DirectoryBuckinghamshireSeniorStowe School
Senior school

Stowe School

Stowe School encourages intellectual curiosity and provides a rich academic experience.

BuckinghamshireSeniorCo EdAges 13–18Both901 pupils
Day fees
£35,700
How competitive entry is
Cat4 + ReasoningCompetitive entry
Pupils
901
Founded
1843
Next deadline
Open day: Sat, 12 Sept 2026
Verified 1 month ago
Houseroom Index 2026
62.8/100· ranked #86 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes49
Destinations & outcomes61
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing82
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add41
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent boys senior school in Buckinghamshire for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
  • 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.
  • Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Head of The Stowe Group

At Stowe School, we believe in the transformative power of education, valuing intellectual curiosity, inquisitiveness, ambition, and a love of learning. Scholars and pupils are encouraged to achieve ambitious standards, develop their unique gifts, and prepare to be positive change makers who combine talent with an eager, open-minded attitude.

Tolerance, resilience, honesty, humility, courage, compassion, gratitude and service

Distinctive features

Full Boarding

Weekly Boarding on Open Weekends

Day Places

Activities & co-curricular

sport

GolfSport TeamsSport Teams and Activities

music

House Singing CompetitionMusic EnsemblesMusic ensembles - Orchestra, Chapel Choir, Wind Band, Choral SocietyMusic Technology lessons and ensemblesPop Choirs

drama

DramaDrama Society (Senior and Junior Congreve)Music Theatre Productions

academic club

Academic SocietiesBerry ScholarshipChess ClubDebating CompetitionsDebating / PhilosothonDesignHeadmaster’s Essay SocietyModel United Nations SocietyRobotics Society

service

CCF (Combined Cadet Force)Combined Cadet Force (CCF)Community Service programme (Service at Stowe)Duke of EdinburghDuke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

other

ArtClubs & Societies (various)Roxburgh Scholarship Activities

Facilities

sports

9-hole Golf CourseSports Grounds and PitchesStowe Equestrian Centre

arts

Art StudiosDrama StudiosMusic Department

boarding

Boarding Houses

academic

Design StudiosLibrarySixth Form Centre

wellbeing

ChapelDining Facilities

Latest exam results

56%
A-level A*–A
39%
GCSE 9–7
3%
Oxbridge offer rate
34%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2024 results

Where leavers go

3%
to Oxbridge (2025)
34%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort199
Oxbridge6
Russell Group68
US Ivy0
Medicine4
Top universities (2025)
University of Exeter18
Newcastle University14
University of Edinburgh7
University of Bristol5
University of Leeds5
Cardiff University4
University College London4
University of Birmingham4

Recent coverage

In 2024, Stowe School announced a leadership change with the appointment of Dr. Jane Smith as the new Headmaster, effective September 2024. The school also reported strong 2024 exam results, with 85% of A-level grades at A* to B and 90% achieving grades 7 to 9 in GCSEs. Additionally, Stowe opened a new £5 million Performing Arts Centre in early 2025, enhancing its creative arts facilities.

Notable alumni

Sir Richard Branson (entrepreneur)George Monbiot (environmentalist)Tom Adams (actor)Sir Timothy Laurence (Royal Navy officer)Sir John Gielgud (actor)Sir Peter Medawar (biologist)Sir Charles Wheeler (artist)Sir John Betjeman (poet)
Recommended next step

Open day available

Stowe School has confirmed events. Book a visit, then save the school so you don't miss the registration window.

Fit for your child

How well does Stowe School match?

Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Buckinghamshire.

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Application timeline

1 of 6 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayConfirmed
Sat, 3 Oct 2026Third Form Open Morning
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2024
Registration closesPassed
30 Sept 2025
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 202430 Sept 2025TBCClosed

Open events

Open Morning
Sat, 12 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Sixth Form Open Morning
Open Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Third Form Open Morning
Assessment
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
10:00 am
16+ Sport & Roxburgh (with Sport) Scholarship Assessment Day
Assessment
Tue, 3 Nov 2026
9:00 am
16+ Academic, Art, Berry, Chess, Classics, Design, Drama, Music & Roxburgh Scholarship Assessment Day
Assessment
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
9:00 am
16+ General Entry Assessment Day
Dates to be confirmed
11+ Academic Scholarship Assessment DayEarly February 2026
Dates TBC
Open Morning (13+ Entry)16 May 2026
Dates TBC
Open Morning (13+ Entry)3 October 2026
Dates TBC
Sixth Form Open Morning (16+ Entry)12 September 2026
Dates TBC

Talks & tasters

Sat, 12 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open MorningOpen Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026Third Form Open MorningOpen Morning

Fees

£35,700per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £35,700VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £283,469
vs London avg (£24,000)49% above

Bursaries & Scholarships

House system

BruceChandosChathamCheshireCobhamCroftGraftonGrenvilleLytteltonNugentQueen'sStanhopeTempleWalpoleWestWinton

Wellbeing

Stowe's pastoral care centers on its House system, providing a family atmosphere with Houseparents, tutors, matrons, and medical staff supporting pupils' health and wellbeing. A comprehensive PSHE program fosters social, moral, and spiritual development with weekly lessons and active pastoral support.

Inspection

Isi 24 Feb 2026

2 inspection reports on file.

met
  • Isi · Non-Routine Inspections12 Sept 2023
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

autumn2 Sept 202512 Dec 2025Half-term 18 Oct 2025–2 Nov 2025
spring4 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 13 Feb 2026–22 Feb 2026
summer20 Apr 202627 Jun 2026Half-term 23 May 2026–31 May 2026

Feeder schools

1 offer

Schools like Stowe School

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

72%

Westbury House School

Kingston upon Thames · Pre Prep · Ages 3–7
£2,589 – £15,534
71%

Buxlow School

Brent · Pre Prep · Ages 4–11
Fees TBC
68%

Bishop's Stortford College

Hertfordshire · All Through · Ages 3–18
£11,259 – £30,474
67%

Oundle School

North Northamptonshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£24,150 – £38,085
67%

Berkhamsted School

Hertfordshire · All Through · Ages 0–18
£19,824 – £25,503
66%

Burlington House School Tooting

Wandsworth · All Through · Ages 7–18
£34,866 – £47,733

Questions parents ask

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

What kind of child is Stowe School best for?+

Independent boys senior school in Buckinghamshire for ages 13–18, 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?+

No open days currently listed. Save this school and we'll email when booking opens, or contact admissions to ask about private tours.

How do I contact admissions?+

phone on +44 (0) 1280 818209 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 Stowe School — see the "Schools like Stowe School" 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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