Ardingly College
Ardingly College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, offering a broad curriculum and extensive co-curricular activities.
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Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in West Sussex for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) 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.
- Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
- Fees aren't published. Treat published external fee comparisons with caution and ask admissions directly before shortlisting.
- 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.
Application timeline
1 of 8 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Talks & tasters
| Date | Event | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 11 Sept 2026 | Virtual Open Morning (Senior School) – for International Students | Open Morning |
| Fri, 18 Sept 2026 | Lower School Open Morning (Year 7 & 8) | Open Morning |
| Sat, 19 Sept 2026 | Watersports and Outdoor Activities Masterclass | Taster Day |
| Wed, 23 Sept 2026 | 16+ Senior School Open Morning | Open Morning |
| Wed, 23 Sept 2026 | Sixth Form Open Evening | Open Evening |
| Wed, 23 Sept 2026 | Sixth Form 16+ Open Evening | Sixth Form Evening |
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
About the head
“Gaudeamus”
Ardingly College is committed to providing a supportive, international community fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and a rich co-curricular life.
Distinctive features
Top 5 IB school in the UK
Top 10 IB school worldwide
Only UK school awarded 'Significant Strength' in Boarding by ISI
Co-educational day and boarding school
Wide range of A Levels, IB Diploma and BTEC qualifications
Integrated Academic Pathways for international students
Strong university preparation including Oxbridge support
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
other
Facilities
sports
arts
boarding
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
Ardingly's IB Diploma cohort scored an average of 40.1 points, placing the school in the top 5 UK IB Schools and top 10 globally. , IB or BTEC grades A*-B, with
Where leavers go
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 129 | — | — |
| Oxbridge | 6 | — | — |
| Russell Group | 9 | — | 8 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Recent coverage
Ardingly College's Class of 2024 achieved exceptional Sixth Form results, with 26% of A-Level and IB grades at the top A* and 7 levels, and 23% of A-Level grades at A*, the highest percentage outside of pandemic years. Notably, 17 students secured A*, A*, A or higher, including two students with four A*s. Overall, 63% of results were at A*-A (A-Level) and 7-6 (IB), with 89% at A*-B/7-5. In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded Ardingly College an "Excellent" rating, marking it as the first UK school to receive a "significant strength" in boarding under the new inspection framework.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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Wellbeing
Ardingly College offers outstanding pastoral care through a house system where every pupil is known individually. The Health & Wellbeing Centre provides 24/7 medical assistance staffed by nurses, counsellors, and a Mental Health Lead. Wellbeing initiatives include mental health ambassadors, peer mentors, termly wellbeing surveys, and a peaceful wellbeing garden.
Inspection
Isi — 30 Apr 2024
One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.
Term dates 2025-26
Schools like Ardingly College
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about Ardingly College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is Ardingly College best for?+
Ardingly College suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) 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; Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
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?+
11 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at admissions@ardingly.com or phone on 01444893000. 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 Ardingly College — see the "Schools like Ardingly College" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at Ardingly College?
- Day fees at Ardingly College range from £20,055 to £31,545 per year.
- When is the next open day at Ardingly College?
- The next open day at Ardingly College is on 11 September 2026.
- What ages does Ardingly College take?
- Ardingly College takes pupils from age 2 to 18.
- Is Ardingly College a day or boarding school?
- Ardingly College offers both day and boarding places.
- Is Ardingly College co-educational or single-sex?
- Ardingly College is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
- Where is Ardingly College?
- Ardingly College is in Mid Sussex, RH17 6SQ.
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