Stamford School: Exploring Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Stamford School is an independent day and boarding school in Lincolnshire, offering education from Year 7 to Sixth Form. In this guide, we’ll cover academics, student life, fees, and how the school compares – giving you the key information you need to decide if it’s the right fit.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Stamford School
- Local authority: Lincolnshire
- Pupils: 1,252; sixth formers: 372
- Ages: 11-18
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £8,357 per term; Boarding £15,678 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Results: 37.2% A*/A.
- Ranking: 173
Stamford School Results (2025)
2025 Results:
- GCSE: 50.5% achieved grades 9-7
- A level: 32.2% achieved A*/A.
Teaching and Learning at Stamford School
Stamford School offers a comprehensive and dynamic approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that every student receives a well-rounded education.
In the Junior School, the curriculum focuses on providing a solid foundation in core subjects such as English, Maths, and Science, while also encouraging creativity and critical thinking through subjects like Art, Music, and Drama. Specialist teachers deliver subjects like French, ICT, and Physical Education, ensuring a broad range of experiences for students. The aim is to foster both academic and personal growth, allowing students to explore their interests and develop their talents.
As students transition to the Senior School, the curriculum broadens to include a wider range of subjects, enabling students to focus on their strengths and future aspirations. In Years 7 and 8, students continue to study a broad range of subjects, including Languages, Humanities, and the Sciences. In Years 9 to 11, students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of GCSE subjects, allowing for greater specialisation and an emphasis on academic rigour.
In the Sixth Form, students can choose from a range of A-level subjects, allowing them to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career aspirations. Stamford School offers a supportive environment for students preparing for university, with a strong focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and intellectual development. The school provides opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, which support the development of their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Stamford School also offers a unique lecture series, the Stamford Lectures, which are free to the community and designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity. These lectures cover a variety of topics and encourage debate and independent thinking, enriching students’ learning experience outside the classroom.
Boarding Experience in Stamford School
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Close-Knit Community: The boarding side of Stamford School fosters a close-knit community due to its relatively small size. Pupils describe it as integrated with the rest of the school, creating a sense of unity.
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Supportive Environment: Resident tutors and housemasters, who also teach, provide assistance with homework, ensuring that help is always available when needed.
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International Representation: While there are overseas boarders from various countries, flexi-boarding, particularly popular among London families, is on the rise. To date, the students come from around 10 different countries, creating a truly diverse and interesting environment.
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Boarding Houses: 7 boarding houses offer a homely atmosphere, with recent upgrades to facilities. The large house kitchen serves as a focal point where boarders gather after prep.
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Recreational Activities: Boarders have access to a range of recreational facilities, including billiards, snooker, computers, ping-pong, and opportunities for sports on Saturdays. Trips to adventure parks, bowling, and ice-skating are also organized. However, there is ample space for those who prefer quieter activities or simply wish to relax.
Extracurricular Activities in Stamford School
Performing Arts:
- Choirs and Ensembles: Large numbers of pupils participate in choirs and various ensembles, catering to different levels and tastes, including rock bands.
- Collaborative Rehearsals: Male and female musicians rehearse side by side, often with professional bands, showcasing the school’s commitment to musical excellence.
Drama and Theatre Studies:
- Curricular Integration: Performing arts subjects are compulsory for all Year 7s and 8s, with drama and theatre studies enjoying high uptake at A level and GCSE.
- LAMDA Programme: The school is a popular independent examination centre for LAMDA, with a reputation for excellence in drama education.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: A modern performing arts centre hosts large-scale productions like Grease, Les Misérables, and Hairspray, alongside smaller performances. Dance productions and house drama competitions foster inclusivity and enthusiasm.
Visual Arts:
- Art Programme: Students benefit from regular visits to galleries and exhibitions, as well as overseas trips to destinations like Italy and Paris, enriching their artistic experiences.
Other Extracurriculars:
- CCF and DofE: The school boasts one of the oldest and largest Combined Cadet Forces in the UK, alongside a serious commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
- Wide Range of Clubs: From debating and astronomy to robotics and bushcraft, there’s a club for every interest, fostering a culture of exploration and individuality.
- Community Engagement: Pupils are encouraged to volunteer and engage with the local community through charity work, developing empathy and social responsibility.
- Political Engagement: The school prioritises political education, encouraging students to discuss and engage with current affairs, fostering informed and interested citizens.
Sports Activities in Stamford School
- Diverse Sports Programme: Rugby, hockey, netball, cross-country, gymnastics, tennis, athletics, badminton, water polo, and sailing at nearby Rutland Water are just a few of the sports offered.
- Commitment to Physical Fitness: The aim is to instil a lifelong commitment to physical activity, with opportunities for success at local, regional, and national levels.
- Facilities: The school boasts a state-of-the-art sports centre, complete with modern amenities like a fitness suite and 25-metre indoor pool, supporting the development of athletic prowess.
Admissions Process: Entering Stamford School
Entry into Year 7:
- Automatic Entry: Students from the junior school are automatically enrolled into Year 7.
- Entrance Exam: Outsiders and scholarship applicants must sit an entrance exam, covering English, maths, verbal reasoning (VR), non-verbal reasoning (NVR), and creative writing. Raw scores aren’t the sole criterion for admission, allowing consideration for students who may not excel in exams but would thrive in Stamford’s environment.
Year 9:
- Some admissions occur into Year 9, involving exams and interviews.
Sixth Form:
- GCSE Requirements: Sixth form entrants, both internal and external, need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 6. For subjects to be studied at A level, grades 7 are required in sciences and maths.
- Alternative Pathways: Students opting for business or sport BTEC courses need at least grade 5 in a suitable portfolio of GCSE subjects.
SEN Support at Stamford School
Stamford School is able to support the following special educational needs:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Hearing Impairment
- Visual Impairment
Testimonials and Reviews
A rounded education, a great balance between academic success and pastoral care. Turned my son into an unpretentious gentleman. Fantastic staff, although i’ve been advised to avoid the school curries! Jokes aside, great school, full of great staff and boys.
Always positive experience here as a parent previously or visitor
Personally I find this school outstanding
Great school, Great teachers, Great students, Would recommend
Frequently Asked Questions about Stamford School
There are approximately 160 pupils in Years 7 & 8, increasing to 180 pupils in Year 9, 200 pupils in Year 10-11 and 200 pupils in the Sixth Form (Year 12-13).
In September 2023, Stamford moved from its former ‘diamond ‘model (mixed sex Nursery, Junior and Sixth Form, with Senior boys and girls taught separately) to fully co-ed school at all stages, merging the two senior schools and restructuring the use of facilities.
Fees start from £20,500 for day school and £27,700 – £38,475 pa for boarding.
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