Ampleforth College suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 11–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees section on this page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

10 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at rcss@ampleforth.org.uk or phone on 01439766000. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Ampleforth College — see the "Schools like Ampleforth College" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

Reviews

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Data
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Exam results, fees, university destinations, inspections, peer schools and feeder preps — on one page.
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Frequently asked questions

How much are the fees at Ampleforth College?
Day fees at Ampleforth College range from £9,000 to £41,649 per year. Boarding fees range from £15,000 to £57,615 per year.
When is the next open day at Ampleforth College?
The next open day at Ampleforth College is on 14 November 2026.
What ages does Ampleforth College take?
Ampleforth College takes pupils from age 11 to 18.
Is Ampleforth College a day or boarding school?
Ampleforth College offers both day and boarding places.
Is Ampleforth College co-educational or single-sex?
Ampleforth College is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Ampleforth College?
Ampleforth College is in North Yorkshire, YO62 4ER.

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