May 2026
Rugby School announced that former student Saqlain Choudhary was named captain of the men’s cricket team at the University of Oxford.
Senior school
Rugby School
Rugby School is a co-educational independent school in London for pupils aged 13 to 18.
Day fees
£39,210
Entry
Adaptive Assessment + Verbal ReasoningSelective
Next deadline
Fri 1 Jan 2027Scholarship deadline
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Mr Gareth Parker-Jones
Mr
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
887
Location
Rugby
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
13 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1567
Entry points
13+, 16+
School buses
No
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Show 3 more factsShow fewer facts
Scholarships
All-rounder, Academic, Music +5
A-level A*–A
61%
2025
GCSE 9–7
71%
2025
Overview
About Rugby School
Rugby School, established in 1567 by Lawrence Sheriff, is a historic co-educational independent school located in Rugby, Warwickshire, England. Renowned as the birthplace of rugby football, the school has a rich heritage and offers a comprehensive education for students aged 13 to 18. ()
The school provides a broad curriculum, including GCSEs, A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, catering to diverse academic interests. In 2024, approximately 60% of A-Level grades were awarded at A*-A, and about 75% of GCSE grades were at 9–7. Notably, around 12% of leavers gained places at Oxford or Cambridge universities. ()
Extracurricular activities are integral to Rugby School's ethos, with a strong emphasis on sports, music, and drama. The school operates a full-boarding system, fostering a close-knit community and providing continuous pastoral care. Its 400-acre campus is situated approximately 50 minutes from London by rail, offering a tranquil environment conducive to both academic and personal development. ()
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed senior school in Rugby 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.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- Mar7Open dayTo be confirmed13+ Boarding and Day Open Day
- TBCRegistration opensTo be confirmedLast year: 1 Sept 2024
- TBCRegistration closesTo be confirmedLast year: 30 Sept 2025
- TBCAssessmentTo be confirmedLast year: 25 Nov 2025
Not yet published: bursary deadline, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£39,210per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
Inc. VAT £39,210VAT included5 years: £212,374
vs London avg (£24,000)63% above
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Quick answers about Rugby School
Answered only from Rugby School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Spectator at sporting eventParticipation in physical activitySports team membershipSports TeamsSpectating Sporting Events
music
Singing on stageMusical Events ParticipationSinging PerformancesRugby Choristers at Bilton GrangeMusical eventAudience for musical eventAudience Attendance at Musical Events
drama
Performing in Theatrical ProductionsAudience Attendance at Theatrical ProductionsTheatrical production
academic club
Public speakingSociety meetingsAcademic Societies
service
Voluntary weekly activityCombined Cadet Force (CCF)Community ServiceVoluntary Weekly ActivitiesBronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award
other
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh AwardAudience for theatrical production
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Sports Facilities
arts
Music FacilitiesTheatre/Drama Facilities
boarding
Bilton Grange State-of-the-Art Boarding House (off-site)Bilton Grange Prep School Grounds (off-site)Boarding HousesDay HousesHouse Dining Facilities
academic
Rugby School CampusCCF FacilitiesAcademic Tutorial Areas
wellbeing
Chapel
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2024
14received Oxbridge offers
Rugby School achieves strong academic results with a significant proportion of grades at A*-A/7-8 in A-levels and 9-7 in GCSEs.
61%
A-level A*–A
71%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
8%
to Oxbridge (2024)
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Cohort | 175 |
| Oxbridge | 14 |
| US Ivy | 0 |
Top universities (2024)
Oxford9
Cambridge5
Bath
Durham
Loughborough
St Andrews
Imperial College London
LSE
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA-level
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
May 2026
Rugby School student Sammy reached the Northern Regional Final of the National Youth Monologue, selected from over 4,000 applicants.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Lewis Carroll (author)William Webb Ellis (rugby pioneer)Stephen Fry (actor and writer)Tommy Vardy (footballer)Michael Green (journalist)Peter Medawar (Nobel laureate)John Spencer (chess grandmaster)
Recommended next step
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Fit for your child
Is Rugby School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childPastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Mental health support
Rugby School prioritises pastoral care through its coaching philosophy centred on 'Whole Person Whole Point,' fostering self-management, authenticity, and empowerment. The school supports mental health and pupil welfare via effective listening, partnership, and encouraging personal growth within a strong community and house system.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 29 Apr 2025
2 reports on file.
- Isi1 Jan 2025Compliant
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
1 offer
Also considerSchools like Rugby School
Also consider
Schools like Rugby School
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Rugby School best for?+
Rugby School 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 Rugby School?+
Day fees at Rugby School are £13,070 a term in 2026-27 (£39,210 a year). Boarding fees are £20,620 a term in 2026-27 (£61,860 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Rugby School?+
No dates are listed yet. Save Rugby School and we'll email you when booking opens.
How does admissions work?+
Rugby School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Rugby School support SEND?+
Rugby School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does Rugby School take?+
Rugby School takes pupils from age 13 to 18.
Is Rugby School a day or boarding school?+
Rugby School offers both day and boarding places.
Is Rugby School co-educational or single-sex?+
Rugby School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Rugby School?+
Rugby School is in Rugby, CV22 5EH.
How do I contact admissions at Rugby School?+
Contact Rugby School by phone on 01788556216.
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