Address Ardingly College, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 6SQ
Pupils 841, Upper sixth 97
Fees Σ2475- Σ7105 (Day), Σ8995- Σ9400 (Boarding), Σ4835-Σ8395 (Weekly)
Description Founded as a Woodard school in 1858, it lies on a large estate in one of the most beautiful parts of Sussex. At the heart of its handsome buildings is the chapel. With its own pre-prep and prep school and a mix of boarding and day, the aim is very much to be a friendly family school. It has been fully co-educational since 1982. It has a fine pastoral system based on individual tutors for each pupil. It provides a good all-round education and has strong academic credentials. It offers the IB alongside A-levels, so that students have a choice of courses; examination results are good. The staff:pupil ratio is very favourable, about 1:9. There is music, art and drama, the CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and a very well-organised house system; plus an extensive sporting programme.
School Head Headmaster: Peter Green, in post from 2007. Educated at St Joseph's College, Dumfries, and at the universities of Edinburgh (geography) and St Andrew's (education). Previously Second Master at Ampleforth, Housemaster and Head of Geography at Uppingham and taught geography at both Strathallan and at St Olave's Grammar School. Also Member of Local Academic Board, Brighton & Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust. Teaching staff: 85 full time, 11 part time.
Results GCSE: On average, 99 pupils in fifth year. 86% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects (58% including English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-level/IB: 100 in upper sixth. All those taking AS/A-levels pass in 3+ subjects with an average final points score of 409. All those taking the IB gained the Diploma, with an average of 35 IB points.
Furtherhigher 99% go onto degree courses (approx 20% after a gap year), some 6% to Oxbridge; small number study abroad. 30% take courses in science, maths & engineering, 40% in humanities & social sciences, 20% in business-related courses, 10% in art, design and music.
Arts Music: Up to 75% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 5 musical groups including Ardingly Singers, choir, jazz band. Drama and dance: Drama offered. All pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: Pupils take GCSE, AS and A-level art & design and IB visual arts. Textiles, fine art, photography, ceramics, mixed media, installations, 3 & 2D design, life drawing offered. Annual overseas tours. Royal Academy competition winner (2010).
Sport Some 20+ sports including hockey, football, tennis, sailing, riding, fencing. A-level sports studies may be taken. Independent schools ski and snowboard champions recently; area team representatives. Also bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; CCF; community service. Up to 30 clubs, including computer, debating, public speaking, equestrian, bee-keeping; various academic societies and sporting and music, literature and poetry groups.
Boarding 80% have single or double study bedrooms; 20% in rooms of 3-4. Houses of 40+, single-sex except for upper sixth house. Pupils can provide and cook some own food. Half term (4-14 days). Visits to the local town allowed when free, to 6pm (4.30 pm winter).
Alumni Mrs Jane Dumeresque, Development Director, c/o the school.
Formerpupils Terry Thomas (comic actor); Dr Hayes (Director of National Portrait Gallery); Cdr Longhurst (potential astronaut); Ian Hislop (Private Eye); Jay Wynne (weatherman); Stephen Oliver (composer); Andrew Bowden and T Gorst (MPs).
