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Houseroom Editorial
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
Leadership
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.
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
On campus
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
Outcomes
Latest exam results
59%
A-level A*–A
34%
GCSE 9–7
1%
Oxbridge offer rate
9%
Russell Group rate
Data from 2025 results
Destinations
Where leavers go
1%
to Oxbridge (2025)
9%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort
78
Oxbridge
1
Russell Group
7
US Ivy
0
Top universities (2025)
Edinburgh—
Durham—
Newcastle—
Cambridge—
Imperial College London—
Bristol—
Exeter—
In the news
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. In 2024, Ampleforth College celebrated outstanding A-Level results, with 77% of students achieving Grades A*, A, or B. In 2024, Ampleforth College was rated "Outstanding" in Personal Development by Ofsted and received "Outstanding" ratings in all nine categories from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate.
Alumni
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.
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.
Open Days and Other EventsVarious dates throughout the year
Dates TBC
Assessment Day for 11+ entry2027-01-15 to 2027-01-16
Dates TBC
Other dates
Talks & tasters
Sat, 19 Sept 2026
Open Morning
Open Morning
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
Sixth Form Information Morning & Options Fair
Sixth Form Open
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
Sixth Form Information Morning & Options Fair
Sixth Form Evening
Fees & cost
Fees
£41,649per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £41,649VAT status TBCYear 7-13 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.
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?+
Independent co-ed all-through school in North Yorkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.
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 table further down the 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 01439 766000. 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 below. 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.
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