Ardingly College Overview
Founded in 1858, Ardingly College sits on a 260-acre campus in Sussex, in the South East of England. As part of the Woodard Schools group, it consistently delivers strong academic results in both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IBDP). The school belongs to the Woodard Corporation, a charity created by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, who aimed to provide high-quality education for a broad range of pupils. As a result, Ardingly combines academic ambition with an inclusive ethos rooted in its founding values.
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Ardingly College Courses And Programmes
Ardingly College aims to develop young people who are confident in their identity and values, with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact. In the Sixth Form, students can choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), depending on their strengths and goals. The school offers a broad selection of A Level subjects, including Classical Civilisation, Divinity and Philosophy, Drama and Theatre Studies, and Physical Education. Academic results here are strong, with over 88% of students achieve Level 5 or above in the IBDP and A*–B grades at A Level. To support this, the college has invested in new facilities, including a modern Economics and Business Studies Centre, and a new science building.
Ardingly College Curriculum
Ardingly College takes an individualised approach to academic development. Each student is supported, stretched and challenged to meet their full potential. At Sixth Form, students can choose from 25 A-Level subjects, the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), or a mix of A-Levels and BTECs. This flexibility allows every student to follow the academic pathway best suited to their strengths and goals. Currently, about two-thirds of Sixth Formers choose A-Levels or a combined A-Level and BTEC route, while one-third pursue the IB Diploma.
The curriculum also prioritises critical thinking and research skills, especially through the Enquiry & Evaluation element of the school’s World Ready programme. This focus prepares students to evaluate sources and think independently—skills increasingly essential in a digital and AI-driven world.
To help students make real academic progress, Ardingly sets personalised Challenge Grades. These stretch targets are not based on competition with peers but on each student’s own potential. Tutors monitor progress closely, ensuring consistent support and accountability throughout each student’s academic journey.
Ardingly College Fees
Ardingly College sets its termly day fees based on year group. For the 2024–25 academic year, day pupils in Year 7 pay £8,197 per term. This increases progressively through the school years, reaching £11,460 per term in the Sixth Form.
With regards to full boarding, the fees start at £12,205 per term for Year 7 students. Whereas Sixth Form students pay £17,547 per term.
Ardingly College Application Deadline
16+ Entry (2026)
Open Morning: Monday 5 May 2025
Registration Deadline: Monday 6 October 2025
Assessment Day: Saturday 8 November 2025
Scholarship Assessments: Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13 November 2025
13+ Entry (2028)
Open Morning: Monday 5 May 2025
Registration Deadline: Friday 21 November 2025
Engagement Day: February 2026
Decision Letters Issued: March 2026
Ardingly College Boarding And Pastoral Care
Ardingly views a boarding house as far more than just a place to sleep and store belongings. Essentially, it is a key part of school life. Each house has its own character and helps foster a sense of community and belonging. The houses offer excellent facilities, including Wi-Fi throughout, common rooms with satellite TV, Apple TV, DVD players, games consoles, pianos and pool tables. Students also have access to fully equipped kitchens, computer rooms and quiet study areas. Beyond the houses, the college offers extensive sports facilities: six tennis courts, two all-weather pitches, three cricket squares, nine football pitches and a swimming pool, supporting a well-rounded school experience.
Ardingly College Extracurricular Activities
Ardingly offers an Elite Sports Programme for students with strong athletic ability. Talented pupils benefit from personalised training supported by top-level coaches. For example, Ross Millard, who played for Manchester United and later coached at their academy, and Duncan Jupp, a former Premier League player, both support football development. In hockey, Richard Lane,an ex-international and Head of Hockey, leads a coaching team that includes six current or former internationals and plays for the premier division club Holcombe. Football is a particular strength, with the boys’ team winning the U18 ISFA National Championship in both 2015 and 2016. The school also runs exciting sports tours, such as a netball and football trip to the Netherlands, where students played against Dutch clubs.
The school encourages students to balance academics and activities. A packed social calendar includes Saturday house events, trips, and occasional Sunday outings to London or around Sussex. Being close to Ardingly Reservoir also allows students to enjoy a wide range of water sports.
