Uppingham School is a GCSE / IGCSE / A Level / BTEC / Pre-U school in Rutland, United Kingdom. Founded in 1949. It serves 839 students for students aged 11–18.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Postcode
LE15 9SQ
Setting
Semi-rural
Nearest station
Oakham9.3 km away
Nearest town
Uppingham0 m
Quiet historic market town in rural East Midlands, home to prestigious Uppingham School; prosperous and peaceful, approximately 2 hours from London and convenient for visiting families.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 71 km | ~102 min | BHX — Midlands gateway |
| Luton | 83 km | ~118 min | LTN — European and budget carriers |
| Stansted | 102 km | ~143 min | STN — European and budget carriers |
NanaSays Scorecard
Est. 1949
Year Founded
839
Students Enrolled
Boarding Available
CCF Programme
Duke of Edinburgh
Key Details
Curricula Offered
GCSEYes
IGCSEYes
A LevelYes
BTECYes
Pre-UYes
Accreditations
BSA
Languages of Instruction
English
Scholarships Available
Types Available
✓Academic Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; awards based on examination performance
✓Music Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; up to 100% fee remission plus free Alexander Technique lessons and free instrumental tuition on up to three instruments
✓Art, Textiles, Design & Technology Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; candidates assessed through practical examinations and portfolio work
✓Drama Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; requires demonstrated passion for theatre and outstanding acting ability
✓Sport Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; candidates must be county standard or equivalent in their sport
✓Thring Award (All-Rounder Scholarship) — available at 13+ entry only; for candidates with exceptional qualities and leadership potential
Bursaries (means-tested): Means-tested fee assistance available to families unable to afford tuition; scholarship awards may be supplemented up to 110% of school fees through means-tested awards for qualifying families.
💡 Scholarship amounts and bursary likelihood analysis are in the Full Deep Report.
Merit-based Scholarships
Academic Performance
Standards Met
ISI
ISI Inspection Report
The school meets all relevant Independent School Standards considered in this progress monitoring inspection. The inspection verified compliance and assessed the proposed material change to increase the age range from 13-18 to 11-18. The material change has been recommended for approval, as the school is likely to continue meeting standards if implemented.
ISI Standards
Met
Key Strengths
Teachers plan lessons well and use suitable resources to help pupils extend their knowledge and deepen their understanding
Leaders have made suitably detailed curriculum plans in preparation for pupils aged 11 to 12
The safeguarding team are suitably trained and understand the contextual risks to pupils well
Boarding houses are clean, comfortable and well maintained
Governors have diligent oversight of the work of leaders and confirm information by visiting the school
Areas for Development
Ensure all school inspection reports are published on the school's website (rectified during inspection)
Key facts
Founded
1949
Ages
11–18 (Co-ed)
Pupils on roll
839
Fees
$ 26,334–$ 60,516 / year
Inspectorate
ISI
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Upper School Boarding (Years 9-13) | £20,172 | £60,516 |
| Upper School Day-in-boarding (Years 9-13) | £13,692 | £41,076 |
| Upper School Day (Years 9-13) | £11,814 | £35,442 |
| Lower School Day (Years 7-8) | £8,778 | £26,334 |
| Lower School Flexi-boarding 1 night (Years 7-8) | £9,768 | £29,304 |
| Lower School Flexi-boarding 2 nights (Years 7-8) | £10,524 | £31,572 |
| Lower School Flexi-boarding 3 nights (Years 7-8) | £11,286 | £33,858 |
| Lower School Flexi-boarding 4 nights (Years 7-8) | £11,934 | £35,802 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | One-time | £250 |
| Acceptance Deposit | One-time | £1,500 |
| Overseas Deposit | One-time | £20,172 |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Scholarships & financial assistance
Merit-based scholarships (6 types)
Academic Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; awards based on examination performance
Music Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; up to fee remission plus free Alexander Technique lessons and free instrumental tuition on up to three instruments100% fee remission
Art, Textiles, Design & Technology Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; candidates assessed through practical examinations and portfolio work
Drama Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; requires demonstrated passion for theatre and outstanding acting ability
Sport Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry; candidates must be county standard or equivalent in their sport
Thring Award (All-Rounder Scholarship) — available at 13+ entry only; for candidates with exceptional qualities and leadership potential
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
Means-tested bursaries — the school looks at your family income and can offer a much larger discount than any scholarship. Means-tested fee assistance available to families unable to afford tuition; scholarship awards may be supplemented up to 110% of school fees through means-tested awards for qualifying families. Ask the Bursar directly — these are rarely advertised prominently.
About
Uppingham School is a full boarding co-educational school located in Uppingham, Rutland, England. It is a member of the Boarding Schools' Association (BSA).
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
The LIFE Project
partnership with LOROS Hospice where 82 pupils from 11 local schools collaborate to innovate solutions to real-world palliative care challenges, mentored by experts in medicine, business and charity
Community Service programme
long-running initiative allowing pupils to contribute to local community needs (established 1969, originally called Pioneer Group or Public Service)
Leonardo Centre
dedicated facility for Design and Technology, Art, and Textiles teaching
Clubs & Activities
ArcheryAthleticsBadmintonBasketballCricketCross CountryFivesFootballGolfHockey+19 more
Expeditions include: DofE Expeditions — led by Mark Edwards, Head of Outdoor Education, Outdoor Education and Adventure Training trips covering survival skills, bushcraft, climbing, bouldering, navigation, outdoor first-aid, and water-based activities, Academic field trips (Geography, Biology, History, Art departments mentioned as organizing visits)
Academic Results
A-Level A*
21%
GCSE Grade 9
23%
67% grade 7+
University Destinations 2025
OxfordCambridgeEdinburghDurham28St. AndrewsUniversity College London5HarvardUniversity of ChicagoDartmouthDuke
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 (11+) | Online tests (verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Maths, English) + written Maths + Creative Writing + 20-min interview + 30-min extended writing task | Spring Term prior to entry; pre-tests typically September–December of Year 7 | 30 September 2025 |
| Year 8 (12+) | Online tests (verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Maths, English) + written Maths + Creative Writing + 20-min interview + 30-min extended writing task | Spring Term prior to entry | Not explicitly stated |
| Fourth Form (13+, Year 9) | Common Entrance (if at prep school, 55% average required) OR non-common entrance papers (Maths 40 mins, English comprehension 40 mins) + interview with houseparent | February or March prior to September entry | Not explicitly stated |
| Year 10 (14+) | Maths (60 mins) + English (40 mins comprehension, or essay if not English-taught) + interview with Deputy Head (Academic) + meeting with houseparent | Not explicitly stated | Not explicitly stated |
| Sixth Form (16+, Year 12) | Maths (30 mins, calculator permitted) + English essay (45 mins) + chosen subject paper (45 mins, except Art by portfolio interview) + interview with senior staff | 10 October 2025, 3 November 2025, or 5 November 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
How to apply
- Contact Admissions Department or visit school website
- Register online and pay registration fee (£250 inclusive VAT)
- Submit birth certificate copy and arrange assessments
- Complete pre-tests/entrance exams (online or at approved test centre; remote option available for overseas candidates)
- Undertake interview and extended writing task with school staff
- Receive offer (Sixth Form offers made 1 December 2025)
- Accept place with acceptance deposit (£1,500) and overseas deposit if applicable
What you'll need to submit
- Online registration form
- Registration fee (£250 inclusive VAT)
- Birth certificate (copy)
- Confidential reference from current school headteacher
- For overseas candidates: valid passport, confirmation of guardianship, parental consent letter, visa documents (if applicable)
Open events
- Lower School and Fourth Form Visiting Day — Saturday 25 April 2026, 9:30am–1:00pm
- Sixth Form Visiting Day — Saturday 9 May 2026, 9:30am–1:00pm
- Individual term-time visits (Monday–Saturday) — arrange with Admissions, minimum 1 week notice
- School Shop uniform fittings — May–September 2026 (multiple dates available)
Scholarships: Scholarships available at Year 7, Fourth Form (13+), and Sixth Form (16+) in Academic, Music, Art, Textiles, Design & Technology, Drama, Sport, and Thring (all-rounder, 13+ only); awards up to 100% for Music; means-tested fee assistance also available.
Admissions contact: [email protected]; 01572 820611 (main); Flynn Le Brocq (Director of Admissions) 01572 820610 or [email protected]; Sarah Heading (Lower School) contact via main email
Comprehensive admissions content covering 5 entry points; Year 7 and 8 are new from September 2025; overseas candidates can arrange remote assessment; Sixth Form entry requires minimum 3 grade-7s and 3 grade-6s at GCSE.
Why Families Choose
- Sport
Facilities & Programmes
Sports
Six-court sports hall
Six-lane 25-metre swimming pool
Gymnasium
Squash courts
Dance studios
Fitness suite
Playing fields
Astroturf pitches
Tennis courts
Cricket grounds
Golf simulator
Theatre
Science laboratories
Student Demographics
School Type
co-ed
Age Range
11 – 18
School Background
Religious Affiliation
Church of England
Sports Programme
35
teams across 19 sports
Signature Sports
HockeyCricketRugby UnionTennisNetball
Teams by Sport
Badminton
11
teams
Basketball
4
teams
Cricket
26
teams
Cross Country
18
teams
Fives
1
teams
Football
9
teams
Golf
4
teams
Hockey
32
teams
Hockey Indoor
2
teams
Hockey Sevens
3
teams
Netball
18
teams
Rugby Sevens
4
teams
Rugby Union
22
teams
Sailing
1
teams
Squash
6
teams
Swimming
6
teams
Table Tennis
2
teams
Target Rifle
1
teams
Tennis
40
teams
Also Offered
AthleticsLacrosseVolleyball
Recent Highlights
NationalISFA Girls U18 Trophy Final 2025-2026 (runners-up to Repton 0-7)2026
NationalISFA Boys U18 Bowl First Round participation 2025-20262026
NationalMultiple players in England Player Pathway System for Hockey2026
NationalCross Country Teams qualified for National Schools Cross Country Cup Finals2025
Notable Coaches
Rob Taylor
Director of Cricket
ECB Level IV specialist coach, former professional cricketer with vast experience coaching men's and women's cricket
Trevor Ward
Cricket Professional
Ex England A, Kent and Leicestershire player
Ian Smith
Director of Rugby
Former Leicester Tigers player, renowned rugby coach
Facilities
Three Astroturf hockey pitches (two floodlit) on Middle playing fieldsUpper playing field cricket ground with thatched pavilionSix cricket squares on Middle playing fields19 grass cricket lanesNine netball courts on Leicester playing fields39 tennis courts (12 hard courts, 24 Astroturf, 3 floodlit Savannah courts)Three rugby pitches on Leicester playing fieldsSix rugby pitches on Middle playing fieldsUppingham School Sports Centre (USSC) with six-court sports hall, six-lane 25m swimming pool, gym, squash courts, two dance studios, 53-station fitness suiteThree football pitches on Middle playing field
Director of Sport: Mr N R Gandy
Notable Alumni
Stephen Fry
actor, comedian, presenter, and author
Boris Karloff
actor, famous for playing Frankenstein's monster
John Schlesinger
Academy Award-winning film director
Sam Riley
actor and film director
Jonathan Agnew
England cricketer and BBC cricket correspondent
Danny Hipkiss
Leicester Tigers and England rugby player
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the admissions office at Uppingham School directly for current fee information.