Ages 
Really, we should have outsourced the writing of this to a Wykehamist; they have a lovely way with words, though they’d probably have written it in ancient Greek or perhaps a niche coding language. Indeed, co-education and day places may be new in these parts, but rich teaching and a broad-minded, liberal approach remain absolutely integral. ‘Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose,’ the head suggests. On the contrary, we suspect ‘la même’, but better, as increasing diversity brings even more spark to these hallowed halls.
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Overview & data
- Notes
- Co-ed sixth form
- Pupil numbers
- 726 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 331 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £44,400; Boarding £60,000 pa
- Local authority
- Hampshire County Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Elizabeth Stone
Since 2023, Ms Elizabeth Stone. Previously head of Queenwood School, Sydney. A truly Anglo-Antipodean path: her Sydney schooling was punctuated by six months at St Paul’s Girls’ School; her degree from University of New South Wales preceded a
Entrance
Process for 13+ (all boarding) starts in year 5: visit, register, meet two housemasters. ISEB pre-test in year 6, followed by interviews for those shortlisted. Successful candidates will be offered one of three places: a house place (in their chosen
- Open days
- See website
Exit
All big names covered. In 2025, Oxford, Imperial, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Bristol, LSE and King’s College London were the top destinations (28 to Oxbridge). Three medics and 14 overseas in 2025 (including one to Harvard and one to Yale). School’s
Latest results
In 2025, 93 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 75 per cent A*/A at A level (92 per cent A*-B).
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
Academic life here is fuelled by the genuine curiosity which pupils and teachers (dons) have in common; ‘It feels like Oxford,’ one parent said; ‘Patronise them at your peril,’ warns head. ‘The average fourth or fifth set mathematician could be a
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Around 13 per cent on SEND register, interestingly right on the national average. Dyslexia, ADHD, ASC and DCD all represented. Weekly tutorials for younger pupils; arrangements become more flexible as they get older, depending on need.
School
Arts & extracurricular
Two-thirds learn at least one instrument, to ‘very, very’ high standards, according to parents. A classical leaning: ‘In our house we have a world-class cellist, we have 200 pianos and a heck of a lot of pianists, but I can’t set up a band because
Sport
Football and cricket are the major sports for the boys; golf, rowing and racket sports also successful. Sitting on the edge of the National Park and with 52 acres to play with, this is a gorgeous place in which to get out and about; sport has been
Boarders
Eleven boarding houses, with two currently being built for girls. Across existing boys’ houses, accommodation varies but the dorm (called a gallery) is alive and well here. First years in rooms of between six and 12 and rooms then get steadily
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1382 by William Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor, in response to a lack of priests after the Black Death; he set up New College, Oxford, at the same time, inspiring Henry VI to establish Eton and King’s College, Cambridge to
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Currently the smallest of the boarding schools with which it’s compared, though numbers growing with the addition of day sixth formers. Houses form the central pillar of pastoral life, creating a manageable environment for those happier in a smaller
Pupils & parents
‘We’re not hedgies or non-doms,’ says one mum, ‘there are lots pedalling hard to pay the fees.’ Flashiness not a valid currency, although as another parent laughs, ‘There’s a bit of ‘I’m a neuroscientist’ point-scoring on parent Zooms.’ Boys and
Money matters
‘We are elite, but not elitist,’ says school: huge means-tested bursary scheme with significant support available at 13+ and 16+. Wykeham Award available to those joining sixth form from a UK state secondary. When we visited, more than 100 pupils
- Fee information
- Day £44,400; Boarding £60,000 pa
The last word
Really, we should have outsourced the writing of this to a Wykehamist; they have a lovely way with words, though they’d probably have written it in ancient Greek or perhaps a niche coding language. Indeed, co-education and day places may be new in
