MixedIndependentBoarding

Ardingly College

Haywards Heath, West Sussex, South East · RH17 6SQ

A Church of England school tracing its roots to 1858, Ardingly College spans the full age range from 2 to 18 and combines day and boarding life on a single large campus near Haywards Heath. With over 1,000 pupils and a substantial sixth form of nearly 280, it has the scale to offer real breadth while keeping a clear pastoral framework. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent both academically and for personal development, with all compliance standards met. Families weighing boarding will find a structured environment, including thoughtful limits on mobile phone use across each age group.

1,048

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£34,380

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 2-18
Pupils: 1,048
Location: Haywards Heath, West Sussex, South East
Website: www.ardingly.com
Telephone: 01444 893000

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head of College Ben Figgis

Latest results

Attainment 8

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

76%

A-level A*-A

60%

A-level A*-B

85%

Teaching & academics

Ardingly is unusual in offering the International Baccalaureate alongside the traditional GCSE and A-level route, with BTEC and the EPQ also available. At A-level, 60% of grades reach A*-A and 85% reach A*-B, with strong cohorts in subjects such as Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Economics and Psychology. At GCSE, 76% of grades fall in the 9-7 range, and the languages programme is notably wide, extending to Chinese and Russian as well as French, German and Spanish.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 277

Popular A-level subjects

PsychologyPhysicsMathematicsFurther MathematicsEconomicsBusiness StudiesBiologyDrama and Theatre Studies

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelIBBTECEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 8.3%
EHC plans: 0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicMusicArtDramaSports

Languages

FrenchGermanSpanishChineseRussian

Popular GCSE subjects

RussianReligious StudiesPhysical EducationMusicLatinGermanDrama and Theatre StudiesDesign and TechnologyComputer StudiesChineseArt and Design

Beyond the classroom

Scholarships are offered in academic work, music, art, drama and sport, signalling where the school invests beyond the classroom. Drama and Theatre Studies is popular at both GCSE and A-level, pointing to a lively performing arts culture.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1858
Religious character: C of E
Boarding: Yes

Mobile phone policy

No children in the prep schools allowed to bring mobile phones. Years 7-11 day pupils check in phones on arrival; boarders allowed phones in evenings only but not during prep or before bed. Sixth form allowed phones but not visible in lessons or breaks.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £24,591 - £34,380
Boarding fees (per year): £29,826 - £52,641

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 30 April 2024

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

An established co-educational boarding and day school for those drawn to academic breadth and the choice of IB or A-level. Day fees run from around £24,600, with boarding reaching up to £52,641.

The Passmate verdict