Rugby School Review: Rankings, Fees, And More
Rugby School, a prestigious boarding school in Rugby, Warwickshire, is renowned for several reasons. As one of the oldest schools in the UK, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern British education system. It is also famously known as the birthplace of rugby football. Over the years, the institution has earned a reputation for excellence in academics, sports, and the arts, equipping students for lifelong success.
Table of Contents
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 13-18
- Pupils: 817
- Boarders: 80%
- Fees: (Full boarding) £18,352 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- 2024 A Level / IB Result: 58.2% A*/A (7-6)
- 2024 GCSE Results: 74.6% 9-7
Rugby School Overview
Rugby School has been shaping young minds since 1567. As one of England’s oldest public schools, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character development. Its motto, “The Whole Person is the Whole Point,” reflects a commitment to nurturing both intellect and personal growth.
At the heart of Rugby’s ethos are the 3Rs: restlessness, reflection, and rootedness. These values encourage curiosity, self-awareness, and a strong sense of belonging—helping students and staff strive for excellence together.
Rugby is also the birthplace of rugby football. According to legend, in 1823, student William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it during a match on the School Close, creating a sport that would go on to capture the world’s imagination.
Beyond its history, Rugby School offers a dynamic education. Students are encouraged to think creatively, push boundaries, and get involved in everything from sports and music to drama and the arts. The result? A well-rounded education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom.
Rugby School Courses And Programmes
Rugby School offers an innovative curriculum that combines both traditional and modern educational practices, equipping students with the skills they need to excel in an ever-evolving world.
GCSE
At the GCSE level, Rugby offers a broad and challenging curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive educational foundation by the age of 16. Pupils are encouraged to take a wide range of subjects, including the three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) alongside core and additional options.
Sixth Form
Sixth Formers at Rugby enjoy their own dedicated facilities, creating an environment tailored to independent learning and personal growth. A broad selection of subjects is available, including:
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Politics
- Physical Education
- Philosophy
The Sixth Form experience prepares students for higher education and future careers through specialised academic guidance and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from A Levels or International Baccalaureate.
1) A Level
Rugby School offers 26 A Level subjects, with students typically selecting three for in-depth study. Exceptionally able mathematicians may add Further Mathematics as a fourth subject. This long-established approach allows students to specialise, developing deep expertise and knowledge in their chosen disciplines while maintaining a strong academic focus.
2) International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
The IB Diploma at Rugby is an alternative to A Levels, promoting both academic breadth and depth. The programme encourages cross-disciplinary thinking, a strong understanding of the academic syllabus, and the development of diverse skills, including critical thinking, research, and communication. The IB’s rigorous structure ensures that students graduate as globally minded, adaptable individuals prepared for success in university and beyond.
Extended Projects
Rugby School pioneered the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), setting a national benchmark for research-based learning. Equivalent to an A Level, the EPQ (graded from A* to E) enables students to explore their academic interests in greater depth.
Students participate in seminars covering themes from science, ethics, and philosophy before selecting a research question to develop into a thesis under the guidance of a supervisor.
The course culminates in a presentation to a panel, honing students’ research, critical thinking, and communication skills. Rugby now delivers this qualification through the innovative Perspectives model, further enriching the learning experience.
Rugby School Results
Rugby school students achieved remarkable results in the latest 2024 examinations. For A Levels and IB, 58.2% of students scored A*-A / 7-6. Meanwhile, for the GCSEs, 74.6% scored 9-7, a testament to the hard work of pupils and the quality of education programmes at Rugby School.
Rugby School Entry Requirements
Entry at 13+ (Year 9)
The requirements for 13+ entry vary depending on the applicant’s current school. Students are assessed through:
- A verbal reasoning test (provided by the current school).
- An assessment and interview at Rugby School.
- Successful completion of the Common Entrance exam, requiring a minimum score of 55%.
- Alternatively, students must meet entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.
Entry at 16+ (Sixth Form)
For Sixth Form entry, candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance and potential through:
- Achieving the following grades at GCSE (or equivalent foreign qualifications):
- At least three 7 grades or higher.
- At least three 6 grades or higher.
- Completing an entrance test and interviews as part of the assessment process.
International Applicants
Rugby School welcomes international students, with their application process mirroring that of UK applicants. Additional requirements include:
- A UKiset report, which provides an overview of the applicant’s English language proficiency, academic potential, and aptitude.
- The appointment of a UK-based guardian for the duration of the student’s time at Rugby.
Arnold Foundation
The Arnold Foundation is a scholarship programme established by Rugby School to support talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to benefit from a boarding education.
Year 9 Entry:
Applications should be submitted before September of Year 9. Applicants must pass entrance tests in English and Mathematics, as well as an interview.
Year 12 Entry (Sixth Form):
Applications should be submitted before September of Year 12. Applicants are required to pass the Sixth Form entrance exam and interviews.
Rugby School Accommodation
Rugby School comprises 15 boarding houses, with eight designated for male boarders and seven for female students. Each house accommodates up to 60 students, fostering a close-knit community where housemates form strong bonds through shared meals and daily interactions. The housemistress or housemaster, along with dedicated staff, provides 24-hour care, creating a supportive and family-like environment.
Each house is supported by a deputy matron and five tutors who assist students academically and personally. Weekly tutorial sessions are built into the schedule to provide career guidance, skills development, personal coaching, and education on personal, social, health, and economic topics. These sessions also address relevant issues such as eating disorders and substance awareness, ensuring holistic development and well-being for every pupil.
The boys’ houses include Cotton, Kilbracken, Michell, School Field, School House, Sheriff, and Whitelaw, while the girls’ houses are Bradley, Dean, Griffin, Rupert Brooke, Tudor, and Stanley, the latter being exclusively for Sixth Form students. These houses are integral to the Rugby School experience, offering students a supportive foundation to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Rugby School Application Deadline
Boarding applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date. For example, students applying for the next academic year must complete their applications by September.
Rugby School Extracurricular Activities
Sports
Rugby School emphasises three key aspects of sports education: performance, competition, and participation. Activities are tailored to suit a variety of talents and interests. The school focuses on five core sports:
- Rugby
- Hockey
- Netball
- Cricket
- Tennis
To nurture athletic potential, the school offers a range of Sports Scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional talent. For those interested in other kinds of sports, Rugby School has a variety to choose from, including:
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Golf
- And much more!
Music
The music department at Rugby School is buzzing with activity all year long. Many students pursue music further after graduation, with some earning places at Oxbridge or prestigious conservatoires. The department nurtures talent through an energetic and supportive environment, helping students excel in both performance and academic music studies.
Creative Arts
Rugby School is celebrated for its annual Arts Festival, where staff and students collaborate to organise and present a range of music, drama, and workshop events. The festival provides students with a platform to showcase their talents, not only in artistic performances but also in event management. The highlight of this three-day event is often the plays and musicals produced entirely by the students, reflecting their creativity and leadership skills.
Community Action
Sixth Form students at Rugby School are encouraged to engage in community service, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy. Students can choose from a variety of programmes, including:
- Visiting local primary schools and nursing homes.
- Supporting local cub packs.
- Assisting in local charity shops.
These activities are among the most popular choices, allowing students to make a meaningful impact within the wider community.
Rugby School Reviews
“Very proud to have been a part of Rugby School as a parent for the last 7 years, the whole of Rugby School life has allowed my sons to flourish – academically, as sportsmen, on the stage and musically. They have made friends for life and have become a part of a ‘family’ that will support them long after I am gone – thank you Rugby School – staff, pupils and parents.”
“One of the best things we did for our son is sending him to Rugby School. Today is his last day at school! He is leaving with a lot of fond memories, good qualities, friends, skills and an offer to do his degree at Oxford University. It’s been worth every single day at the school, and I’m sure our son will continue to excel in every walk of life, in the future too. The Whole Person, the Whole Point! They mean it at Rugby School.”
“Two of my children had the time of their lives there, growing in confidence and self esteem whilst having opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise had.”
Rugby School Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.rugbyschool.co.uk/
- Location: Rugby School, Lawrence Sheriff Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 5EH
- Email address: enquiries@rugbyschool.net
- Phone: +44 (0) 1788 556 216
Frequently Asked Questions
Students can join at 13+ or 16+. For Year 9, they take a verbal reasoning test, an assessment and interview, and must score at least 55% in the Common Entrance exam. Sixth Form applicants need strong GCSE results, entrance tests, and interviews. International students must also submit a UKiset report and have a UK-based guardian.
Full boarding costs £18,352 per term, including tuition, accommodation, meals, and activities. Extra fees may apply for trips, specialist sports training, and music lessons.
Rugby School offers rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, badminton, swimming, golf, and more. Students can join music, drama, and arts programmes. Sixth Formers also take part in charity work and mentoring younger students.
Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!
Apply To Rugby School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!