Uppingham School: Exploring Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
With a rich history dating back to 1584, Uppingham School has continually evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of education. Aspiring scholars from around the globe are drawn to its distinguished reputation, seeking not just knowledge, but a transformative experience. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the fabric of Uppingham School, offering a detailed examination of its reviews, rankings, fees, and more.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Uppingham School
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Rutland
- Rank: 119
- Pupils: 845; sixth formers: 375
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £29,574; Boarding £45,522 pa
Uppingham School Results
In 2023, 69% of students achieved grades 9-7 in their GCSE exams, while 51% attained A* or A grades in their A-level exams, with 82% achieving grades A* to B. Comparatively, in 2019, before the pandemic, the results showed 69% of students achieving grades 9-7 in GCSE exams and 45% attaining A* or A grades in A-level exams, with 73% achieving grades A* to B.
Boarding Experience in Uppingham School
At Uppingham School, the boarding experience is central to student life, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and belonging. Full boarding is the norm, with no weekly or flexi boarding options, ensuring a cohesive residential environment where students immerse themselves fully in school life. The school’s expansive 120-acre campus is home to 15 distinct boarding houses, each with its own unique selling point (USP), ethos, and friendly rivalry, contributing to a vibrant residential community.
The boarding houses, accommodating between 50 to 60 students, are overseen by dedicated housemasters and housemistresses, supported by deputies, tutors, matrons, and domestic staff. With a real family atmosphere, parents are actively involved and made to feel part of the community. Matrons play a pivotal role in students’ welfare, providing pastoral care, communication with parents, and even personalised gestures like leaving sweets and birthday cards on students’ pillows.
In addition, house life is enriched with a plethora of activities and competitions, fostering inter-house camaraderie and teamwork. Students enjoy in-house dining, which not only provides nourishment but also strengthens the sense of belonging and community spirit. Social opportunities abound, with older boarders enjoying visits to friends in other houses and exclusive access to the school bar under strict supervision.
Extracurricular Activities in Uppingham
At Uppingham School, students are encouraged to explore their artistic talents through a variety of engaging activities. The school boasts a vibrant theatre culture, with several major drama productions held annually, alongside house drama competitions and smaller-scale performances. From gripping plays like Martin McDonagh’s “The Pillowman” to musical extravaganzas like “Oh! What a Lovely War,” the school’s 280-seat theatre provides a spectacular stage for artistic expression.
Music is celebrated as a source of joy and creativity, with three dedicated music schools, recording studios, and a dynamic team of over 45 full-time and visiting staff, many of whom are professional musicians. Nearly 40% of students receive instrumental lessons, spanning a wide range of instruments from the harp to the bagpipes to digital platforms like GarageBand.
The Leonardo Centre serves as a hub for artistic exploration, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for art, textiles, and design. Students engage in a wide array of artistic disciplines, from traditional mediums like fine art and ceramics to contemporary practices like photography and video production. With around 60 students taking Design Technology (DT) and 40 pursuing art at GCSE level, the school fosters a culture of innovation and expression.
Beyond academics, Uppingham offers an enriching array of extracurricular activities through its extensive enrichment programme, encompassing over 50 diverse options ranging from drone racing to songwriting.
In addition to artistic pursuits, sports play a prominent role in school life, with students participating in a minimum of three sport sessions weekly. The school’s impressive sports facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and acres of playing fields, support a wide range of activities from traditional sports like football, rugby, and cricket to niche options like lacrosse and squash.
Admissions Process: Entering Uppingham School
At Uppingham School, the application process typically beginning three years prior to entry. The school’s reputation for excellence often leads to oversubscription, reflecting the widespread appeal of its educational approach.
Year 9 intake comprises around 150 pupils, predominantly from approximately 90 feeder schools. Notable contributors to this cohort include Maidwell Hall, Brambletye, and Witham Hall. All of which consistently send significant numbers of students to Uppingham. Competition for places is fierce, with the school receiving between two and four applications for each available spot.
For entry into the sixth form, the process is even more rigorous, with an average of five girls and eight boys vying for every place. Prospective sixth formers must meet stringent academic criteria, typically requiring a minimum of three 7s and three 6s at GCSE level. Exceptional performance is particularly vital for those intending to study languages, maths, and sciences at A level.
Candidates undergo a comprehensive assessment process, including tests in maths, English, and their chosen subject, alongside a rigorous interview. While competition is intense, existing pupils generally transition smoothly into the sixth form, reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing talent and academic excellence at every stage of the educational journey.
SEN Support
The school is also proud to support various special needs that students may face. This includes:
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
Testimonials and Reviews
Very good school although the PE teacher has retractable claws and shows us in the locker room other than that amazing.
Spoken to Mr Charlie Bostock who gave extremely sound advice on how to approach Independent Schools. Although my son is not in this school, it is chatting to people like him that independent school are not just in it for the money.
Strong all around school. 2 children successfully and happily completed five years with excellent results.
One word…… INCREDIBLE!
Made tons of friends and some of the best food and accommodation I have ever had!
Frequently Asked Questions about Uppingham School
Uppingham School is known for its all-round excellent facilities and opportunities – within academia, performing and creative arts, or sport.
The Tatler Schools Guide, renowned for its rigorous evaluation criteria, is considered a prestigious authority in the field of education. This recognition reaffirms Uppingham School’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.
Prospective pupils at prep-schools that offer common entrance are required to sit these exams in Year 8. The School expects a 55% average pass mark. Pupils from schools that do not offer common entrance, fulfil their offer by sitting Uppingham’s non-common entrance papers.
The school is a Christian foundation in the Anglican tradition, but they welcome pupils from all faith backgrounds, and greatly value the perspectives they bring.
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