Ages 
An authentic all-rounder. A very busy place with a wonderful balance of tradition and modernity, where pupils get ‘stuck in’ and are ‘gritty and grafty’. Ardingly successfully balances IB and A levels, an academic mix that benefits everyone. ‘My kids love school and are happy,’ said a parent; ‘I know they’ll end up doing very well academically and going to good universities,’ said another.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,050 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 277 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Day £24,591 - £34,380; Boarding £29,826 - £52,641 pa
- Local authority
- West Sussex County Council
- Area guides
- School ownership
- Woodard Group
Headteacher
Head of College
Ben Figgis
Since 2014, Ben Figgis, MA (Cantab). Previously he was deputy head at Oakham and taught history at Abingdon School after an early career in broadcasting. His wife Joanna is a part-time teacher in London and their three (now adult) children all went
Entrance
For year 7 entry there is an 11+ assessment day including exam and interview, a reference and school reports also needed. For year 9 admission (still the main entry point into the senior school), ISEB pre-test in year 6. For admission into year 10 or
- Open days
- Open Days take place every term. Please see website for details.
Exit
Almost all the children from Ardingly Prep now transition into the College’s lower school (years 7 and 8) where they are joined by a new intake of applicants who mainly come from local state primaries. Around 15 per cent of students leave the College
Latest results
In 2025, 76 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 60 per cent A*/A at A level 85 per cent A*-B). Average IB score of 40.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
One of the few schools in the country which successfully manages to teach A level and IB simultaneously. Around a third of pupils opt for the IB which has been on the menu here for 24 years, so the school has had time to tweak and perfect the
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- IB
Learning support & SEN
Learning support (LS) sits on the top floor of one of the wings of the main building, four rooms off a large bright corridor. Around 16 per cent of pupils use the department.
Long-serving SENco and her 19 staff oversee LS from pre-prep to U6.
Arts & extracurricular
We sat in on a lunchtime rehearsal of sixth form play, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ in The Under (school’s modest drama hall), and were blown away by the standard and professionalism of the cast, crew, and the school’s new drama head (a former
Sport
All the facilities you’d expect including a super gym equipped with every machine there is; a ‘girls only’ strength and conditioning ‘Remembrance Day’ class was happening when we dropped by, everything in reps of 11 -, thoughtful. Head of sport is
Boarders
Boarding staff are ‘beyond fantastic’, said a parent, ‘They’ve embraced my child like a family’. Many parents of overseas boarders talked of how their child has ‘grown in confidence’ and is ‘so happy’. A few confided that they had chosen Ardingly
Ethos & heritage
Founded in Shoreham in 1858 as a public school for Christian children, part of the Woodard group of schools, Ardingly moved to its current 240-acre site adjacent to the village after which it is named, in 1862. The modest entrance and short drive
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Protected characteristics posters are on display in each boarding house and there is a definite feeling that everyone is accepted here; pupils agree, one saying, ‘Ardingly is a place where everyone can be themselves.’ Plenty of school counsellors and
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review No children in the prep schools are allowed to bring a mobile phone to school. In years 7-11 in the senior school, day pupils may check in their phone when they arrive and collect it when they depart but are not allowed it during the school day. Boarders in the senior school are allowed their phones for certain periods in the evening only but not during prep sessions and they are handed in before bed. (Some overseas boarders will be allowed their phones at different times due to time zone issues.) Students in the sixth form are allowed to keep their phone with them at school but they must not be visible in lessons or break/lunch time.
Pupils & parents
A broad mix: local day pupils bused in on the school’s efficient minibus routes, flexi boarders from London and surrounds, and 20 per cent international pupils. Many dual-income families working hard to afford the fees.
Former pupils, Old
Money matters
Academic, music, art, drama and sports scholarships available, between five and 25 per cent. Can be supplemented by a bursary award.
School hours support the many working parents: 8am-7pm is included in the fees and parents can pay more to drop
- Fee information
- Day £24,591 - £34,380; Boarding £29,826 - £52,641 pa
The last word
An authentic all-rounder. A very busy place with a wonderful balance of tradition and modernity, where pupils get ‘stuck in’ and are ‘gritty and grafty’. Ardingly successfully balances IB and A levels, an academic mix that benefits everyone. ‘My kids
