Ages 
With its first decade under its belt, Holyport is a firmly rooted, unique boarding school that continues to change lives. A sort of state sector version of Christ’s Hospital School (if Christ’s didn’t have a 1200 acre site, 1552 foundation and crazy uniform). Suits committed children who will work hard and take advantage of the multitudes of opportunities. Gradually being polished into a slightly more conventional shape than at its outset but holds fast to its mission.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 661 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 196 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day free; Boarding £17,370 - £18,444 pa
- Local authority
- Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Alastair Ingall
Since September 2024, Alastair Ingall MA MEng (Cantab), PGCE (Roehampton), NPQH (UCL). A state sector specialist, having taught at some of the best in the country, Mr Ingall was previously senior deputy headteacher and head of maths at Tiffin School.
Entrance
Around 80 enter at 11+, almost all from local primaries within the school’s tight catchment. The 13+ entry point for day students has been nixed, somewhat altering the school’s flavour, but 12 boarders join then. Day places awarded based on proximity
- Open days
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 50 per cent leave after GCSEs, often seeking a subject not offered here. After A levels, 77 per cent headed to the Russell Group or equivalent in 2025. Imperial, King’s College London, Warwick, Durham, Bath and Exeter all popular. Courses
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 33 per cent 9-7 at GCSE. At A level, nearly 40 per cent A*/A (64 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
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
‘We are unashamedly academic,’ the head told us. The school’s Dixit newsletter, published weekly in glorious colour, presents termly lists of the top ten students in each subject, in each year group, with no flinching.
Bucking national trends,
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Around 100 children receive help for SEND; 22 of them have an EHCP. Most learning support is delivered in lessons through high-quality teaching with reasonable adjustments. But support goes far beyond the classroom and includes help for communication
Arts & extracurricular
The co-curricular programme is the salsa picante of Holyport. Lessons may end at 3.45, but all pupils stay on for activities until 5pm. It’s the magic ingredient that keeps this academically ambitious school from tipping into exam factory
Sport
Sport every day in year 7 gradually reduces each year as you move up the school but, as a pupil told us, ‘If you hate sport, this is not the school for you.’ Lots more also on offer in the afternoon co-curricular slot. Sport said to be ‘the best
Boarders
Nearly 40 per cent of pupils board; all are full boarders (some go home on weekends; around half stay and have plenty of activities to keep them engaged). This sets it miles apart from many state boarding schools that only dabble in boarding. Staff
Ethos & heritage
The ‘first boarding free school’ opened in 2014, with much ado and a visit from the Queen, Prince Phillip and Theresa May (the school’s in her constituency). Set snugly on Ascot Road in affluent rural Berkshire, Eton appoints a majority of the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘The diversity is a big plus,’ said a dad. There’s lots of acceptance and very little bullying – they just gel.’ Pupils tell us bullying and cliques are squelched: ‘Mr Ingall is very hot on it.’ Lesser friendship group problems are dealt with
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 phones at all until 5pm in the evening. Limited tech time in the evenings. All tech handed in an hour before bed.
Pupils & parents
A mixed economy: some children in the care system; 20 per cent are pupil premium. But there are also kids from very affluent homes. Many pupils we spoke to had also considered grammar schools (Bucks, Reading). One girl told us about her pony. ‘Pupils
Money matters
School benefits from some boarding bursaries funded via the SpringBoard Bursary Foundation. Fledgling new Holyport Foundation hopes to create an additional line of funding.
- Fee information
- Day free; Boarding £17,370 - £18,444 pa
The last word
With its first decade under its belt, Holyport is a firmly rooted, unique boarding school that continues to change lives. A sort of state sector version of Christ’s Hospital School (if Christ’s didn’t have a 1200 acre site, 1552 foundation and crazy
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|
