MixedIndependentBoarding

Marlborough College

Marlborough, Wiltshire, Wiltshire, South West · SN8 1PA

Founded in 1843, Marlborough College is a full-boarding co-educational school in Wiltshire with a Church of England character and roughly 1,000 pupils aged 13 to 18. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it excellent for both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. Its pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 5:1 is exceptionally generous, pointing to small teaching groups and close academic attention. A large sixth form of 442 sits at the heart of the College, and a substantial bursary programme - over 110 pupils currently supported, with ambitions for around 100 fully funded places by 2033 - signals a serious commitment to widening access.

1,000

Pupils

excellent

ISI

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 13-18
Pupils: 1,000
Pupil:teacher ratio: 5
Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire, Wiltshire, South West
Website: https://www.marlboroughcollege.org/
Telephone: 01672 892400

Headteacher

Master Louise Moelwyn-Hughes

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Latest results

GCSE grade 9-7

67%

A-level A*-A

51%

A-level A*-B

86%

Teaching & academics

Results are strong across both phases: 67% of GCSE grades were 9-7, while at A-level 51% reached A*-A and 86% A*-B. The curriculum spans GCSE, A-level and the EPQ, with popular sixth-form choices including Mathematics, Economics, the sciences, History and English Literature. Languages are a notable strength, with French, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Chinese all on offer, alongside classical study such as Latin lower down the school.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 442

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsEconomicsGovernment and PoliticsHistoryEnglish LiteraturePhysicsBiologyChemistryGeographyBusiness Studies

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 0%
EHC plans: 0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

Academic scholarshipsDirectors' scholarships (music and sport)Art scholarshipsDrama scholarshipsMusic scholarshipsSports scholarships

Languages

FrenchSpanishItalianRussianChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

Religious StudiesPhysical EducationGeographyLatinDrama & Theatre Studies

Sport

Main sports

RugbyCricketHockeyNetballTennisRowingAthleticsSwimming

Beyond the classroom

Sport is wide-ranging, taking in rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, tennis, rowing, athletics and swimming. Scholarships across academics, music, drama, art and sport reflect the breadth of opportunity beyond the classroom. The Directors' scholarships in music and sport mark these as areas of particular standing.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1843
Religious character: Church of England
Boarding: Yes

Mobile phone policy

Pupils allowed to carry mobile phones while outside boarding houses. Not allowed during mealtimes, lessons, co-curricular activities or walking around campus/town unless emergency. In lower school, phones taken in during studies, pep and before bedtime (Monday-Sunday) and returned next morning. Screen time restrictions (one hour per day) requested on devices.

Money matters

Boarding fees (per year): £59,143
Bursaries up to: 100% of fees

Yes - over 110 pupils currently supported with bursaries. Aiming for 100 pupils on fully funded places and similar number on partially funded places by 2033

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 11 November 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A long-established full-boarding college combining excellent inspection judgements with tiny class sizes and a serious bursary mission. Families weighing fees of up to £59,143 should know the College is working hard to make those places reach further.

The Passmate verdict