A remarkable 26% of A Level and IB grades at Ardingly College were at the top A* and 7 grades respectively. The percentage of A Levels graded at A* stands at 24%, which is the College’s highest ever percentage of top grades, other than during the pandemic years.
All-through school
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.
Day fees
£20,055 – £31,545
Entry
School Exam + Group AssessmentSelective
Next deadline
Fri 16 Oct 202611+ registration closes
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Mr Figgis
Mr
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
1,056
Location
Haywards Heath, Mid Sussex
Rural setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
2 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1858
Entry points
3+, 4+, 7+, 10+, 11+, 13+, 16+
School buses
Yes
Average class
16 pupils
Show 7 more factsShow fewer facts
School day
8.35am to 5pm
Saturday school
No
Wraparound care
Not offered
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Drama, Art, Design +5
A-level A*–A
63%
2026
GCSE 9–7
60%
2026
Overview
About Ardingly College
Ardingly College is a co-educational independent boarding and day school located in West Sussex, offering education from Nursery age through to Sixth Form. The College provides a broad curriculum including A Levels, IB Diploma, and BTEC courses, with excellent academic results and strong pastoral care. The school offers scholarships and bursaries to support talented students and is committed to broadening access through transformational bursaries for disadvantaged students.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in Mid Sussex for ages 2–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.
Best for
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 2–18) 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.
Watch-outs
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- Oct10Open dayNextGirls’ Hockey Masterclass
- May10InterviewPassedAdmissions Welcome
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£20,055 – £31,545per year · Day · 2026-27
Extras: registration, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music lessons, exam fees.
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Questions about Ardingly College?
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Quick answers about Ardingly College
Answered only from Ardingly College's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
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
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
HockeySquashGirls' Football MasterclassSports TeamsSwimmingGirls' Hockey MasterclassSkiing TripsSwimming MasterclassBoys' Hockey MasterclassFootballFencingGirls' Cricket MasterclassBoys' Football MasterclassTouch Rugby
Show 18 more
Boys' Cricket MasterclassTennisGolf CoachingClimbingJudoAthleticsRowingBasketballCross CountryVolleyballNetballTable TennisPerformance Programme FootballRugbyBadmintonGolfWatersports and Outdoor Activities MasterclassCricket
music
Music EnsemblesMusic Workshops and MasterclassesMusic TechnologyRock BandJazz BandThe Classic Album Review ClubRoc SocChapel ChoirSchola CantorumJazz ComboOrchestraHouse Music CompetitionHouse Song CompetitionChoirs
Show 1 more
Young Musician of the Year Competition
drama
Drama ClubDrama MasterclassDramaLAMDA Lessons
academic club
Historical Movie SocietyRobot Cars of the FutureSenior SOPHOS (Philosophy Society)Classics TripMaths University Entrance PreparationSpanish CinemaSolar powered off-road SUV design and buildingAll in the MindEnterprise & EmployabilityFast Track French (2 year course)Greek GCSE for Remove and FifthAcademic Enrichment & ExtensionBritish Physics Olympiad & Sixth Form ClinicSenior SOPHOS (Monday)
Show 6 more
Chinese Fast Track – 1 Year CourseSolar powered double-decker bus STEM outreachUSA Election WatchSolar Car ProjectDebating SocietyThe World of Politics
service
Charity and VolunteeringLocal state primary schools curriculum enhancementCCFVolunteering in local communityCharity WorkLangalanga Trust Partnership - Kenya Service TripBridging Ages CaféDuke of Edinburgh Award SchemeHouse charity fundraisingCharity Fair participationDuke of Edinburgh’s AwardStudents Supporting Students initiative
other
Fun with CardsDanceLife SkillsClubs & ActivitiesCookeryEnvironmental and Sustainability ClubsBoardgames BonanzaBeadcraftWargaming SocietyCrochetBoarding HousesTutor SupportHouse Life
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
25-metre swimming poolOver 12 grass sports pitches25m Indoor Swimming PoolLarge Sports HallCricket NetsCricket PavilionNetball / Tennis Courts and AstroSports Centre400m grass athletics trackField event facilitiesSquash courtStrength & Conditioning centreArdingly Reservoir (off-site)Two indoor sports halls
Show 5 more
Floodlit multi-purpose astro turfSeparate hockey astro turf6 netball/tennis courts2 cricket pitches1st team football pitch
arts
Recording studioMusic SchoolRecital RoomPercussion and ensemble roomMusic classroomsMusic libraryICT suite11 practice teaching roomsThe Music SchoolTheatre
boarding
Boys Boarding HousesGodwin Hall, Upper Sixth House (Ensuite Rooms)Boarding Houses
academic
The Chapel of St SaviourSenior School LibraryStaff Common RoomScience Laboratories
wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing GardenWellbeing and Counselling Centre
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
OutcomesIB
85
of Sixth Form students achieved A-Level60
at A*-A or IB 7-699
secured university places on results dayArdingly'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.
63%
A-level A*–A
60%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
5%
to Oxbridge (2026)
7%
to Russell Group
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 129 | — | — |
| Oxbridge | 6 | — | — |
| Russell Group | 9 | — | 8 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Top universities (2026)
Imperial College LondonLondon School of EconomicsUniversity College LondonKing's College LondonDurham UniversityUniversity of EdinburghUniversity of BristolUniversity of Exeter
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEIGCSEA LevelIB DiplomaBTEC
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Sir Patrick Moore (astronomer)Sir Tim Smit (entrepreneur)Sir Michael Havers (Attorney General)Sir John Nott (politician)Sir Peter Bottomley (politician)Sir Anthony Seldon (historian)Sir David Frost (broadcaster)Sir Richard Storey (businessman)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 16 Oct 2026 (11+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is Ardingly College right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
AberdeenColemanCornwallDormyHiltonMertens
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
CounsellingPeer mentoringSchool nurseMental health supportWellbeing hub
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.
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn2 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 11 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer20 Apr 2027 → 1 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
Also considerSchools like Ardingly College
Also consider
Schools like Ardingly College
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Ardingly College best for?+
Ardingly College suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 2–18) 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 much are the fees at Ardingly College?+
Day fees at Ardingly College are £6,685 to £10,515 a term in 2026-27 (£20,055 to £31,545 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Ardingly College?+
The next visit at Ardingly College is on 10 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Ardingly College is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Ardingly College support SEND?+
Ardingly College offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
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.
How do I contact admissions at Ardingly College?+
Contact Ardingly College by email at admissions@ardingly.com or phone on 01444893000.
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