DirectoryWest SussexSeniorLancing College
Senior school

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.

West SussexSeniorCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 13–18Both610 pupils
Day fees
£37,806
How competitive entry is
School Exam + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
610
Founded
1848
Next deadline
Interview: TBC
Verified 5 days agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
63.3/100· ranked #84 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes57
Destinations & outcomes59
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing82
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add49
Access & breadth75
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent co-ed senior school in West Sussex for ages 13–16, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–16, 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 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

About the head

Dr Scott Crawford became Head Master of Lancing College in September 2025, leading a school committed to individual talents within a community valuing kindness, diversity, and curiosity.

The Lancing family of schools offers children from nursery to eighteen years a wonderful journey of discovery and inspiration. The living and learning environment focuses on individual talents, inspiring pupils to learn, become independent and excel at every life stage.

kindnessdiversitycuriosityscholarshipintegrity

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

AthleticsCricketFootball (U16 Boys)House Badminton (Junior and Senior)House Hockey (Boys and Girls)Netball ClubSports ClubsSwimming ClubTennis

music

Choir / College SingersMusic Ensembles and CompetitionsMusic lessons

drama

DanceDrama

academic club

Design & TechnologyEconomics, Classics, Chemistry, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, ScienceEPQ (Extended Project Qualification)House Debating CompetitionMed SocUCAS/Careers Programme

service

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)Duke of Edinburgh AwardDuke of Edinburgh's Award SchemeExplorer ScoutsScouts

other

Art ClubCombined Cadet Force (CCF)PhotographyPSHE ProgrammeTravel Awards

Facilities

sports

Grass Tennis CourtsLancing Grass FieldsSwimming Pool

arts

ChapelGreat SchoolMusic School

academic

College FarmLibraryMegarry RoomSanderson 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

and , reflecting excellent academic attainment

66%
A-level A*–A
55%
GCSE 9–7
2%
Oxbridge offer rate
7%
Russell Group rate

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)
Warwick
Exeter
Nottingham
Bath
Bristol
UCL
Imperial College London

Recent coverage

Lancing College has recently signed a collaboration partnership with Sapporo Nihon University High School, aligning with Hokkaido's transformation into a tech and green industry hub. The school is also investing £6.5 million in sports facilities across three major projects to enhance its provision and uphold the value of sport in education. Additionally, thirty-four Third and Fourth Form pupils delivered a memorable retelling of Arabian Nights in the 2026 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

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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2025
Registration closesPassed
31 Mar 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 Sept 202531 Mar 2026TBCClosed

Open events

Open Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Open Morning – All Entries
Assessment
Fri, 6 Nov 2026
9:00 am
Sixth Form Assessment Day – International Students (Remote)
Assessment
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
9:00 am
Sixth Form Assessment Day – UK Students
Open Morning
Sat, 14 Nov 2026
9:00 am
Open Morning – Year 9 Entries
Assessment
Tue, 12 Jan 2027
9:00 am
Advance Pre-Test Programme Assessment and Familiarisation Day
Assessment
Mon, 18 Jan 2027
9:00 am
13+ Art, Sports & Peter Robinson Scholarship Assessment Day
Open Morning
Sat, 20 Mar 2027
9:00 am
Open Morning – Year 9 and Sixth Form
Dates to be confirmed
13+ Music Scholarship Assessment Days26–28 January 2026
Dates TBC
13+ Academic Scholarship Assessment Days3–4 February 2026
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Sat, 3 Oct 2026Open Morning – All EntriesOpen Morning
Sat, 14 Nov 2026Open Morning – Year 9 EntriesOpen Morning
Sat, 20 Mar 2027Open Morning – Year 9 and Sixth FormOpen Morning

Fees

£37,806per year · Day · 2026-27
By entry point · 2026-27
16+TBC
13+TBC
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.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
9
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

House system

Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.

Wellbeing

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 17 Oct 2023

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Standards met
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

autumn5 Sept 202512 Dec 2025Half-term 17 Oct 2025–3 Nov 2025
spring6 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 13 Feb 2026–24 Feb 2026
summer21 Apr 202626 Jun 2026Half-term 23 May 2026–1 Jun 2026

Schools like Lancing College

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

81%

Eastbourne College

Eastbourne · Senior · Ages 13–18
£31,560 – £36,680
78%

Hurstpierpoint College

Mid Sussex · All Through · Ages 4–18
£14,070 – £36,885
77%

Ardingly College

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

Worth School

Mid Sussex · Senior · Ages 11–18
£25,176
70%

Kew College

Richmond upon Thames · Prep · Ages 3–11
£2,628 – £21,594
69%

Pangbourne College

West Berkshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£25,524 – £33,282

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Lancing College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Lancing College best for?+

Independent co-ed senior school in West Sussex for ages 13–16, 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?+

5 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

phone on 01273452213 or the registrars listed in the contact card. 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 Lancing College — see the "Schools like Lancing 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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Parent reviews

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