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Lancing College

Lancing College is an academically selective co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18 years, with approximately 60% boarders.

Day fees
£37,806
Entry
Observation + School ExamSelective
Next deadline
Fri 16 Oct 202616+ registration closes
Updated 3 months agosource
At a glance

Key facts

Head
Mr Dominic Oliver
Mr
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
609
Location
Lancing, West Sussex
Rural setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
13 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1848
Entry points
2+, 3+, 4+, 13+, 14+, 16+
ISI inspection
Inspected 2023
School buses
Yes
Saturday school
Yes
Show 5 more factsShow fewer facts
Wraparound care
Available
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Academic, Music, Art +4
A-level A*–A
66%
2025
GCSE 9–7
55%
2025
Overview

About Lancing College

Lancing College is a co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18 years, with around 610 pupils and approximately 60% boarders. The school has seven boarding Houses and three day Houses, with pupils aged 13 to 18 years in each. The College has a thriving Sixth Form attracting about 50 new pupils annually. Pupils come from a wide range of preparatory schools across the south-east, south London, and overseas, representing around 40 nationalities. The school emphasizes a strong pastoral care system through its House system and a scholarly, deep learning approach. The College Chapel is central to the community, reflecting its Anglican foundation, while welcoming pupils of all faiths or none.

Our take

Independent co-ed senior school in West Sussex for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier fees.

Best for
  • Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
  • 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 independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
  • Fees sit at the top of the independent 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.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

  1. TBC
    Open dayTo be confirmed
    Throughout the year
    Saturday Group Visits
  2. TBC
    InterviewTo be confirmed
    By appointment year-round
    Personal Visit

Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, offers, acceptance deadline.

Open events

Assessment5 weeks away
Sixth Form Assessment Day – International Students (Remote)
Assessment5 weeks away
Sixth Form Assessment Day – UK Students
Open Morning6 weeks away
Open Morning – Year 9 Entries
Assessment
Advance Pre-Test Programme Assessment and Familiarisation Day
Assessment
13+ Art, Sports & Peter Robinson Scholarship Assessment Day
Open Morning
9.15am
Open Morning – Year 9 and Sixth Form

Private tours by arrangement with admissions.

Fees

£37,806per year · Day · 2025-26
Inc. VAT £45,36720% VAT added5 years: £245,722
vs London avg (£24,000)58% above
Extras: registration, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music lessons, exam fees.
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Quick answers about Lancing College

Answered only from Lancing College's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
9
Scholarships→Bursaries→

Distinctive features

★

co-educational

★

boarding and day school

★

part of Lancing family of schools

★

focus on individual talents

★

range from nursery to sixth form across the family

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Football (U16 Boys)Sports ClubsNetball ClubHouse Badminton (Junior and Senior)CricketSwimming ClubAthleticsTennisHouse Hockey (Boys and Girls)

music

Choir / College SingersMusic Ensembles and CompetitionsMusic lessons

drama

DanceDrama

academic club

Design & TechnologyUCAS/Careers ProgrammeHouse Debating CompetitionMed SocEconomics, Classics, Chemistry, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, ScienceEPQ (Extended Project Qualification)

service

Duke of Edinburgh's Award SchemeExplorer ScoutsCombined Cadet Force (CCF)Duke of Edinburgh AwardScouts

other

Travel AwardsPhotographyPSHE ProgrammeArt Club

Facilities

sports

Swimming PoolGrass Tennis CourtsLancing Grass Fields

arts

Music SchoolGreat SchoolChapel

academic

College FarmMegarry RoomLibrarySanderson Room

Latest exam results

Outcomes
80
of GCSEs are awarded at A*-B equivalent grades
81
of A Levels are awarded at A*-B grades
66%
A-level A*–A
55%
GCSE 9–7

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

2%
to Oxbridge (2025)
7%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort130
Oxbridge3
Russell Group9
US Ivy0
Medicine4
Top universities (2025)
WarwickExeterNottinghamBathBristolUCLImperial College London

Qualifications offered

GCSEA Level

Recent coverage

October 2026

Thirty-four Third and Fourth Form pupils at Lancing College created and delivered a memorable retelling of Arabian Nights for the Junior Play.

Notable alumni

Sir David Hare (playwright)Sir Patrick Moore (astronomer)Sir Roy Calne (surgeon)Sir Richard Jolly (development economist)Sir John Nott (politician)Sir Peter Medawar (biologist)Sir John Gielgud (actor)Sir Anthony Blunt (art historian)Sir John Betjeman (poet)
Recommended next step

Registration closes 16 Oct 2026 (16+)

Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.

Fit for your child

Is Lancing College right for your child?

Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.

Check fit for my child

House system

Pupils belong to houses.

Wellbeing

Mental health support

Lancing College has a longstanding reputation for traditional values and exemplary pastoral care, supported by its house system that fosters a strong community spirit through varied activities. House events include self-care sessions, family activities, and social events promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Inspection

ISI inspection, 17 Oct 2023

Standards met
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2026/27

Autumn4 Sept 2026 → 10 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–22 Feb 2027
Summer20 Apr 2027 → 25 Jun 2027Half-term 29 May 2027–6 Jun 2027

INSET: 1 Sept 2026 · 4 Jan 2027 · 22 Feb 2027 · 19 Apr 2027

Lancing College term dates and holidays →

Schools like Lancing College

81%

Eastbourne College

Eastbourne · Senior · Ages 13–18
£37,380 – £39,945
78%

Hurstpierpoint College

Mid Sussex · All-through · Ages 4–18
£14,640 – £28,035
77%

Ardingly College

Mid Sussex · All-through · Ages 2–18
£20,055 – £31,545
72%

Worth School

Mid Sussex · Senior · Ages 11–18
£26,334 – £39,072
69%

Pangbourne College

West Berkshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£26,544 – £34,614
69%

Stonyhurst College

Ribble Valley · All-through · Ages 3–18
£24,600

Questions parents ask

What kind of child is Lancing College best for?+

Lancing College suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; 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 independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.

How much are the fees at Lancing College?+

Day fees at Lancing College are £12,602 a term in 2025-26 (£37,806 a year). Boarding fees are around £55,317 per year. Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.

When is the next open day at Lancing College?+

The next open morning at Lancing College is on 14 November 2026. Booking is usually required.

How does admissions work?+

Lancing College is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.

Does Lancing College support SEND?+

Lancing College offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.

What ages does Lancing College take?+

Lancing College takes pupils from age 13 to 18.

Is Lancing College a day or boarding school?+

Lancing College offers both day and boarding places.

Is Lancing College co-educational or single-sex?+

Lancing College is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.

Where is Lancing College?+

Lancing College is in West Sussex, BN15 0RW.

How do I contact admissions at Lancing College?+

Contact Lancing College by phone on 01273452213.

Updated 11 May 2026. Sources: school website, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, Sunday Times Parent Power and Wikipedia.

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