Ages 
The college defines its values as ‘respect, responsibility and rigour’, an ethos that is at once modern and ambitious, yet in keeping with its Anglican traditions. A Marlborough education is 21st-century co-ed boarding at its very best. As one parent puts it: ‘Getting a place here is like winning a golden ticket.’
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,000 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 442 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Boarding £59,143 pa
- Local authority
- Wiltshire Council
Headteacher
Master
Louise Moelwyn-Hughes
Since 2018, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes MA, previously head of St Edmund’s School in Canterbury. She grew up on a council estate in Northern Ireland and at 11 was awarded a place at Methodist College in Belfast, known to locals as Methody, one of Northern
Entrance
Parents can register children up to five years prior to entry (from September of year 4). The school advises registering in good time. Selection for 13+ entry is based on a reference from a child’s current school, interview and ISEB pre-test results.
- Open days
- September, October, April, May and June
Exit
Very few, if any, leave after GCSEs. ‘Everyone stays because it’s so nice in the sixth form,’ a year 11 told us. At 18 pupils head off in all directions. In 2025, 23 went overseas. Most popular UK destinations are Exeter, Durham, Bristol, Newcastle,
Latest results
In 2025, 67 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 51 per cent A*/A at A level (86 per cent A*-B). In 2024, 69 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 60 per cent A*/A at A level (86 per cent A*-B).
A level - 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
Marlborough has always performed well academically but the master is determined to shift up a gear. Most pupils now take three A levels as standard rather than four (they can do more if they wish but the thinking is that with three they will have
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Approximately 100 pupils have learning difficulties, such as moderate dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, and receive one-to-one support from the five-strong learning support team.
Arts & extracurricular
There’s so much on offer beyond the academic timetable that it’s hard to know where to start. ‘This is a very busy place,’ says the deputy head (co-curriculum and outreach). Superb facilities and inspirational specialist teaching mean that every
Sport
Marlborough is an ultra-sporty school. ‘We expect all pupils to be physically active in some way,’ says the deputy head (co-curriculum and outreach) – and they take him at his word. Rugby is massive – Marlborough played its first inter-schools rugby
Boarders
‘Marlborough is a genuine seven-day-a-week boarding school,’ said the master on our last visit. But the college has since announced a 17th house – fully co-ed and for day pupils only. The remaining 16 comprise six girls’, six boys’ and four mixed
Ethos & heritage
Marlborough was established in 1843, when a group of Church of England clergy, with the backing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, decided to found a boarding school to provide an affordable education for clergymen’s sons. They leased the Castle Inn
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Marlborough describes itself as ‘a talking school’ and stresses the importance of pupils seeking advice if they are concerned about their own or someone else’s mental wellbeing. The school is keen on ‘informal conversations’ where pupils can chat to
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 Given our large boarding school campus, it is essential that residential and senior staff are able to make contact with pupils at all times and, therefore, pupils are allowed to carry mobile phones with them while outside their boarding houses. Mobile phones are not allowed to be used during mealtimes, lessons (unless instructed to do so), co-curricular activities or walking around campus or in town (unless in an emergency). In lower school, phones are taken in during studies, pep and before bedtime every evening (Monday – Sunday) and returned the following morning and parents are requested to add content and screen time restrictions (one hour a day) on to devices.
Pupils & parents
Marlborough pupils are a great advert for coeducation – charming, friendly and sparky, the sort who can fit in anywhere. Parents get to know their children’s friends at weekends and during the holidays and pupils make friends for life.
Old
Money matters
A raft of scholarships (more honour than hard cash) but also directors’ scholarships, which recognise outstanding excellence in music and sport and carry a fee reduction of 20 per cent. The master and the College Council are committed to expanding
- Fee information
- Boarding £59,143 pa
The last word
The college defines its values as ‘respect, responsibility and rigour’, an ethos that is at once modern and ambitious, yet in keeping with its Anglican traditions. A Marlborough education is 21st-century co-ed boarding at its very best. As one parent
