Ardingly College is a IB school in Ardingly, United Kingdom. Founded in 1927. It serves 1,048 students for students aged 2–20.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Semi-rural Sussex location near Haywards Heath, prosperous commuter area with countryside character. Close to Gatwick Airport and London; affluent region popular with international families seeking space and good schools.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick | 14 km | ~28 min | LGW — good for SE Asia, Middle East via BA/EK/QR |
| London City | 53 km | ~79 min | — |
| Heathrow | 54 km | ~80 min | LHR — gateway for Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Academic Performance
ISI Inspection Report
All Independent School Standards are met across all areas. The school demonstrates high-quality teaching and learning, with pupils making very good progress in GCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate examinations. Boarding is identified as a significant strength, with boarders developing high levels of self-knowledge and self-esteem. The primary area for development is establishing a more systematic careers education program for pupils below sixth form.
Key facts
About
Ardingly College is a private, coeducational boarding school in West Sussex, United Kingdom, authorized as an IB World School since February 2001. The school offers the IB Diploma Programme with instruction in English and a comprehensive range of academic subjects. It provides mixed boarding facilities alongside day school options.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ (Year 7) | English and Maths (paper-based), Cognitive Ability (online), plus group problem-solving and team-building activities | November | October |
| 13+ (Year 9) | ISEB Common Pre-Test (online at prep school Oct-Dec), followed by Engagement Day with written tests and lesson carousel | February | October |
| 16+ (Sixth Form) | CAT test, papers in Maths, English and relevant sciences, one-to-one interview with Head of Sixth Form | November | September |
| Nursery, Reception, Year 3 (Prep) | Familiarisation visits and age-appropriate informal assessments | Flexible throughout term | Rolling with priority allocation in March/April |
How to apply
- Attend Open Morning or arrange individual visit
- Complete registration form and submit registration fee (£180)
- Attend individual visit with admissions staff and Head
- Sit entrance assessment (format varies by entry point)
- Reference request sent to current school
- Sit optional scholarship assessments if applicable
- Receive offer letter
- Submit written acceptance and confirmation deposit to secure place
What you'll need to submit
- Online registration form
- Two most recent school reports
- Passport copy
- Supporting documentation for learning support needs (Educational Psychologist's Report, Speech and Language reports, health records) if applicable
Open events
- Senior School Open Morning — 4 May 2026 (Years 7 through Sixth Form)
- Prep School Open Morning — 12 May 2026 (Nursery to Year 3)
- Virtual Open Morning — 11 September 2026 (Senior School, primarily international)
- Lower School Open Morning — 18 September 2026 (Years 7 & 8)
- Sixth Form Open Evening — 23 September 2026
- Prep Open Weeks — three per year (dates on website)
Scholarships: Academic, Music, Sport, Art, Drama and Dance scholarships offered; Dance at 11+ and 13+ only; award holders expected to contribute to College life and maintain satisfactory conduct and performance; scholarships held for 5-year duration (or to completion of GCSEs for 11+/13+ entrants) subject to ongoing review
Admissions contact: [email protected] (general); [email protected] (international); [email protected] (Prep); phone 01444 893000
Occasional places at other year groups considered on individual basis; overseas applicants welcome as full boarders (not day students) with requirement for UK educational guardian; fluency in English essential; minimum GCSE grade requirements apply for A Level/IB/BTEC progression (typically grade 5 in Maths and English)
Why Families Choose
Choice of A Level or IB in the Sixth Form; highly rated by ISI with 'excellent', 'outstanding', and 'exceptional' descriptors; beautiful 230-acre countryside campus conveniently located near London, Brighton, and Gatwick airport.
Boarding Life
Flexi Boarding, Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding (Monday to Friday)
Student Demographics
School Background
private
Church of England