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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Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in West Sussex for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.
Best for
Who thrives here
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.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
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.
AI-generated guidance
Leadership
About the head
“Gaudeamus”
Mr Figgis is the current Head of Ardingly College, leading the school with a focus on academic excellence and pastoral care. He actively participates in virtual open mornings and school presentations.
Ardingly College is committed to providing a supportive, international community fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and a rich co-curricular life.
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 classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
HockeySquashGirls' Football MasterclassSports TeamsGolf Coaching (Thursday)SwimmingGirls' Hockey MasterclassSkiing TripsPerformance Programme Football (Shell and Remove)Swimming MasterclassBoys' Hockey MasterclassFootballFencingGirls' Cricket MasterclassBoys' Football MasterclassTouch RugbyBoys' Cricket MasterclassTennisGolf CoachingClimbingJudoAthleticsRowingBasketballCross CountryVolleyballNetballTable TennisPerformance Programme FootballRugbyBadmintonGolfVolley-ballWatersports and Outdoor Activities MasterclassCricket
music
Music EnsemblesMusic Workshops and MasterclassesMusic TechnologyRock BandJazz BandThe Classic Album Review ClubRoc SocChapel ChoirSchola CantorumJazz ComboOrchestraHouse Music CompetitionHouse Song CompetitionChoirsYoung 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)Chinese Fast Track – 1 Year CourseSolar powered double-decker bus STEM outreachChinese Fast Track (1 Year Course)USA 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
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 RoomArdingly ReservoirScience Laboratories
wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing GardenWellbeing and Counselling Centre
Outcomes
Latest exam results
OutcomesIB
85
of Sixth Form students achieved A-Level
60
at A*-A or IB 7-6
99
secured university places on results day
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
63%
A-level A*–A
60%
GCSE 9–7
5%
Oxbridge offer rate
7%
Russell Group rate
Data from 2026 results
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 London—
London School of Economics—
University College London—
King's College London—
Durham University—
University of Edinburgh—
University of Bristol—
University of Exeter—
In the news
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. (findmyschool.uk) In August 2025, Ardingly's Year 11 students celebrated record-breaking GCSE results, with 76% of grades at the top 9-7 levels and an average grade of 7.44, the highest for a non-Covid year. Nine students achieved straight 9s, and over half of all grades were 9s or 8s. In March 2026, Ardingly College received offers from six students to study at Oxbridge, and several students secured early offers to prestigious universities in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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
Open-day dates not yet published
Save this school and we'll email you the moment open-day booking goes live.
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Other dates
Talks & tasters
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 & cost
Fees
£20,055per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £20,055VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £158,400
vs London avg (£24,000)16% below
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.
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.
Regulation
Inspection
Isi — 30 Apr 2024
One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.
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?+
Independent co-ed all-through school in West Sussex for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.
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?+
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 +44 (0)1444 892000. 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 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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