Uppingham School Reviews – Programmes, Boarding, Fees and more

From their top-quality facilities to their exceptional teaching staff, Uppingham School is an elite independent co-educational boarding school. Ambitious students from across the world are attracted to its esteemed reputation, seeking not only knowledge but also a transformative experience. In this guide, we cover everything that you need to know about Uppingham School from reviews and programmes to extra-curriculum and more.

Uppingham School

Table of Contents

Summary of School

  • Type of school: Co-educational 
  • Age range: 13-18
  • Pupils: 793
  • Boarders: 98%
  • Fees: Boarding £15,993 per term
  • 2024 A Level Results: 52% A*-A
  • 2024 GCSE Results: 75% 9-7

Overview

Uppingham School was first founded in 1584 by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, and it was originally built near the churchyard in Uppingham. With its long and proud school history, Uppingham is one of the high-prestige schools in the UK. The school’s core belief is their all-round education that embraces every individuality and talent. 

From its holistic academic curriculum to its various extracurricular activities, Uppingham School focuses on developing its students to be well-balanced students who are intellectually rigour, risk-taking, physically active, as well as creative. At Uppingham School, students will have the chance to explore their potential and embrace challenges that encourage personal development and enhance their sense of individuality.

The school campus is located in the town of Uppingham in Rutland, United Kingdom. Uppingham School is a mix of architectural contrast, with a combination of both traditional and modern designs in its building. Located in the middle of a historic market town, students are allowed to explore the outside world beyond the school area.

Uppingham School Courses and Programmes

First-year students (Fourth Form) at Uppingham School will experience the full range of subjects. Uppingham School offers its students GCSE core subjects like – Mathematics, English, Science and modern languages in their second and third years(Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth). Meanwhile, students in their Sixth Form have the option to choose between a wide range of 26-level subjects or Pre-U subjects.

Uppingham School 2024 Results

In 2024, Uppingham School students have once again performed well by achieving outstanding GCSE and A Level results. 

  • 2024 GCSE Results: 75% 9-7
  • 2024 A Level Results: 52% A*-A

Uppingham School Boarding and Pastoral Care

The distinctive and homely houses at Uppingham are central to the school’s life, with students developing a deep affection for their respective houses. For these students, the house serves as both a sanctuary for rest and reflection and a hub for communal activities. 

At Uppingham, there are 15 boarding houses and one day house. This includes nine houses for boys aged 13 to 18, five houses for girls in the same age group, one house specifically for girls joining in the Sixth Form, and a day house accommodating both boys and girls. Each house will have its housemaster or housemistress while being supported by matrons, house staff, tutors and role models who care for every student. 

The school’s disciplinary systems are an essential part of its pastoral support structures, offering students clear expectations. Efforts are made to address issues before they emerge, while compassionate care is provided when most needed. Within the family-oriented boarding environment, there is ongoing formal and informal interaction between students and adults, fostering a sense of mutual care, respect and trust.

Uppingham School Extracurricular Activities

Uppingham encourages its students to be active outside of their classroom, hence there are many clubs and co-curricular activities that students can be a part of. Students can join any clubs that interest them whether it is a music club, theatre, sports, and more. Uppingham School also provides their students with engaging social activities that offer opportunities for fun and participation for everyone, like day trips, sporting competitions, black-tie dinners and many house-based events. 

Sports 

The vision at Uppingham is to create a sports environment where all students can achieve success and enjoyment, at any level they wish to participate in. Uppingham provides their students with skilled coaches to assist students at all levels in developing their abilities, while also nurturing elite performers through specialised training programmes, providing them with every opportunity to excel. Some of the sports that are being offered include Badminton, Cricket, Golf, Ruby, Netball, Tennis, and more. 

Music

Music is a part of life at Uppingham School, it is celebrated as a source of joy and creativity for every student there. Students who are passionate about music in every form whether it is jazz, classical, hip-hop or polyphony will have the opportunity and encouragement to flourish their interest and passion. Uppingham provides its students with excellent facilities like three music schools that are well-equipped with adequate music technologies and performance spaces of professional quality. Furthermore, Uppingham is also accredited by the Royal College of Organists (RCO), where the school collaborates with the organisation to develop and innovate teaching methods to maintain the highest production of organ playing and choral direction. 

Theatre 

Uppingham is known for its top-notch theatrical productions that follow the professional standard. All of these productions are led by students at Uppingham, whether as performers, directors, lighting technicians, sound engineers and more. Students have the opportunity to participate in any department and gain new experiences that are outside of their knowledge. The school’s stunning 300-seat proscenium arch theatre and an adjoining 160-seat black box drama studio (The Williams Studios) are built specifically for the theatrical production that plays a significant role in the cultural life within the Uppingham community and also the wider community. Some of the recent productions are “Macbeth, June 2023”, “Manderley, March 2023” and “Beautiful Burnout, February 2022”. 

Uppingham School Fees 2024/2025

For the academic year 2024-2025 at Uppingham School, the fee structure is as follows: 

  • Registration Fee: £200 (non-refundable, payable on registration) 
  • Acceptance Deposit: £1,500 (payable for each pupil on acceptance of a place) 
  • Overseas Deposit: £15,993 (for students resident outside the UK) 
  • Boarding Fee per Term: £15,993
  • Day-in-boarding Fee per Term: £10,647
  • Day Students Fee per Term: £9,790

Extra Charges for Music Lessons (40 minutes) per Term: 

  • First subject or instruments: £533
  • Subsequent subjects or instruments: £437 
  • Instruments Hire and Maintenance:£39 

For further information regarding fees, you can visit the Uppingham School’s website here

Uppingham School Entry Requirements

Each year Uppingham School normally welcomes 200 new students. 

Admissions to Uppingham School must be completed by filling in a registration form and paying a registration fee of £200 through online payment. Documents required include a copy of the child’s birth certificate and an updated reference from the current school. 

Year 7: Pre-tests 

Students who want to apply for Uppingham will need to sit for pre-tests in September to December of Year 7. The pre-tests will be conducted through online assessments that include: 

  1. 30 minutes of verbal and non-verbal reasoning 
  2. 35 minutes for Mathematics 
  3. 25 minutes for English 

Interview sessions will also be conducted for candidates by a member of Uppingham staff. Candidates will undergo the interview session for 25 minutes. 

Year 7: Pre-tests Overseas

Overseas candidates who are applying for Uppingham will need to complete a UKiset test, an English test, and an interview session with a member of the Uppingham staff, all of which is possible to be conducted through Zoom or Skype. Meanwhile, for the examination assessments, candidates need to sit for it at an approved centre like the British Council examinations centre, a notary’s office, certain approved independent education centres or the candidate’s school. 

Year 8: Common Entrance, Non-Common Entrance and Scholarships

Candidates who are applying for a place at Uppingham in Year 8 are required to take the common entrance or Uppingham’s non-common entrance that are individually arranged in February or March before entry in September. The tests include two tests in Mathematics (4o minutes) and English (60 minutes). Meanwhile, the non-common entrance tests are typically sat at Uppingham and are followed by an interview session with the houseparents. Candidates can also take the scholarship examination prepared by Uppingham. 

Tests for entry at 16+

Candidates who are applying for a place at Uppingham for entry at 16+, are given the choice to follow the Sixth Form ‘test and interview’ process or take the Sixth Form Scholarship Examinations. For the Sixth Form ‘test and interview’ process, candidates will sit for three tests that involve: 

  1. Mathematics for 30 minutes (calculator permitted) 
  2. English for 45 minutes (essay based) 
  3. A chosen subject for 45 minutes (Biology, Chemistry, Economics, French, German, Geography, History, Latin, Mandarin, Music, Physics, RS and Spanish, Art may be offered via a portfolio) 

For the interview session, candidates will be invited to attend two separate interview sessions: house-based with a housemaster or housemistress and school-based with a senior or a staff member of Uppingham. The interview seeks to assess candidates’ enthusiasm and evaluate their academic suitability for A Levels at Uppingham. 

Uppingham School Reviews by Parents/Students

CHTWA
5/5

Strong all-around school. 2 children successfully and happily completed five years with excellent results. 

Jane Caro
5/5

I have good experience with 2 children in Uppingham Sixth Form. My children are happy and thriving academically and otherwise.

Tartanshores
5/5

I found the support very good if grades are slipping. The staff were very good at noticing and providing extra help, there is a lot of help for students to take advantage of it.

Jennifer Clarissa
5/5

I’ve had two sons at the school. Both very different personalities, but it was good for both of them. Both enjoyed school, sport, music and drama, they were kept busy in house as well as in lessons. 

Uppingham School Contact Information

  • Telephone: 01572820611
  • Location: Uppingham School, High Street, Uppingham, LE15 9QE, United Kingdom
  • Official Website: uppingham.co.uk
  • Email: admissions@uppingham.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions about Uppingham School

Uppingham School offers a wide range of A Level subjects, including Mathematics, Ancient History, English Literature, Economics, Biology, etc.

Uppingham is a full-boarding school, with students residing in one of its 15 boarding houses. Each house offers a supportive community environment, where students live, study and build lifelong friendships.

Yes, Uppingham offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to students who excel in academics, sports, music, or the arts. Means-tested bursaries are also available to support families with financial need.

Uppingham School is known for its excellent facilities and opportunities – within academia, performing and creative arts, or sports. 

Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!

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Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!

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