Haileybury: Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Welcome to our in-depth review of Haileybury, a prestigious school with a long history of shaping young minds. Renowned for its balanced and supportive environment, Haileybury places equal emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, and character formation. With strong programmes across academics, sport, and the arts, it is widely regarded as one of the leading schools in the UK. In this article, we explore Haileybury’s distinctive approach to education, its modern facilities, and the wide range of opportunities available to students both inside and beyond the classroom.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Haileybury
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Hertfordshire
- Pupils: 920 ; sixth formers: 360
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £13,700 per term; Boarding £18,932 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Haileybury Results
2025 Results:
- 2025 A Level Results: 52% A*-A
- 2025 IB Results: 37.2 Point Average
- 2025 GCSE Results: 82.7% 9-7
Past Results:
2024: 51% A*/A at A level.
2023: 43.9% A*/A at A level. IB average score 39
2022: 78% 9-7 at IGCSE; 65% A*/A at A level (87% A*-B). IB average score 38
Teaching and Learning in Haileybury
Haileybury offers both A levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Since its introduction in 1998, the IB has thrived at the school, attracting about a third of sixth formers (110 students) each year. The school embraces the IB’s philosophy, emphasising individual and lateral thinking, and pupil-driven learning. However, A levels are still available and highly successful, with notable strengths in English, history, drama, and mathematics.
The teaching staff at Haileybury are highly qualified, with many holding doctorates, and they teach across both the IB and A level systems. The school also offers a unique programme, the Stan-X partnership with Oxford and Stanford universities, allowing sixth formers to conduct biomedical research using fruit flies to find potential cures for diseases like diabetes and cancer.
At the lower levels, pupils undertake IGCSEs with a compulsory core of mathematics, English language, and science. From year 7, students select two languages from German, French, and Spanish, and one from Latin or classical Greek, with continued encouragement to study at least one language until the end of year 8. German and Italian are also taught to native speakers pursuing the IB.
The small tutorial groups have about 5-8 pupils, where teachers have time for each individual student. The sixth form centres are available for students to focus on their studies, UCAS, university applications, etc. Aside from that, there are also common rooms for group work.
Boarding Facilities in Haileybury
Haileybury’s boarding facilities offer a vibrant and inclusive environment for its students. Approximately 70% of pupils board, with weekly boarders leaving on Saturday and returning on Sunday evening or Monday morning, except for a few weekends annually when all students stay. In years 7 and 8, students have opportunities for flexi boarding, while year 9 students can experience taster boarding for three days a week.
The boarding ethos is evident throughout the school, creating a strong sense of community among students. Even day pupils have the option to stay until 9.30pm, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. With a recent increase in boarders, Haileybury’s modern and family-friendly approach, along with its attractive location, has played a key role in attracting more students to the boarding programme.
The school boasts seven boys’ houses and five girls’ houses. While some houses are newly built with light and bright rooms, others have been updated to provide comfortable living spaces. Each house is unique and reflects the personality of its housemaster or mistress.
Accommodations vary from eight to 10 bed dorms for younger years to single or shared rooms for students from year 11 onwards. The students’ living spaces exhibit a mix of military-precision neatness and the typical disarray seen in normal homes.
Students in the boarding programme enjoy an active inter-house social life and participate in numerous weekend activities. Full-time boarders are treated to Saturday film nights and exciting Sunday trips. Additionally, many students have flats in London or visit local pupils with the support of their parents, further enriching their experiences at Haileybury.
Extracurricular Activities in Haileybury
Haileybury’s co-curricular activities are a significant aspect of the school’s identity, attracting families seeking a well-rounded education. With 95% of staff living on-site, the commitment to extracurriculars is evident at every level.
The school’s music programme is exceptional, with a long tradition of outstanding choral singing and a wide range of musical opportunities, from jazz bands to concerts and musical theatre. The dedicated head of music is praised for his inclusive approach, fostering a thriving musical community. The purpose-built art facility offers diverse artistic disciplines, and drama enables pupils to discover their talents on stage. Dance lessons, community service, and adventure training are also integral to the school’s holistic approach.
In sports, Haileybury has an outstanding reputation, and physical activities are compulsory for all students. The school’s facilities, including a modern pool, Astroturf pitches, and a world-class rackets court, contribute to its success. High-performance programmes and advanced fitness monitoring support talented sports enthusiasts.
For instance, some sports are compulsory in Year 9 to Year 11. The school emphasises on helping the students to be physically fit. However, older students have more options such as aerobics, yoga, and tennis.
Admissions Process: Entering Haileybury
Haileybury’s admissions process reflects its commitment to attracting academically able and well-rounded students. While the school doesn’t explicitly claim to be more academically selective, it acknowledges an increase in academically capable applicants. Prospective students undergo a comprehensive evaluation, starting with entrance tests in mathematics and English, supplemented by CAT 4 online testing and an interview at all entry levels.
In year 7 and year 9, the school maintains a cohort of 65 and 70 students, respectively. For year 9 entry, students are pre-tested through negotiations with their prep school 12 or 24 months in advance, and the entrance exam is used for setting purposes. Haileybury seeks students who exhibit the desire to excel academically (ranging from B+ to A* level) while demonstrating enthusiasm and active participation in co-curricular activities.
The school boasts a wide range of feeder schools, further enriching its diverse student community. Surprisingly, Haileybury also experiences a substantial intake of 20 pupils in year 10, showcasing its flexibility and appeal.
As students progress to the sixth form, the admissions process becomes highly competitive due to the school’s popularity and international appeal. Approximately 70 new pupils enter the sixth form, with around 40 coming from overseas. The heavy oversubscription, with three applicants for every place, highlights the school’s prestigious standing.
Minimum entry criteria for the sixth form include achieving six 6s at GCSE level. Applicants are also required to take a subject paper based on their interests and intended course of study, alongside examinations in mathematics, English, and CAT 4 online testing. An interview is conducted to assess the students’ suitability for the school’s advanced academic and co-curricular programmes.
SEN Support
Here at Haileybury, SEN support has always been a priority. Here is a list of the provisions available in the school:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- English as an additional language (EAL)
- Has SEN unit or class
- Hearing Impairment
- Mental health
- Moderate Learning Difficulty
- Multi-Sensory Impairment
- Specific Learning Difficulty
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Speech, Language and Communication
- Specific Learning Difficulty
- Visual Impairment
Haileybury Testimonials and Reviews
I went visited yesterday (15/06/13) to the for the first time; I was going to the Sports Complex for scuba club, but even though I was born and raised in Hertford, I had never seen the school before! I not only is the school and its grounds beautiful, I could feel the history too! Well worth a visit and take a camera too!!
Wonderful Facilities and setting
Was there
Super
The architecture is beautiful
People are great
ISC are the best!
Expensive but awesome
I really loved it and want to go there.
Frequently Asked Questions about Haileybury
Haileybury is a leading co-educational school which offers modern boarding and day provision for pupils aged 11-18. The school was established in 1862 and is situated on a beautiful 500 acre campus just 20 miles north of London.
Haileybury is a company limited by guarantee, and its members form the Haileybury Council. The Council acts as the Board of Directors of the company and appoints the Principal who, as CEO, is responsible for the management of both Haileybury College (for boys) and Haileybury Girls College.
Haileybury is a co-educational boarding and day school. Pupils join at 11, 13 or 16. Haileybury offers A Level or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school is situated in extensive grounds in a rural setting near Hertford.
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