Houseroom
Directory›Croydon›Senior›Whitgift School
Senior school

Whitgift School

Whitgift School is a leading independent boys' school offering day and boarding education from age 10 to 18, with strong academic and co-curricular provision.

Day fees
£31,410
Entry
School Exam + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Fri 9 Oct 202613+ registration closes
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance

Key facts

Head
Alistair Osborne (Assistant Head, Co-curricular and Admissions)
Headmaster
Gender
Boys
Pupils
1,515
Location
South Croydon, Croydon
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
10 to 18
Religious ethos
Christian
Founded
1596
Sixth form
420 pupils
Entry points
3+, 11+, 13+, 16+
ISI inspection
Inspected 2025
Nearest station
Lloyd Park
Show 4 more factsShow fewer facts
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Academic, Art, Design +3
A-level A*–A
68%
2025
GCSE 9–7
69%
2025
Overview

About Whitgift School

Whitgift School is a boys' independent school located in South Croydon, offering education from age 10 (Year 6) through to Sixth Form (age 18). The school provides day, weekly boarding, and full boarding options. It has a strong academic reputation and a wide range of co-curricular activities including drama, music, and sports. The school welcomes students from London, surrounding counties, and overseas. The admissions process includes entrance exams, interviews, and scholarship assessments. The school campus spans 45 acres and offers excellent facilities.

Our take

Independent boys senior school in Croydon, day or boarding. Selective entry.

Best for
  • 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.
Watch-outs
  • 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

Application timeline

  1. Nov20
    Bursary deadline
    John Whitgift Foundation Bursary

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

Open events

Open DayThis week
1pm
Open Afternoon
Open DayNext week
1pm
Open Afternoon
Open Day5 weeks away
1pm
Open Afternoon
Assessment5 weeks away
16+ Entrance Examination
Assessment5 weeks away
13+ and 14+ Entrance Examination
Assessment
10+ Entrance Examination
Assessment
11+ Entrance Examination

Private tours by arrangement with admissions.

Fees

£31,410per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £31,410VAT TBC7 years: £262,357
vs London avg (£24,000)31% above
Ask Houseroom

Questions about Whitgift School?

Ask about Whitgift School

Quick answers about Whitgift School

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

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
24
£5,800,000 a year in fee support
Scholarships→Bursaries→

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Table Tennis ClubBasketball

music

Music orchestras and clubs

academic club

£100 Enterprise ClubGreenpower Car ClubJapanese ClubSTEM related clubs and societiesSTEM Clubs and Societies

service

Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Corps of DrumsCCF and Corps of Drums

other

Outdoor adventure and hikingOutdoor Activities and HikingOutdoor Adventure/Hiking

Facilities

boarding

Founder's House

Latest exam results

68%
A-level A*–A
69%
GCSE 9–7

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

4%
to Oxbridge (2025)
84%
to Russell Group
20252024202320222021
Cohort186—140——
Oxbridge8119712
Russell Group156————
US Ivy0————
Medicine5————
Top universities (2025)
Imperial College London9
UCL
King's College London
LSE
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Queen Mary University of London
City St George's, University of London

Qualifications offered

GCSEA Level

Recent coverage

Whitgift School announced that this year's A Level students achieved 92% grades A* to B.

Notable alumni

Sir David Attenborough (broadcaster and natural historian)Ben Barnes (actor)Sir Malcolm Rifkind (politician)Sir Peter Bottomley (politician)Sir Michael Caine (actor)Sir Richard Eyre (theatre director)Sir John Major (former Prime Minister)Sir Michael Havers (Attorney General)Sir Michael Howard (historian)
Recommended next step

Registration closes 9 Oct 2026 (13+)

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

Fit for your child

Is Whitgift School right for your child?

Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.

Check fit for my child

Inspection

ISI inspection, 1 Apr 2025

Standards met
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2026/27

Autumn4 Sept 2026 → 10 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
Spring6 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
Summer13 Apr 2027 → 1 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027

Whitgift School term dates and holidays →

Feeder schools

9 offers
3 offers
1 offer
1 offer

Policies & documents

Schools like Whitgift School

74%

Trinity School

Croydon · Senior · Ages 10–18
£30,468
70%

Croydon High School

Croydon · All-through · Ages 3–18
£25,548
61%

Royal Grammar School Guildford

Guildford · All-through · Ages 3–18
£27,756 – £28,080
60%

Cumnor House School

Croydon · Prep · Ages 2–13
£15,147 – £21,195
59%

Guildford High School

Guildford · All-through · Ages 4–18
£16,692 – £26,769
59%

Cumnor House Boys School

Croydon · Prep · Ages 4–13
£15,147 – £21,360

Questions parents ask

What kind of child is Whitgift School best for?+

Whitgift School suits: 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.

How much are the fees at Whitgift School?+

Day fees at Whitgift School are £10,470 a term in 2026-27 (£31,410 a year). Boarding fees are £20,538 a term in 2026-27 (£61,614 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.

When is the next open day at Whitgift School?+

The next open day at Whitgift School is on 7 October 2026. Booking is usually required.

How does admissions work?+

Whitgift School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.

Does Whitgift School support SEND?+

We don't hold SEND details for Whitgift School. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.

What ages does Whitgift School take?+

Whitgift School takes pupils from age 10 to 18.

Is Whitgift School a day or boarding school?+

Whitgift School offers both day and boarding places.

Is Whitgift School co-educational or single-sex?+

Whitgift School is a boys' school.

Where is Whitgift School?+

Whitgift School is in Croydon, CR2 6YT.

How do I contact admissions at Whitgift School?+

Contact Whitgift School by email at admissions@whitgift.co.uk or phone on 02086889222.

Updated 14 May 2026. Sources: school website, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, Sunday Times Parent Power and Wikipedia.