Rossall School Review
Rossall School is a gem that offers an exceptional education with a warm, international vibe. With students coming to Blackpool from 57 different countries, the school feels like a mini United Nations, bringing together a rich mix of cultures and perspectives. What really sets Rossall apart is its incredible value for money, offering unique opportunities and experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. Join us as we take a closer look at what makes Rossall School such a special place for students to learn and grow.
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Key Features of Rossall School
- Boarding: Yes
- Established: 1844
- Local authority: Blackpool, Lancashire
- Pupils: 641 (30% international); sixth formers: 240
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £5,782 per term; Boarding £16,545 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Open days: October, March and June
Rossall School Results
2025:
IB Average: 36 points
A-levels A*/A: 42.2%
GCSE 9-7: 42.8%
2024:
IB Average: 34 points
A-levels A*/A: 72%
GCSE 9-7: 39%
In 2023, 37% of students got grades 9-7 in GCSEs, and 34% achieved A*/A grades in A levels (with 60% reaching A*-B). The average IB score was 34. Comparatively, in 2019 before the pandemic, 47% achieved grades 9-7 in GCSEs, and over 20% secured A*/A grades in A levels.
Teaching and Learning in Rossall School
Rossall School offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic excellence with personal development.
Lower School (Years 7–9):
In Years 7 to 9, students engage in a diverse range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education, Design Technology, Art, Computing, Music, and Physical Education.
Middle School (Years 10–11):
During Years 10 and 11, students undertake GCSE and IGCSE courses. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, and a Modern Foreign Language (French, German, or Spanish). Additionally, students select from a variety of optional subjects, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career aspirations.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13):
Rossall’s Sixth Form offers multiple pathways: A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and BTEC courses. Students can specialise in their chosen fields or opt for a broader curriculum. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is also available, encouraging independent research and critical thinking.
Performing Arts:
The school places a strong emphasis on the performing arts. Students from Reception to Sixth Form have opportunities to participate in dance, drama, and music lessons. Notably, the BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts is available for those pursuing a focused study in this area.
Personal Development:
Beyond academics, Rossall integrates Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education throughout all school sections. This approach ensures students develop essential life skills and values, preparing them for future challenges.
Boarding Experience in Rossall School
The boarding experience at Rossall School offers flexibility and a welcoming atmosphere for students from all walks of life. Whether they’re staying for the weekdays or opting for full-time boarding, there are options to suit everyone’s needs.
Day pupils have the opportunity to temporarily board, often utilising spare beds within their own house. This allows them to stay overnight for various reasons, whether it’s to be at school early for a match the next morning or to join in on the boarding house’s Sunday outing.
For those seeking a more regular boarding routine, flexi-boarding provides a structured option with supervised prep, extracurricular activities, and tea included. On weekends, although there are no Saturday classes, students are kept busy with sports practice and fixtures. Sundays offer a chance for boarders to explore off-campus activities like bowling, crazy golf, or visits to places like Alton Towers or the Manchester Christmas markets, all at no extra cost.
Live-in houseparents, whether teachers or support staff, play a crucial role in the boarding community. Warm and affectionate, they provide a supportive environment where students feel valued and cared for. It’s not just about accommodation; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and support for every individual at Rossall School.
Extracurricular Activities in Rossall
The breadth of extracurricular opportunities available caters to a diverse range of interests. From the arts to the great outdoors, there truly is something for everyone here.
For the creatively inclined, the array of activities is astounding – from film making to jazz band, and even knitting and astrophysics. The school boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with a literary society that convenes regularly to discuss poetry, literature, and broader cultural topics.
The completion of a new performing arts centre in 2018 signals the school’s commitment to artistic excellence. With a director of music hailing from London’s West End and a strong choral tradition intertwined with the historic chapel, students have ample opportunities to showcase their musical talents, with performances ranging from local concerts to prestigious venues like Westminster Abbey.
Equally impressive is the emphasis on drama, with students of all ages encouraged to participate in productions and explore the world of stagecraft. The drama department’s links with a local theatre school and casting agency have even led to opportunities in national radio and television productions.
Rossall School is the only school in England that has its own Astronomy Centre and Observatory. These facilities are usually only available in some reputable universities, never in schools. If your child has an interest in astronomy, this school should definitely be among your choices.
Rossall School Golf Academy Review
Right in the heart of ‘England’s Golf Coast’, Rossall School’s Golf Academy offers young golfers an exceptional start to their journey. Imagine a place where indoor training meets outdoor practice, where every swing is a step towards mastering the game.
Led by Stuart Hemmings, the Academy’s Director of Golf, this isn’t just about hitting balls—it’s about nurturing talent. Stuart’s passion for golf shines through in his coaching, from teaching the basics to guiding aspiring competitors. With top-notch facilities and partnerships with pros like Jack Senior, Rossall opens up a world of golfing opportunities.
Ranked highly by the ISGA, Rossall integrates academics with athletics seamlessly. Whether your child is a beginner or aiming for elite competition, the Academy’s tailored programmes cater to all levels:
Foundation Programme: Perfect for beginners, it introduces the basics while letting students explore their passion.
Development Programme: For those serious about improving, daily training and competition opportunities await.
Performance Programme: Designed for top-level performance, it includes group training, private coaching, and enriching activities.
Rossall School Football Academy Review
Rossall School has an ongoing partnership with Manchester City Football Club. Both of these institutions share a common goal, which is to ensure students are able to pursue their sporting aspirations while receiving world-class education. Since the inception of this academy, the students have seen great success, both on and off the field.
With this partnership in place, students have the privilege of having personalised guidance from UEFA coaches. The programme has developed multiple scholarship awards for Rossall students to progress in top universities in the US with excellent football programmes.
Rossall School International Piano Academy Review
Rossall International Piano Academy stands out as a nurturing haven for talented young pianists aged 11-18. Here, amidst a backdrop of natural beauty and a rich musical heritage, students embark on a journey of musical discovery and personal growth.
The International Piano Academy blends exceptional coaching with a supportive school environment. Each student benefits from bespoke programmes crafted in collaboration with the passionate faculty, ensuring their individual musical aspirations are nurtured to the fullest. Whether aiming for a career on the concert stage or pursuing a different path in music, the academy equips students with the skills, confidence, and tenacity to excel.
Led by distinguished instructors, including Martin Roscoe, students engage in weekly individual lessons, enriching workshops, and inspiring masterclasses that broaden their musical horizons. Performance is at the heart of our curriculum, with regular recitals and external concerts offering platforms for students to showcase their talent.
Since 2021, Rossall School officially joins the exclusive All-Steinway Schools. Students now have access to the best concert pianos, preparing them for the biggest of stages. Here’s what the school has today:
- One Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand Piano, the gold standard in pianos that graces the most famous concert stages around the world
- One Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano, often referred to by pianists as ‘the perfect piano’
- Two Steinway & Sons Model A Grand Pianos, used for individual lessons and practice
- Two Steinway designed Boston Grand Pianos
- Six Steinway designed Boston Upright Pianos
- Nine Steinway designed Essex Upright Pianos
Admissions Process: Entering Rossall School
Entering Rossall School is a comprehensive process designed to ensure the best fit for each student. Prospective students undergo entrance tests in English, maths, and non-verbal reasoning, followed by a personal interview with the head of the school. As part of the application, students are also required to submit a handwritten personal statement, allowing them to showcase their interests, goals, and aspirations.
While the school rarely declines applicants, the focus is on ensuring that Rossall can meet the individual needs of each student. The recent surge in applications, attributed to the school’s exceptional provision of online learning during Covid lockdowns, reflects the growing popularity of Rossall’s academic and extracurricular offerings. In fact, the school has experienced a rise in high-achieving students entering sixth form, a testament to its improving academic results.
For international applicants, English proficiency is assessed through an online interview. The school prioritises students’ ability to succeed academically and is committed to providing support to those who may require it. International students entering years 7 to 10 receive EAL (English as an Additional Language) support within mainstream classes, while year 11 students are placed in a pre-sixth form stream to prepare for A level or IB studies.
SEN Support in Rossall
Rossall school actively supports students that require the below attention:
- ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dyslexia
Rossall School Gallery
Rossall School Testimonials and Reviews
The Best school I have ever been to!!!!
Really engaged teachers, who are always willing to help you. You get brilliantly prepared for your exams, and if you should some how not achieve great results, it is most certainly not due to the teaching! I have never experienced teachers that teach with such passion for there subjects! There are wide varieties of sports and co-curricular activities offered, and there are lots of ways for students to develop skills and personality outside of lessons. The school has some of the most unique facilities of any school in the country, such as the astronomy center, BTW: Dr. Lister is amazing, and so is every other teacher of the school!!!
All-in-all, really good school!
Excellent school with a real sense of community. The balance between hard work towards exams and relaxation seems to be achieved really well. Staff are very helpful and supportive of the students. Would have no hesitation in recommending it.
Rossall School, home to fine blend of richness in history and culture. An even balanced blend in academic, social, music and sporting experience. Magnificent architecturally and welcoming ambiance in school scenery and reception from all teachers and administrative staff.
My daughter went the last two years of secondary school to Rossall and had a splendid time. At leaversball a retired Rossallian told us that at Rossall it is all about Community and Commitment. And we recognized our daughter in his speech. Two beautiful values she learned and could practise at Rossall. Once learned, these values are for life. You get shaped at Rossall. It is the finishing touch of an education, we as parents, can not be able to teach our children. We are very grateful for that.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rossall School
Rossall School has an excellent reputation for inspiring creativity and engendering a lifelong love of learning.
Rossall School is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 0-18 set on a stunning 160-acre Fylde coastal campus. Providing a traditional British education within a friendly supportive environment, they offer a wide ranging curriculum covering A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Diploma.
160-acres
Rossall is a school steeped in history, often referred to as ‘The Eton of the North’. The school was founded in 1844 by Rev. St Vincent Beechey as a sister school to Marlborough College which had been founded the previous year.
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