Ages 
Traditional and contemporary mindsets rub along smoothly, giving students the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, provided they throw themselves into the challenges, the community and embrace the rugged and beautiful environment. It’s not all about the sport, but it certainly helps. Importantly, parents say it’s ‘a happy place’ where children become absorbed into the ethos and really ‘live the core values’.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 600 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 270 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Day £33,825 - £35,145; Boarding £46,800 - £48,630 pa
- Local authority
- Westmorland and Furness
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Dan Harrison
Since 2018, Dan Harrison, whose various roles during his 30 years at the school include head of chemistry and second master. From North Yorkshire farming stock, he studied natural sciences at Fitzwilliam, Cambridge, followed by PGCE then straight to
Entrance
Mostly into year 9, but some (15-20) join in year 10. Around 35 per cent come from the prep school (transition ‘brilliant’, according to parents), others from state and preps, notably Mowden Hall, Aysgarth, Terrington Hall and Terra Nova. Others from
- Open days
- Please visit our website
Exit
Average of 10 per cent leave after GCSEs, mainly for vocational courses. Over 50 per cent to Russell Group universities with the odd trickle to Oxbridge and medicine (but none in 2024). Engineering and vet courses are popular, along with art history,
Latest results
In 2024, 32 per cent 9/7 at GCSE; 35 per cent A*/A at A level (64 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
Head cites geology as a strength, a bit of a rarity at A level - definitely making the most of the gorgeous rural setting. The geology classroom is part of folklore, said our guides, set out as a Victorian lecture theatre with sloping rows of desks.
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Around a quarter of pupils are on the SEND register (two with an EHCP when we visited), supported by eight specialist staff and TAs. Around a third of these pupils have regular intervention, mostly for dyslexia and usually via one-to-ones (costs
Arts & extracurricular
Art and drama are popular choices at GCSE and A level; music less so, but it is very active on the extracurricular front. The three art rooms are large spaces with dazzling student displays full of colour and energy. Some is also displayed in local
Sport
Sedbergh’s sporting (and especially rugby) reputation has historically defined the school, but our guides felt sport is no longer the be-all and end-all here – and parents agree, one going so far as to say it was ‘nonsense’ to call it a ‘sports
Boarders
The 98 per cent boarding uptake, mostly full, is a key feature which everyone tells us contributes enormously to the culture. Only 20 day students. Even local parents spoke about pressure from children ‘begging’ to fully board, and most succumb.
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1525 by Roger Lupton, a provost of Eton, the school and the small town of Sedbergh are merged so it’s sometimes hard to tell where one stops and another starts. They rub along nicely, we heard, partly thanks to the employment opportunities
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents say any disciplinary issues are dealt with quickly; students say bullying is very rare but dealt with effectively. Exclusions are infrequent - maximum one a year for serious infractions, the head tells us. Students feel the sanctions 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 Mobile phones are not permitted in classrooms, libraries or study areas, when moving around School, at mealtimes, during evening prep, or during events such as services, performances, assemblies or meetings. Mobile phones are not permitted for classroom-based work or prep. As a general rule, pupils should only use their mobile phone safely in House. Year 9 to 11 pupils must hand in their phones for overnight storage, including during trips. Year 12 and 13 pupils may keep their phones overnight.
Pupils may use their mobile phones in House during their free time, at socials, on School transport to and from fixtures and in an emergency.
Pupils & parents
The net has started to be cast out wider, pulling in some pupils from the home counties and beyond, from Brighton and London all the way up to Inverness. Around 20 per cent more local, 15 per cent overseas students – mostly German and Spanish but 27
Money matters
Twelve pupils across the school are recipients of scholarships worth 100 per cent of fees in multiple disciplines. Other scholarships available in years 9 and 12 in academics, art, DT, drama, music and sport.
- Fee information
- Day £33,825 - £35,145; Boarding £46,800 - £48,630 pa
The last word
Traditional and contemporary mindsets rub along smoothly, giving students the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, provided they throw themselves into the challenges, the community and embrace the rugged and beautiful environment. It’s
