Ardingly College
Ardingly College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, offering a broad curriculum and extensive co-curricular activities.
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Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in West Sussex for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
- Fees aren't published. Treat published external fee comparisons with caution and ask admissions directly before shortlisting.
- 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.
About the head
Ardingly College is committed to providing a supportive, international community fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and a rich co-curricular life.
Distinctive features
Top 5 IB school in the UK
Top 10 IB school worldwide
Only UK school awarded 'Significant Strength' in Boarding by ISI
Co-educational day and boarding school
Wide range of A Levels, IB Diploma and BTEC qualifications
Integrated Academic Pathways for international students
Strong university preparation including Oxbridge support
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
other
Facilities
sports
arts
boarding
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
Ardingly's IB Diploma cohort scored an average of 40.1 points, placing the school in the top 5 UK IB Schools and top 10 globally. , IB or BTEC grades A*-B, with
Where leavers go
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 129 | — | — |
| Oxbridge | 6 | — | — |
| Russell Group | 9 | — | 8 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Recent coverage
Ardingly College's Class of 2024 achieved exceptional Sixth Form results, with 26% of A-Level and IB grades at the top A* and 7 levels, and 23% of A-Level grades at A*, the highest percentage outside of pandemic years. Notably, 17 students secured A*, A*, A or higher, including two students with four A*s. Overall, 63% of results were at A*-A (A-Level) and 7-6 (IB), with 89% at A*-B/7-5. In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded Ardingly College an "Excellent" rating, marking it as the first UK school to receive a "significant strength" in boarding under the new inspection framework. (findmyschool.uk) In August 2025, Ardingly's Year 11 students celebrated record-breaking GCSE results, with 76% of grades at the top 9-7 levels and an average grade of 7.44, the highest for a non-Covid year. Nine students achieved straight 9s, and over half of all grades were 9s or 8s. In March 2026, Ardingly College received offers from six students to study at Oxbridge, and several students secured early offers to prestigious universities in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does Ardingly College match?
Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in West Sussex.
Check fit for my childApplication timeline
No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Talks & tasters
| Sat, 13 Jun 2026 | Design and Technology Masterclass | Taster Day |
| Fri, 18 Sept 2026 | 11+ Open Morning | Open Morning |
| Fri, 18 Sept 2026 | Lower School Open Morning (Year 7 & 8) | Open Morning |
| Sat, 19 Sept 2026 | Watersports and Outdoor Activities Masterclass | Taster Day |
| Wed, 23 Sept 2026 | 16+ Senior School Open Morning | Open Morning |
| Wed, 23 Sept 2026 | Sixth Form Open Evening | Open Evening |
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
Wellbeing
Ardingly College offers outstanding pastoral care through a house system where every pupil is known individually. The Health & Wellbeing Centre provides 24/7 medical assistance staffed by nurses, counsellors, and a Mental Health Lead. Wellbeing initiatives include mental health ambassadors, peer mentors, termly wellbeing surveys, and a peaceful wellbeing garden.
Inspection
Isi — 30 Apr 2024
One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.
Term dates 2025-26
Schools like Ardingly College
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about Ardingly College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is Ardingly College best for?+
Independent co-ed all-through school in West Sussex for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.
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?+
16 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
phone on +44 (0)1444 892000 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 Ardingly College — see the "Schools like Ardingly College" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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