Ardingly College
School summary
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.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
76%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
60%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
85%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 30 April 2024
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.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head of College · Ben Figgis
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 277
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
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.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1858
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 8.3%
- EHC plans
- 0%
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.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £24,591 - £34,380
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £29,826 - £52,641
Schools nearby
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Burgess Hill, South East
COA International
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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.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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Ardingly College 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.